DETROIT – It has been a while since we test drove an Infiniti. Thus, we forgot the identity of the brand: speed, quickness, and maneuverability.
We had the 2022 QX55 crossover and were surprised on several levels.
First, it was quick and fast. Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that they got 268 horsepower out of and 280-pound feet of torque.
To our surprise, this engine was mated to a continuously variable transmission. It had paddle shifters.
Infiniti engineers mastered getting the transmission to move the QX55 almost instantly from driver input. The QX55 was fast; we pushed the peddle to the metal on one of the expressways here and found ourselves looking at 80 mph and the engine wasn’t even working hard.
It had a MacPherson strut front suspension and an independent multilink rear suspension. In other words, it was set up for smooth riding at high speeds and comfortable transport at low speeds.
The QX55 handled with the preciseness that comes with all-wheel-drive. It had keyless operation. Heated and cooled front seats and a host of other creature comforts that you’d expect on a luxury CUV.
However, we were a little dismayed that it didn’t have a heated steering, at least we could not find the control. But as we read the information package, they said there was one. No doubt, the control was right in front of our face.
There was Infiniti’s ProAssist package with the QX55’s standard features including cube design LED headlights, an adaptive front lighting system, and more driver-support features including intelligent cruise control, distance control assist, blind spot intervention, and lane departure prevention.
The package also included traffic sign recognition; direct adaptive steering; and a head-up display; and it goes even further with the innovative ProPILOT Assist system that supports the driver with steering assist; and intelligent cruise control with full speed range, stop and hold.
Still, the 2022 QX55 was an eyecatcher. It had 20-inch wheels, a curved roof. And Infiniti’s wide-mouthed grille with cats eye headlights at the corners gave it plenty of character.
Of course, it had a drive mode selector. We didn’t take the time to count how many modes were at our disposal. There was an eight-inch upper screen and a 7-inch lower screen.
Infiniti said they put entertainment and information at the driver and front passenger’s fingertips during the ride. Again, because of the brevity of the test drive, we never mastered which screen controlled what, save to say the upper screen had the navigation map.
But the point of all this is we had to look down to see the lower screen. It was a great example in the age of digital information behind the wheel of keeping the driver’s eye on the road.
Interior features included a power-sliding tinted glass moonroof, ergonomically designed front seats, active noise cancellation, and a suite of active safety features including forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, predictive forward collision warning, high beam assist, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.
A fast 4G LTE connection that offered Wi-Fi connectivity on the go for up to seven devices was included.
The QX55 went on sale in April. Our test model was priced at $58,770. It seemed well worth the price.
Frank S. Washington is editor of AboutThatCar.com.
