Infiniti took a shortcut to the compact SUV market by forming an alliance with Mercedes-Benz, resulting in the QX30. The hitch? This Mercedes-Benz GLA-based SUV isn't very good, and it fails to deliver despite its lofty sticker.
On paper, the QX30 appears to have some good things going for it: striking styling and a German driving experience.
But in reality, the QX30 falls short. The growly Mercedes engine delivers uneven power, hesitating at first, then surging forward. Still, our all-wheel-drive QX30 returned a commendable 25 mpg overall.
Handling is nimble and capable, but saying that it's spirited would be a stretch. Steering falls short on feedback and is overly heavy. The QX30 also flusters the anticipated calm with a stiff and choppy ride. Road noise is excessive.
The nicely finished cabin has supportive front seats, but tight headroom and a narrow cockpit make it feel cramped. Visibility all around is difficult because of the high belt line, small windows, and thick roof pillars. A backup camera is standard and a handy surround-view camera is optional.
The infotainment system is cumbersome. Some upscale features are conspicuously absent, such as a heated steering wheel and power liftgate, adding to the QX30's false economy of expected luxury.
As to reliability, our latest survey shows that some Infiniti SUVs have a below-average record, though the GLA's has at least been average.
Read the complete Infiniti QX30 road test.
HIGHS: Fuel economy, fit and finish, handling, braking
LOWS: Stiff ride, road noise, cramped interior, visibility, uneven power delivery, some controls, overpriced
POWERTRAIN: 208-hp, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine; 7-speed automated manual transmission; all-wheel drive
FUEL: 25 mpg
PRICE AS TESTED: $43,745
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Editor's Note: This article also appeared in the March 2017 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.
