Only 1 Infiniti SUV Is Recommended by Consumer Reports
Nissan is well known in the auto industry, but its luxury brand, Infiniti, isn’t quite as familiar. Its luxury SUVs look nice enough, but aesthetics alone aren’t enough to impress consumers. Now, it appears a quality issue is pushing consumers away. However, the 2022 Infiniti QX50 is a shining star in an otherwise dull SUV lineup. Here are Consumer Reports’ thoughts.
The 2022 Infiniti QX60 and QX80 fail to stand out
The 2022 Infiniti QX60 and QX80 didn’t earn the coveted CR Recommended label. Each SUV has its pros and cons, although the QX60 fared better in its review.
Consumer Reports praises the QX60 for its 295-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine. Testers were also pleased with the interior, which is designed with comfort in mind. This model’s predicted owner satisfaction score isn’t perfect, but it’s high enough.
Where the QX60 fails are the third-row seats and predicted reliability, receiving low scores. The emergency handling, braking, and fuel economy also failed to impress Consumer Reports.
Like its midsize SUV sibling, the full-size QX80 also received low predicted reliability and predicted owner satisfaction scores. In addition, this large SUV frustrated CR testers because it’s difficult to park and has poor maneuverability. Plus, the third row is difficult for adults to access.
However, the emergency handling and abysmal 15 mpg combined gas mileage are probably the lowest points of the review. Consumer Reports was alarmed with how the QX80 leans while traveling through curves and its tail, which tends to slide.
The QX80’s pros include an excellent interior that keeps wind noise out and a V8 engine providing plenty of power. Consumer Reports testers also like the many standard advanced driver assists.
The 2022 Infiniti QX50 earned a coveted recommendation from Consumer Reports
Even though the QX60 and QX80 didn’t receive CR Recommended labels, the 2022 Infiniti QX50 earned the distinction.
Consumer Reports has several good things to say about the compact crossover SUV, including the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which offers decent acceleration. Sure, it takes 7.2 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph, which isn’t stellar for a luxury SUV, but it shouldn’t be too much of an issue for most drivers.
In addition, the interior is roomy, quiet, and easy to enter and exit.
However, CR testers criticized the controls for being too confusing and found another significant issue.
The 2022 Infiniti QX50’s gas mileage is less than impressive. It gets about 22 mpg, which could be worse, but it pales in comparison to rivals getting closer to 30 mpg.
Despite those shortcomings, the QX50 still impresses Consumer Reports even though its ratings are far below those of other luxury SUVs in the same class.
Consumer Reports hasn’t tested all Infiniti SUVs
CR has yet to test the 2023 QX55. It shares a lot in common with the Infiniti QX50, including the same engine. However, the QX55 has a more coupe-like design, making it look more like a wagon than an SUV.
Although Consumer Reports hasn’t tested this model yet, we do know some of its pros and cons. For example, the QX55 comes with all-wheel drive as standard equipment. Also, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are easier to use thanks to a dual-screen infotainment system.
We’ll have to wait to learn more about whether Consumer Reports will ultimately recommend this model. In the meantime, if you’re interested in the QX55, a test drive will give you a good idea of whether you should buy it or not.
