Infiniti QX50 vs. Infiniti QX55

The latest addition to the Infiniti lineup is the QX55, a coupe-inspired crossover based on the QX50. The two models share a great deal, including their engine and underlying platform.

So what are the differences? Here's a comparison of some of the key specs and features buyers should know about if they're deciding which one of these luxury SUVs is worth the money.

See a side-by-side comparison of the Infiniti QX50 & the QX55 »

What the QX50 Gets Right

Manufacturers tend to charge a premium for chopping down the roofline, and this duo is no exception. The QX50 is the cheaper model by a long shot — in base form, it’s over $8,000 cheaper than the QX55.

Despite being substantially cheaper, the QX50 is the practical choice. With the second row folded, the QX55 can hold 65.1 cubic feet of cargo. The QX55 maxes out at 54.1.

The QX50’s conventional roofline provides it with more passenger space, too. Rear passengers in the QX50 have more than 39 inches of headroom, while those in the QX55 have only 36.9.

Finally, the QX50 has a slight advantage in fuel economy. The two models use the same engine, but the QX50 is available with front-wheel drive and smaller wheels. So equipped, the QX50 manages up to 26 mpg combined, a notch ahead of the QX55.

What the QX55 Gets Right

The main draw of the QX55 is its styling. In addition to its racy silhouette, the QX55 sports angular front fascia, and 20-inch wheels. For those who like to stand out from the crossover crowd, the QX55 is a good choice.

As the newer model, the QX55 gets tech features that the QX50 can’t match. The QX55 uses the latest version of Infiniti’s dual-screen infotainment system, which includes wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility. These features will likely make it to the QX50 for the next model year.

The QX55 comes with standard all-wheel drive, while it’s a $2,000 option on the QX50. For buyers who need all-weather capability, this softens the price difference between the two.

Style or Savings?

The QX55 and QX50 share most of their mechanical underpinnings. Choosing between the two is fairly simple: do you value practicality or design? The QX55 looks sharp, but its racy profile cuts into passenger space and cargo capacity. The QX50 is more comfortable, more versatile, and far cheaper.

Our Verdict: Infiniti QX50

Crossover-coupes are here to stay, and the Infiniti QX55 will draw plenty of eyes in showrooms. We’d still pick the QX50, which is a more capable crossover at a much better price. Unless styling is your top priority, the savings may be too good to turn down.

Take a closer look at the Infiniti QX50 »

Take a closer look at the Infiniti QX55 »

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