The Infiniti QX50 and QX55 are two luxury crossover SUVs that share many similarities but have distinct differences in design, features, and target audience. Both vehicles are built on the same platform and share the same powertrain, but the QX55 is positioned as a more stylish, coupe-like alternative to the traditional QX50 SUV. Understanding the key differences between these two models can help potential buyers make an informed decision based on their preferences and needs.
Let’s start by comparing some of the basic specifications of both models:
| Specification | Infiniti QX50 | Infiniti QX55 |
|---|---|---|
| Body Style | Traditional SUV | Coupe-like SUV |
| Engine | 2.0L VC-Turbo | 2.0L VC-Turbo |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | 268 hp |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT |
| Base Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
While these basic specifications might seem identical, the differences between the QX50 and QX55 become more apparent when we delve deeper into their design, features, and overall character. Let’s explore these differences in more detail.
Exterior Design and Styling
The most noticeable difference between the Infiniti QX50 and QX55 is their exterior design. The QX50 features a more traditional SUV silhouette with a boxy rear end and a flat roofline. It has a sleek and elegant appearance that appeals to those who prefer a classic SUV look. The front grille of the QX50 is designed with a semigloss black metallic mesh, giving it a sophisticated appearance.
On the other hand, the QX55 boasts a more dramatic and sporty exterior design. It features a sloping, coupe-like roofline that tapers towards the rear, giving it a more dynamic and aggressive stance. The QX55’s front grille is adorned with a grey metallic finish surrounded by bright chrome accents, adding to its sportier character. The QX55 also comes standard with larger 20-inch wheels, compared to the QX50’s standard 19-inch wheels.
The QX55’s design is inspired by the iconic Infiniti FX, which was one of the first coupe-like SUVs in the market. This heritage gives the QX55 a unique position in the luxury crossover segment, appealing to buyers who want a more stylish and eye-catching vehicle.
Interior Space and Practicality
While both vehicles offer comfortable and luxurious interiors, there are some notable differences in terms of space and practicality. The QX50 provides more headroom and cargo space due to its traditional SUV design. It offers 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expands to 65.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
The QX55, with its sloping roofline, sacrifices some interior space for style. It provides 26.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 54.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The coupe-like design also results in slightly less headroom for rear passengers, which may be a consideration for taller individuals or those who frequently transport adult passengers in the back seat.
Despite these differences, both vehicles offer ample space for five passengers and feature Infiniti’s comfortable Zero Gravity seats. The QX55 compensates for its slightly reduced cargo space with a more premium feel in the cabin, featuring standard leather upholstery even in its base trim.
Drivetrain and Performance
While both the QX50 and QX55 share the same 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine producing 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, there is a key difference in their standard drivetrain configurations. The QX50 comes standard with front-wheel drive (FWD), with all-wheel drive (AWD) available as an option across all trim levels.
In contrast, the QX55 comes standard with Infiniti’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system across all trims. This standard AWD configuration gives the QX55 an edge in terms of all-weather capability and handling, particularly in regions with challenging road conditions.
Both vehicles use a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with manual shift mode, which Infiniti calls XTRONIC. The transmission is tuned to provide smooth acceleration and improved fuel efficiency. However, some drivers might find that the QX55’s standard AWD system provides a more engaging driving experience, especially when cornering or accelerating from a stop.
Fuel Economy
Due to the differences in standard drivetrain configurations, there are slight variations in fuel economy between the QX50 and QX55. The front-wheel-drive QX50 achieves an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. When equipped with all-wheel drive, these figures drop slightly to 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.
The QX55, with its standard all-wheel drive, matches the fuel economy of the AWD-equipped QX50, achieving 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. It’s worth noting that despite its sportier appearance, the QX55 doesn’t sacrifice fuel efficiency compared to its AWD QX50 counterpart.
Features and Technology
Both the QX50 and QX55 come well-equipped with modern features and technology, but there are some differences in standard equipment and available options. The QX55 generally offers a higher level of standard features, reflecting its position as a more premium model in the lineup.
For example, the QX55 comes standard with leather upholstery across all trims, while the QX50 offers leatherette in its base trim. The QX55 also includes standard features like a power liftgate, heated front seats, and a panoramic moonroof on all models, which are optional or reserved for higher trims on the QX50.
In terms of safety and driver assistance features, both vehicles offer Infiniti’s ProPILOT Assist system, which includes adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance. However, the QX55 includes this feature as standard equipment on all trims, while it’s optional on lower trims of the QX50.
Both models offer advanced infotainment systems with dual touchscreens, but the QX55 comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay integration, which is a convenient feature for iPhone users.
Pricing and Value
As expected, the more stylish and feature-rich QX55 commands a higher starting price than the QX50. The base model of the QX55 is priced similarly to mid-range trims of the QX50, reflecting its positioning as a more premium offering.
The QX50 offers a wider range of trim levels, providing more options for buyers at different price points. This makes the QX50 a more versatile choice for those who want the flexibility to choose between a more affordable base model or a fully-loaded luxury SUV.
The QX55, with its standard AWD and higher level of equipment, offers good value for those who prioritize style and features. However, buyers who are more budget-conscious or who prefer a traditional SUV design may find the QX50 to be a better value proposition.
FAQs About Infiniti QX50 vs QX55
- Which model has more cargo space, the QX50 or QX55?
The QX50 offers more cargo space with 31.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, compared to 26.9 cubic feet in the QX55. - Does the QX55 come with standard all-wheel drive?
Yes, the QX55 comes standard with Infiniti’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system across all trim levels. - Are there any performance differences between the QX50 and QX55?
Both models share the same 268-horsepower VC-Turbo engine, but the QX55’s standard AWD may provide better handling in certain conditions. - Which model is more fuel-efficient?
The front-wheel-drive QX50 is slightly more fuel-efficient, but both AWD models have identical EPA ratings of 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. - Is the QX55 more expensive than the QX50?
Yes, the QX55 generally has a higher starting price than the QX50, reflecting its more premium positioning and standard features.