Infiniti’s QX50 small crossover enters the 2022 mannequin 12 months with plenty of further options included as commonplace, although there’s nonetheless solely the one powertrain and it is hardly what you’d name thrilling and even premium.

The present QX50 was launched for the 2019 mannequin 12 months and for 2022 has been joined by a extra coupe-like cousin, dubbed the QX55. The QX55 is the mannequin to get if seems to be are a precedence, although if it is house you are after then it is best to stay with the QX50 and its common crossover form.

The brand new mannequin 12 months sees the QX50 achieve wi-fi Apple CarPlay and mum or dad firm Nissan’s ProPilot driver-assist system as commonplace. Android Auto can also be included however requires a cable.

ProPilot can be utilized throughout single-lane journey on chosen highways. It nonetheless requires driver monitoring, thus rating it at Stage 2 on the SAE scale of self-driving functionality. It retains the car centered in its lane and in addition handles the fuel and brake.

Infiniti additionally contains a number of safety-related driver-assist options as commonplace. The checklist contains useful objects like blind spot warning, lane departure warning, emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and rear cross visitors alert.

Different commonplace goodies embrace an auto-dimming rearview mirror, eight-way adjustable entrance seats, a leather-based steering wheel, a Sort-C USB cost port for rear passengers, and twin screens (8.0-inch higher and seven.0-inch decrease) for the infotainment.

Energy within the QX50 comes from Infiniti’s variable compression engine, dubbed the VC-Turbo. The two.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 repeatedly raises or lowers the attain of the pistons to rework the compression ratio. Excessive compression ratios support effectivity, whereas low ratios allow larger energy and torque. The engine gives any compression ratio between 8:1 (for efficiency) and 14:1 (for effectivity).

The result’s a peak output of 268 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. Regardless of all of the mechanical wizardry, the engine is not all that gasoline environment friendly. The 2021 mannequin was rated by the EPA as 23 mpg metropolis, 29 freeway and 26 mixed, which is analogous to what comparable rivals return. That is with commonplace front-wheel drive. Add all-wheel drive and every of these figures drop by a single mpg. The only transmission is a repeatedly variable unit.

Pricing for the 2022 QX50 begins at $40,025, together with a $1,025 vacation spot cost. Add $2,000 if you need all-wheel drive.

For extra on the Infiniti QX50, learn the in-depth critiques at The Automotive Connection.