2022 Infiniti QX55 Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

The 2022 Infiniti QX55 is a compact crossover SUV with room for five people. The QX55 has a striking and sporty exterior design. The design is different from most traditional crossovers. The shape has more in common with a sports coupe than what is normally seen on vehicles in this class. In spite of its athletic appearance, this is a pure luxury vehicle with fine craftsmanship and plenty of standard convenience features.

The 2022 Infiniti QX55 is replacing the outgoing QX50. The engine, as well as the engine software, has been upgraded for better efficiency. This updated powertrain is more responsive too. Infiniti now offers more standard features than before. The trim levels have been streamlined, leaving only three that Infiniti calls the Luxe AWD, Essential AWD and the Sensory AWD.

Every model comes stock with all-wheel drive (AWD) for superior traction and handling. All three trim levels share the same powertrain too. That means, for the most part, they share the same performance specs. This may lead some to wonder what the actual differences are. Here is a comparison of all three trim levels showcasing what each one has to offer.

Compare the Luxe AWD vs Essential AWD. What is the difference?

All three trim levels are powered by a VC-Turbo 4-cylinder engine. This engine has Infiniti's Electric Valve Timing Control System and a high-flow tuned induction system. It also features a double overhead camshaft with four valves per cylinder. It makes an impressive 268 horsepower with 280 pound-feet of torque. The 2022 Infiniti QX55 offers excellent acceleration.

Every model of the Infiniti QX55 has the same fuel-economy numbers. The EPA estimates that the QX55 will get around 22 miles-per-gallon while driving around town. On the highway, the QX55 should get up to about 28 miles-per-gallon. The Infiniti VC-Turbo 4-cylinder engine is both powerful and efficient.

Steering and handling are also great, thanks in large part to Infiniti's Intelligent All-Wheel Drive System. Every model gets an automatic CVT transmission. There are also paddle shifters to provide more direct control for the driver. These two trim levels have the same steering system, but Direct Adaptive Steering can be added to the Essential AWD as an option.

All three trim levels get the same suspension system. There are very few mechanical differences between the trim levels. The rear suspension has a multi-link stabilizer bar. Up front, there are MacPherson struts, coil springs with shock absorbers and another stabilizer bar. This system all works together to provide a smooth, comfortable ride.

Ride quality is a high point for the 2022 Infiniti QX55. It's nice and quiet inside of the QX55 with very little engine or road noise to be heard. ABS disc brakes are standard for all trims. All three models also get the same wheels. These are a set of 20-inch machine-finished alloy wheels with a dark paint job.

The QX55 is 186.3 inches long with a wheelbase of 110.2 inches. This compact crossover stands at around 63.8 inches high and 74.9 inches wide. There's around 100.2 cubic-feet of passenger volume and 26.9 cubic-feet of cargo space behind the last row of seats. This can be expanded up to 54.1 cubic-feet of storage space when the rear seats are folded down.

Moving on to more exterior features, all trims get automatic LED headlights. They also offer Infiniti's signature daytime-running lights. There are integrated LED front fog lamps as well as LED rear brake lights and a high-mounted stoplight. The Essential AWD also gets the option for Cube-design LED headlights with an automatic leveler and an adaptive front-lighting system.

There's a power-operated moonroof and some roof rails for extra cargo space. There's a power liftgate for easy loading and unloaded of cargo. Privacy glass provides privacy, as the name suggests, while acoustic glass helps with soundproofing of the interior. The Essential AWD gets a couple of extras on the outside such as heated exterior mirrors and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

On the inside, the differences start becoming more noticeable. The Luxe AWD has leatherette upholstery while the Essential AWD gets leather-appointed upholstery. The Essential AWD also gets a heated steering wheel and a two-person memory system for the seat, outside mirror and steering-wheel settings. The Essential also features climate-controlled seats up front.

Both trim levels have front seats with 8-way power adjustments and 2-way lumbar settings. The rear seats can slide, recline and fold flat for some variety of use and for different cargo-hauling needs. The base model gets a simple 6-speaker audio system while the Essential AWD offers a premium stereo and 16 speakers by Bose. Both systems have Bluetooth wireless technology for easy streaming of one's favorite music.

Apple CarPlay is compatible with all infotainment systems for these three trim levels. The Essential AWD trim gets an additional navigation system with 3D building graphics. Infiniti even throws in complimentary 5-year service to MapCare and premium traffic reports. SiriusXM Traffic with Travel Link is available for both trims with the Essential AWD again getting a free trial, this time for three months.

There are plenty of USB ports up front and in back. These are Type-A and Type-C ports that can be used for connecting your smartphones and other devices to the infotainment system or simply for charging. There are electroluminescent instrument gauges. The Essential AWD has the option for an additional HUD or head-up display. The Essential AWD also gets an Around View Monitor for better awareness of the driver's surroundings.

There's an auto-dimming rear-view mirror inside of every trim level. The Essential AWD has access to ProPILOT Assist. This is a suite of features such as Intelligent Cruise Control and Steering Assist. The cruise-control feature offers full-speed range and stop-and-hold functions. This means it can work at variable speeds and also won't reset every time the vehicle must come to a complete stop.

When it comes to security features, all three trim levels have the same equipment. There's a standard security system that also has sensors for the hood and the rear liftgate. There's also Infiniti's engine immobilizer. This cuts off the engine and stops the car if would-be thieves actually get that far. There's a remote keyless-entry system, remote power windows and locks, and remote engine start.

The 2022 Infiniti QX55 Luxe AWD and the Essential AWD also come with the exact same list of stock safety features. There's an advanced airbag system that adjusts the inflation rate according to the vehicle's speed, the crash severity and seat-belt usage. Sensors detect whether or not there's a front passenger and only deploy those bags as needed.

There are dual-stage airbags up front. Additional side-impact bags also offer protection for the driver and the front passenger. Head protection for all occupants comes from the roof-mounted, side-impact curtain airbags. The driver gets addition airbag protection around the knees. A standard LATCH system helps with proper installation of child safety seats.

All models of the QX55 get a number of driver-assist features for safety. Some standouts include Predictive Forward-Collision Warning, Lane-Departure Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. All models also get Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection. A number of additional features are only available for the Essential AWD trim level. Some of these include Lane-Departure Prevention, Traffic Sign Recognition and Blind-Spot Intervention.

Compare the Essential AWD vs Sensory AWD. What is the difference?

It's important to note here that every trim level up has all of the features of the previous trim levels. The only slight exception to this rule is when an upgrade has been made, such as the case with the Essential AWD audio system being a major improvement over the Luxe AWD audio system. Once again, the engine, the mechanical features and the performance specs are all the same for the Sensory AWD model.

The Sensory AWD automatically comes with the Cube design LED headlights and ProPILOT Assist. These were previously only options for the Essential AWD trim level. The Sensory AWD also adds on a motion-activated liftgate. This makes it extremely easy to load groceries or cargo into the back of the vehicle while one's hands are already full.

This top-tier trim level also gets Direct Adaptive Steering. Instead of communicating the driver's steering inputs mechanically, this system uses a number of complex sensors and technologically advanced hardware and software. Electronic signals provide feedback for the exact angle of the tires and the overall steering force. This provides less vibrations in the steering wheel while at the same time providing more road feedback to the driver.

An Adaptive Front Lighting system automatically adjusts the light level as needed. The Sensory AWD also has a Tri-Zone Automatic Temperature Control system to replace the dual-zone system found in the previous two trim levels. The enhanced interior ambient lighting adds some style and class to the inside of this trim. The seat upholstery gets upgraded to semi-aniline leather-appointed seating.

The previous two models offered some dark aluminum trim and accents throughout the interior. The inside of the Sensory AWD is more upscale and more luxurious overall. The fit and finish is just all-around nicer. There are real wood panels and trim throughout the cabin. This is expertly crafted from black natural maple wood.

Power-adjustable lumbar support gets added to the front passenger seat for this trim level. It automatically gets the upgraded stereo and speaker system as well as the HUD and navigation system. ProPILOT Assist is automatically included with this trim level too. This means more safety features and more driver-assist technology.

Some of the added safety features for this trim level include Blind-Spot Intervention, Traffic-Sign Recognition and Lane-Departure Prevention. All are features that were previously offered as standalone options or as part of the ProPILOT Package. There are also some additional options for a Cargo Package and an Emergency Road Kit.

Final Thoughts

Power, handling and fuel economy are the same no matter which trim level is selected. All three models provide the same great ride quality too. Which trim level is right for an individual will come down to which features they really want or need. For most buyers, the mid-tier trim is a good balance between features and price. It's the best bargain of the three.

The Essential AWD trim level has significantly more features than the base trim level. It also comes at a small price increase. Going from the Luxe AWD to the top-tier Sensory AWD is a more serious jump in price. It's worth noting here that the Infiniti Pro Assist Package can also be added on to the Essential AWD for an extra $800.

The Pro Assist Package adds on some useful driver-assist technology. Some notable features here include Blind-Spot Intervention, Intelligent Cruise Control and Lane-Departure Prevention. An Essential AWD with this package is still much cheaper than the Sensory AWD model, making it an excellent value.