Buying a luxury small SUV is a challenging task. There are many models available from different automakers, and they range significantly in price. One excellent and underrated option is the Infiniti QX50. Although the 2022 model year is nice, the 2023 Infiniti QX50 is coming in hot. Which of the two model years is better? Are there any changes worth buying?

What is different about the 2023 Infiniti QX50?

The primary reason to wait for a new model year of any vehicle is because of the changes that come with it. According to Edmunds, the 2023 Infiniti QX50 underwent a few minor alterations for the new model year. First, the Sport trim is dark-themed and replaced the Essential trim from the 2022 model year. Next, a few features are now standard that never was before. Additionally, all models now come with three years of complimentary scheduled maintenance.

Lastly, the price increased by a little bit from the 2022 QX50. Although it isn’t a massive jump, any price increase is important to note. The 2022 Infiniti QX50 PURE base model started at $40,175, while the latest 2023 version of the same trim is $41,495. Do you think these changes are worth an additional $1,000?

What are the new standard features?

According to Car and Driver, the Sport model replaced the Essential trim in the middle of the lineup. Unfortunately, the name Sport is misleading since it doesn’t add any performance-enhancing features. However, it does add gloss-black exterior trim and dark-painted 20-inch wheels. Moreover, the cabin now uses a 12-speaker Bose audio system and is clad with semi-aniline leather upholstery.

Stepping away from the Sport trim, the entire lineup gets new standard features. All models now come with heated exterior mirrors, remote start, a wireless smartphone charging pad, a power liftgate, an adaptive steering system, and a few advanced driver aids. The long list of driver aids includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation, lane departure mitigation, a lane-keeping system, blind-spot warning/intervention, automatic rear braking, rear parking sensors, and automatic high-beam assist.

Is the 2023 Infiniti QX50 worth paying for?

It’s easy to see from the changes to the latest luxury small SUV that there are significant improvements. As a result, we think it’s easier to claim the 2023 Infiniti QX50 is better than it was for the 2022 model year. Not only did the vehicle undergo some serious upgrades, but the price also barely increased. The entire lineup is only slightly more expensive, but buyers get more standard equipment than ever before.

It’s difficult to recommend buying the 2022 model year when the 2023 version adds so much. Why would you go without a wireless charging pad or remote start if you don’t have to? Especially when the price difference for the PURE base model is barely more than $1,000. Although it’s a lot of cash out of pocket, a $1,000 difference isn’t very noticeable for a monthly payment.

In conclusion, the 2023 Infiniti QX50 is better than the 2022 variant. With small upgrades to standard equipment and the Sport trim level, it clears the previous version of the small SUV. Regarding luxury, the Infiniti vehicle is underrated, providing many excellent features for a reasonable price. Buyers interested should opt for the latest model, getting more bang for their buck.