2019 Infiniti QX30

Infiniti introduced its luxury crossover SUV in 2017 in partnership with performance-giants Mercedes-Benz, and, as the saying goes, dynamite comes in small packages - the Infiniti QX30 is proof enough of this. Offering only one powertrain option and superior handling for this segment, the QX30 range is available as front- or all-wheel drive on most configurations at a lower price than its rivals ($30,250 - $41,500). With a premium interior and well-designed dashboard layout, the QX30 fares well in comparison with big names such as the Mercedes-Benz GLA and Lexus NX. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivers 208 horsepower and produces 258 lb-ft torque, offering good off-the-line throttle responses and average fuel consumption rates. The QX30 is definitely one of the better-looking petite crossovers, with great practicality that received a better reception than many of the other Infiniti vehicles.

The pricing of the QX30 varies from trim to trim and is also increased with each additional package equipped. Starting at $30,250 for the base Pure model in front-wheel-drive configuration, the MSRP for the second model up, namely the Luxe, is $33,100. Equipping the same trim with all-wheel drive capability increases the Infiniti QX30's price to $35,100. The Essential trim is, for all intents and purposes, the fully-loaded version and costs $39,300. It can also be upgraded to all-wheel drive for an additional $2,000. The Sport variant is slightly more costly at $40,200 and is only available in front-wheel drive options. All of the above prices in the USA exclude a destination fee of $995.

A strong suit for the QX30 is the superior handling of this nimble and agile little beast; tightly-calibrated suspension makes for excellent cornering, with the comeback being a slightly harder ride. Steering is close to ideal, with a light touch and adequate feedback to give the driver confidence in the vehicle's handling ability. Braking composure is better than average, with solid and consistent reaction to hitting the pedal and coming to a full stop in 109 feet from 60 mph. The vehicle stops without a shudder, and mitigates bumps and jostles with ease during every day driving. Rougher terrain is easily attempted, with minimal bounce back to the cabin and really good grip in general. There is almost no body-roll in tight corners, and the sport-tuned suspension on the top-end models makes for a thoroughly athletic drive. All-wheel-drive options also produce excellent responses coming out of turns and bends. The QX30 is an enjoyable drive, seen as neck-and-neck with the Mercedes-Benz GLA, with which it shares a lot of hardware.

A good-looking vehicle such as this deserves to be recommended to buyers, and with a host of positives, this is no hard task. A premium cabin with built-to-last detailing is offset against it being slightly cramped. This is to be expected in this segment to a certain degree, however, the poor visibility remains a disadvantage. Drive experience on the QX30 is excellent, with tight, agile handling and a sporty and enthusiastic 2.0-liter engine that produces really good gas mileage. In terms of cargo space and utility, a lot of room is available although it is arguably not very practical or easy to access. For all the benefits of a sporty and compact vehicle at a lesser cost to rivals BMW and Lexus, the QX30 is a good buy, backed by solid warranties and promising to remain relevant in the popular crossover segment.

Although the entry-level model is well-priced and may tempt buyers to lean towards settling for it, the Essential model is a better value-for-money option. Although starting at $9,000 more than the base Pure, the premium sound system, leather seating, adaptive lighting, and blind spot warning are worthy inclusions. The Navigation and ProAssist packages are almost a necessity, as the Essential model alone does not have all the driver aids and features available on competitors. This brings the total cost for the front-wheel-drive Essential to almost $44,000, which remains slightly cheaper than the equally loaded versions of the Mercedes GLA.

As a unique comparison, the QX30 and the GLA share a chassis design as well as some interior elements from the cabin. A similar base powertrain exists on both vehicles, and as such, gas mileage ratios are almost identical, as are power outputs and torque levels. While the QX30 has a more premium interior and offers a smoother ride overall, the GLA is even better in terms of handling (where the QX30 already scores highly). Priced lower than the GLA, the QX30 shares many of the standard features of the Mercedes as well, although the need for additional packages for safety features (and taking into account lower than average reliability ratings) could imply that the GLA is a better option. With a longer track history, it would be logical to choose the Mercedes option over the relatively new QX30.

Starting with a look at dimensions, the QX30 has a lower curb weight and a shorter body, while boasting the longer wheelbase. With better traction, superior braking ability, and generally more efficient handling, this translates to the QX30 being a more agile and responsive drive. It has a slightly more powerful engine than the Lexus and also turns out more impressive fuel economy ratings. The Lexus is also just that much slower and ultimately less engaging to drive. In terms of safety, both vehicles have the same features, including a number of airbags and driver aids, however, the QX30 is supported by more comprehensive warranties. The only drawback for the QX30 is the lack of safety ratings to compare to.