2023 Infiniti QX55 Performance

The latest crossover from Infiniti has the familiar turbocharged inline-four under the hood that we know from the QX50. Specs are good on paper, with outputs of 268 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, creating expectations for peppy acceleration and smooth power delivery. Sadly, the power plant comes paired to a CVT, just as it does in the QX50, which feels out of place in a luxury car. But whereas the regular QX50 has access to a front-wheel drivetrain, QX55 models come with all-wheel drive only.

Infiniti hasn't published top speed or 0-60 figures available just yet, but considering the same underpinnings are used in the QX50 and curb weights are similar, it's safe to assume the QX55 will get to 60 mph in the mid-six-second range. Rivals from Germany can do it in six seconds or less. The manufacturer makes no claims regarding towing capacity, but the QX50 is able to haul at least 3,000 lbs.

There's only one powertrain for the QX55 and it's the same one found in its sibling, the QX50. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder has all the makings of a decent motor, and with outputs of 268 hp and 280 lb-ft, it actually should be a good one, especially considering it's up on power compared to the base BMW X4. However, it's mated to a lethargic CVT. Despite offering manual shift mode and downshift rev-matching, the transmission choice is a disappointing one. We'd have much preferred a standard auto 'box like the nine-speeder on the refreshed QX60, as the CVT makes the whole experience feel lackluster. It often seems indecisive and other times overly dramatic in its choices: acceleration inputs are met with a jolt forward after a moment of lag, which then peters off to feeling inadequate. This makes passing maneuvers rather frustrating although, once up to speed, the QX55 manages just fine with all of the power it has on tap.

Due to the fact that it shares its oily bits with the QX50, the QX55 has similar fuel economy figures. Like the AWD QX50, the QX55 achieves EPA ratings of 22/28/25 mpg on the city/highway/combined cycles. The FWD QX50 manages to beat this, but only by one mile per gallon. Infiniti touts the VC-Turbo engine's ability to change compression ratios for better performance and fuel economy. But, while this engine produces more power than its 2.0-liter rivals, fuel economy is average at best. We'd much rather see Nissan's e-Power hybrid system under the hood. With a 16-gallon fuel tank, the QX55 should manage around 400 miles before needing to fill up.