Buying a new Infiniti SUV has its advantages and disadvantages. For many buyers, it’s a premium luxury brand that isn’t as overpriced as many other automakers using the luxury label. However, others think of it as a really expensive Nissan with a few extra bells and whistles. For the 2023 model year, the 2023 Infiniti QX55 has a new price along with a few changes to entice the buyer. Following the 2022 model year, is the Infiniti QX55 underrated or overpriced? Is the entry-level luxury SUV worth buying?

What’s new with the 2023 Infiniti QX55?

First, the 2022 Infiniti QX55 was the first iteration of the model. After only one model year, the automaker made a few changes. The QX55 now has more standard equipment across the lineup. Every trim has a blind-spot monitor and the ProPilot semi-autonomous driving system, which also adds adaptive cruise control and lane-departure steering assist.

Additionally, the 2023 QX55 now comes standard with Infiniti’s three-year Premium Care maintenance program covering inspections, tire replacement/repair, and regularly scheduled maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations.

However, the list of new features doesn’t end there. The entire lineup gains access to standard leather seating, auto-folding heated exterior mirrors, four-way power lumbar adjustment for the driver’s seat, and a USB-C port for the rear seat passengers. Next, the mid-tier model titled Essential now has traffic-sign recognition software and adaptive front lighting with auto-leveling LED headlights. Lastly, the fully-loaded Sensory trim now has heated rear outboard seats and four-way lumbar adjustment for the front passenger.

Same engine, new price

In addition to everything new for the 2023 model year, the Infiniti QX55 carries over some of its best features. For example, every model comes with a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 268 horsepower. Moreover, all-wheel drive is standard throughout the entire lineup, making it one of the only luxury small SUVs to do so. Lastly, despite AWD and a potent engine, the QX55 gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

Unfortunately, with some of the improvements and additional equipment comes a slight boost in price. According to Cars.com, the Luxe base model now starts at $50,345. Edmunds has the 2022 model listed for $47,525, making it a roughly $3,000 price boost. Additionally, the mid-tier Essential model is $55,445, and the range-topping Sensory costs $58,995.

Is the QX55 overpriced compared to other luxury entry-level SUVs? Close competitors are the Mercedes-Benz GLC, which starts at $44,900, and the BMW X3, which is $46,395. Although both models start more affordable than the QX55, its strength is its top trim. At just under $59,000, it’s cheaper than the BMW X3 M40i at $60,945 and the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 43, which starts at $60,950.

Underrated or overpriced?

In conclusion, the 2023 Infiniti QX55 is both underrated and overpriced. Although it costs more than similarly-equipped luxury SUVs, the fully-loaded Sensory trim is more affordable than many range-toppers in the segment. Additionally, the QX55 is underrated because of its standard AWD, potent engine, surprisingly good fuel economy, and many amenities. We think it’s worth buying at least the Essential trim, as the value comes with all the extras. A QX55 base model is slightly less than what we’d want for over $50,000.