The 2022 Infiniti QX55 is what the Japanese automaker refers to as a “crossover coupe.” That’s pretty accurate considering it’s about the size of your standard hatchback, but a little bigger and higher riding. I have the pleasure of testing the QX55 Sensory AWD model this week and I have some initial thoughts from my first day with the car.

The 2022 Infiniti QX55 looks uniquely elegant

When I first saw the 2022 Infiniti QX55 in person, I was surprised at how small it was. As I said before, it’s more of a hatchback than a full-size crossover, so don’t expect Honda CR-V proportions. In terms of aesthetics, the QX55 looks elegant and mature enough to compete with rivals like the BMW X4, Audi Q5 Sportback, and the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe.

I really like the sharp-angled LED headlights and black 20-inch wheels, which contrast well with the car’s Dynamic Sunstone Red paint job. But while the car’s exterior looks refreshingly new and unlike many vehicles on the road. It’s what is on the inside that counts.

The QX55’s interior feels a little dated

Sitting in the driver’s seat, I noticed that the interior looks nicely laid out with soft-touch surfaces on the dash, door panels, and center console. I even liked the wood trim. However, I don’t like that Infiniti incorporated a dual-screen layout in the center of the dash. The top screen provides the navigation map, camera views, and Apple Carplay/Android Auto menus. The bottom screen shows the radio and media controls. Fortunately, both are touch-sensitive, but a knob on the console controls the top screen.

The menus are easy to navigate, and the buttons on the side of the bottom screen for the HVAC controls are a nice touch. However, I feel that the whole system looks dated – as do the navigation map and camera views. I wish that Infiniti could have included everything on one screen like other competitors do.

Otherwise, the automatic shifter is funky, but you get used to it quickly, and the leather-wrapped steering wheel feels good in my hands. The seats are also comfortable but could use a little more bolstering. Although, I do like the ventilated seat function, which makes me feel like my back is sweaty, and I peed my pants when I didn’t, which means that it works really well.

The QX55 drives smoothly, but it’s rough around the edges

Regarding driving impressions, I’m impressed with the Infiniti QX55’s turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. It has variable compression ratios to manage the power and efficiency and also puts out 268 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. Those numbers may not mean much to most buyers, but in essence, it’s enough power to push you back in the seat and get the speedometer past the posted speed limit in a hurry.

That being said, I don’t like that the engine is mated to a CVT with fake gears. The transmission bogs the engine down upon initial acceleration, and when you stab the throttle, the CVT catapults the car in a rubber-band-like fashion. If Infiniti was going for a sense of sportiness, then they missed the mark by putting this transmission in it. Of course, most buyers likely won’t care or notice, so it technically doesn’t matter in the long run.

Ultimately, these are my initial thoughts on the 2022 Infiniti QX55. It’s a good car for what it is, but it could use a bit of a refresh in some areas. Stay tuned for a more complete review of this car soon.