Dec 12, 2018, 00:00 AM by Paul Immediato

The Infiniti QX line (X for Crossover) stands five deep with their SUVs numbered QX30, QX50, QX60 QX70 and QX80 and ranging in size and in an ascending scale and power from the QX30 at 174.2 inches long with a 2.0-liter, 208hp engine to the QX80 at 210.2 inches long with a 5.6-liter, 400hp engine.

Originally part of the Q30 line-up when it was a concept vehicle, Infiniti’s smallest crossover is targeted for younger drivers. The QX30 debuted last year with concept-car styling that is a step above a sporty hatchback, with the appeal of coupe architecture and crossover dimensions and capabilities. It also exhibited a sporty ride and soft-road abilities.

For this second year, QX30 has received only a few changes. Automatic emergency braking, previously optionally available only for the top two trim levels, is now standard on all trims; some upscale equipment has been shifted across the trims; and at mid-year, QX30’s trims were renamed, as the base model is now the Pure, Luxury is Luxe, Premium is Essential, and Sport is still Sport.

While I find QX30 as more of a soft-road than off-road vehicle, it is a luxurious compact SUV with a highly sculpted exterior, unique crossover stance and asymmetric cabin design that live up to Infiniti’s commitment to elegance.

The QX30 combines a balance of coupe sportiness, utility and 5-door versatility. It has a bold demeanor that is paid off with a confident drive and versatile attitude, aided by intelligent all-wheel drive intuitive technologies to enhance safety, comfort and convenience. QX30’s sculpted architecture delivers the look and feel of a luxury coupe with a lavish cabin and a smooth, coupe-like roofline. Constructed with a wide stance, QX30 is 174.2 inches long, 82.0 inches wide and 58.9 inches high on a 106.3-inch wheelbase. Its step-in height is 16.5 inches and minimum ground clearance is 6.8 inches. Curbweight is 4277 lbs. for the Luxe trim version in AWD.

The QX30 Luxe AWD I tested includes unique front and rear lower fascias, extended overfenders, trim-specific black mold-in color side sills, roof rails, distinctive 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and a higher ride height than other trims.

The aggressive Infiniti design approach continues inside, with QX30 challenging traditional standards of symmetry through its expressive, modern and dynamic interior.
The asymmetric surfaces feature wave shapes and forceful lines that twist apart and flow away from the driver. These give an "in-motion" feel when natural light moves over the highly sculpted lines and contrasting materials in the cabin, and Premium cabin materials and high-tech infotainment are intuitive and upscale.

With seating for five, the QX30 cabin fits within the small crossover niche, with a tight fit for taller drivers and occupants. Front headroom with a moonroof is 38.4 inches, with rear headroom at 37.5 inches – restricting for anyone over 6-feet tall. Shoulder room is 54.8 inches in front and 53.1 in row two; and leg room is a comfortable 41.3 inches in the first row, but only child-accommodating 33.5 inches for rear-seat passengers. Outward sightlines are hindered, but the overall driving experience is quiet.

Power is delivered by the standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged unit that is rated at 208 horsepower, with peak torque of 258 lbs.-ft. available from 1,200 – 4,400 rpm. Turbo pressure keeps the power sufficient when called upon, and the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission system provides seamless acceleration. Highway acceleration is reliable, and in track tests, I ran a zero-to-60mph dash in 6.6 seconds en route to a 15.1-second quarter-mile. EPA rated at 24mpg/city and 33mpg/highway, my week of tests yielded an average of 28.8mpg in mixed-use driving, some of which was on snow-covered roads.

Regarding the ride, QX30 delivers a comfortable, even indulgent experience. The MacPherson front struts and 23mm stabilizer bar work well with the multi-link independent rear and its stabilizer bar to level most pavement and soft-road inconsistencies.

From a safety perspective, QX30 is among the safest cars in its class owing to a range of active safety and hazard avoidance technologies that enhance the driving experience and provide a high level of safety to all occupants. And an Around View Monitor with moving object detection and Intelligent Parking Assist make the QX30 a maneuverable and easy-to-park vehicle.

The base 2018 QX30 Pure starts at $29,950; QX30 Luxe starts at $32.800; QX30 Essential starts at $367,700; QX30 Sport starts at $39,900; QX30 Luxe AWD starts at $34,800 and the QX30 Essential AWD starts at $41,200.

My test QX30 Luxe in AWD included all QX30 Luxe trim features plus Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD); 18-inch machine finished aluminum-alloy wheels; unique front and rear AWD styling; extended overfenders with unique sill panels; roof rails and a raised AWD suspension. Upgrades from the base QX30 included Nappa leather-appointed seating; 8-way power front seats; 4-way power front passenger lumbar; memory seats and mirrors; heated seats and Leatherette-appointed and stitched dash insert.

Loaded as a trim, few extras were needed. Splash guards added $215; all-season floor mats added $155; a reversible cargo protector mat added $120; Infiniti WiFi added $495; a Wireless Smartphone charger added $250, and Destination and Handling added $995 for a sticker-as-tested of $37,030.


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Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.