2022 INFINITI QX55 SENSORY AWD: Advanced Attractions

Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins

Introducing the all-new 2022 INFINITI QX55 SENSORY AWD people. The radiant, Dynamic Sunstone Red coupe crossover from the Land of the Rising Sun arrived full of confidence for a new entrant to this hot automotive category. Its stellar package included beautiful two-tone 20” machine-finished aluminum-alloy rims pushed to the corners for confident handling, cube-designed LED headlights, and black contrasting features such as the mirror caps, roof rails, and body cladding. A chiseled rear featuring an aggressive tailgate spoiler, dual wide pipes, and funky taillights add to the vehicle’s allure.  

Whether it’s the BMW X4 and X6, the Audi Q5 Sportback, or Mercedes-Benz’s GLE and GLC series, the sloping rooflines of today’s crossovers have become an automotive attraction for buyers looking for both utility and edgy styling. Crossover coupes are a new wave and offer expanded opportunities for automakers willing to put resources into this field. However, I would not suggest this type of ride for starter families because of the sizeable storage needs, but those with tweens, singles, or kid-free couples will highly enjoy them. My young teen and her friend enjoyed adequate room in the second row and could slide or recline the seats for even more comfort. They also had charging and climate control settings back there.

“More than just a head-turner, soon customers will discover the all-new INFINITI QX55 is also thrilling to drive,” said INFINITI Chairman Peyman Kargar. “Along with its expressive and daring looks, its VC-Turbo powertrain and standard all-wheel-drive complement any driver with all-weather confidence and poise on the road.”

It was raining all day in Maryland when my QX55 loaner arrived. Still, it gave me a chance to see how the INFINITI Intelligent AWD system and 255/45/20 Bridgestone tires handled adverse weather conditions. I was impressed. With the 2.0-liter four-cylinder VC-Turbo engine, 268 horsepower, 280 lb-ft of torque, and paddles shifters for the Continuously Variable Transmission, the Japanese utility is smooth and efficient.  Its power is good, especially when you set D-MODE in Sport and shift from the power tilt and telescoping steering wheel. I even witnessed excellent pulling power at higher speeds like 70 mph. But don’t expect the exalted performance you receive from the German brands or Usain Bolt takeoffs. Feedback from dynamic maneuvers is stellar, while the vehicle holds its line during long and more expansive turn-offs, even at swift speeds. Steering Assist is additionally at your disposal when Intelligent Cruise Control is engaged. Fuel economy is rated at 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined.

Inside my QX55’s Graphite and Black Natural Maple Wood cabin, I discovered typical INFINITI luxury, which is both welcoming and tech-focused. If possible, I suggest selecting the endearing Monaco Red interior. The dual-screen INFINITI InTouch acts as the nucleus of the vehicle and centralizes features such as wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, INFINITI InTouch Services, Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection, the tri-zone automatic climate control system, and the stellar 16-speaker Bose Performance Series Audio system. With defining bass, strategic speaker placement, and circular metal grilles, INFINITI and Bose’s symbiotic relationship is one of the best in the auto business. However, with just one physical knob for volume control, I would like to see at least another to go along with the touchscreen. The sunroof is narrow as well and only covers the front seats. By today’s standards, panoramic glass has become pretty much symptomatic.

The top screen of INFINITI InTouch is utilized for Navigation with MapCare and premium traffic. In contrast, the bottom screen focuses on apps, device connections, and Driver Assistance features like turning on or off Lane Centering, Lane Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, VDC, or Forward Assist, to name a few. INFINITI InTouch also provided me with voice alerts regarding impending traffic. Moreover, drivers can customize the mechanical operations of the QX55 by way of the Drive Mode Selector, where you can set the transmission in Sport, Eco, or standard, and the Direct Adaptive Steering in Sport and Standard mode, or Dynamic, Dynamic +, or Default responses. You can also operate Active Trace Control and Active Engine Brake from this menu. Ancillary active safety technology comes in the form of High Beam Assist, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Rear Automatic Braking, Blind Spot Intervention, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Departure Prevention. Trust me, this sporty SUV is smarter than you think.

For the 2022 INFINITI QX55 SENSORY AWD to arrive in your driveway, expect an MSRP of $58,975, including the $900 exclusive hue and $1,025 destination charge. The other two models are the ESSENTIAL ($51,600) and LUXE (46,500). The INFINITI crossover coupe is new, refreshing, and a worthy competitor to a progressing auto segment that desires the best of both worlds, advancement and attraction.