After spending a week with the 2022 Infiniti QX55, I liked its fastback shape and overall elegant look. In fact, I think it’s even more handsome than some rivals like the Audi Q5 Sportback and the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe. It also has a nice engine and gets decent fuel economy, but that’s where its advantages end. Despite the luxuriousness that the QX55 has to offer, I found that it lacks a little elegance in a couple of areas.

The 2022 Infiniti has a comfortable interior, but one thing could use a refresh

I mentioned before that the 2022 Infiniti QX55 looks new but feels a little dated. Don’t get me wrong, the QX55’s interior is a nice place to spend time. There’s plenty of head and leg room and the overall design of the cabin is simple and luxurious. I even like the semi-aniline leather and porous wood trim. However, during my time with the QX55, I just couldn’t get over its dual-screen infotainment layout.

It’s functional but unnecessary. While other automakers like Audi, Mercedes, and Lexus incorporate a single infotainment screen in their cars, Infiniti chose to use two screens, which can get confusing while driving. However, I will say that they are touch-sensitive and respond quickly – so that’s nice.

Also, I really enjoyed the Bose premium sound system that comes standard in the QX55 Sensory, like my test car. It helps that the car is quiet at all speeds, so it’s easy to listen to the sweet sounds from all 16 speakers.

The QX55’s powertrain is powerful but could use a different transmission

The one thing I won’t complain about is the 2022 QX55’s engine. Under the hood is a variable-compression turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that puts out 268 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. It’s powerful and goes quickly through the rev range when the boost kicks in. However, the engine is mated to a CVT, which normally wouldn’t bother me, but it doesn’t feel right in this car.

Acceleration is a little lazy at the initial tip-in. But once the car gets going, it moves quickly. Also, the exhaust doesn’t sound sporty, which may not be an issue for most drivers. But in my opinion, it doesn’t emit a good noise. In fact, it kind of sounds like a yeti growling into a vacuum. Yes, it’s that weird.

Luckily, the engine doesn’t drone much thanks to the fake shifts of the CVT. But still, this car could really benefit from a real 8 or 9-speed transmission. Despite my complaints, the editors at Car and Driver clicked off a 0-60 mph time of 6.3 seconds, which is OK. But it’s not as quick as the Audi Q5 or the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Even Kelley Blue Book agreed: “If Infiniti’s going up against the BMWs and Mercedeses, the QX55’s powerplant lacks the performance, refinement, and even elegance that those guys have.”

Is the Infiniti QX55 worth $60,000?

Yes and no. My 2022 Infiniti QX55 Sensory tester was the highest trim level you can buy. It came with luxurious amenities like the aforementioned semi-aniline leather interior, open-pore wood trim, and Bose sound system. It also came with other convenient features like heated and ventilated front seats, wireless Apple Carplay/Android Auto, and the usual driver-assist features, which I really enjoyed during my time with it.

That all being said, when comparing it to its rivals from Germany, I don’t think the QX55 is up to par in terms of interior quality and engine refinement. I even preferred the 2022 Genesis GV70 in comparison. And while one could argue that a luxury crossover is a sum of all of its features and plushness, I believe that it takes refinement in all areas to deem a car ”luxurious.”

In that case, the Infiniti QX55 needs just a little more elegance to get up to speed with the others. But it’s a good crossover for the money nonetheless.