The Infiniti QX30 joins the growing compact luxury SUV field, already populated by the Audi Q3, BMW X1, and Mercedes-Benz GLA. But Infiniti took a shortcut into the popular segment through an alliance with Mercedes-Benz to use the GLA's running gear, resulting in the QX30. The hitch? The GLA wellspring isn't particularly good, and the QX30 fails to deliver true luxury in exchange for its lofty sticker. Not surprisingly, it doesn't matter whether the car comes with the vaunted three-pointed star from Stuttgart, or Nissan's luxury division Infiniti insignia. Either way, it fails to impress.
Based on its lineage, you might think the QX30 delivers a classically rewarding German driving experience. Not so fast. Instead of traditional Mercedes qualities like a hushed cabin, plush ride, and a solid vault-like feel, you're likely to be disappointed with the stiff and choppy ride, elevated noise levels, and uneven power delivery. On the other hand, if you're shopping an Infiniti, you may be drawn to Japanese reliability. But, alas, Consumer Reports’ latest reliability survey shows that some Nissan/Infiniti models have a below average reliability record. The GLA has been slightly better with average reliability.
Despite that reality check, there are some good points. For instance, the Mercedes 208-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers punchy performance when measured against the clock. It also returns a commendable 25 mpg overall with the optional all-wheel drive. However, in everyday driving the car often feels flat-footed, and then it can get too jumpy.
Handling is nimble and capable, but saying that it's sportier than the more mainstream Ford Escape or Volkswagen Tiguan would be a stretch. The steering falls short on feedback, instead being overly heavy in effort.Inside, the nicely finished cabin has supportive front seats, but tight headroom and a narrow cockpit make it cramped. Rear seat space is very tight. Seeing out is difficult due to the high belt line, small windows and thick roof pillars. At least a backup camera is standard and a handy surround-view camera is optional.
Most of the controls are Mercedes-familiar. Infiniti goes their own way when it comes to the infotainment system, using their InTouch system which combines a touch screen, conventional buttons, and a controller knob. It is easy enough to use but isn't free of frustrations. Same goes for the electronic shifter, which lacks some desired safeguards to prevent the car from rolling away if the driver doesn't select Park as needed.
While the Mercedes GLA has standard automatic emergency braking, this important safety feature is an option on the Infiniti. It should be standard on a luxury car like this.
Additionally, some luxury features are conspicuously absent. You start the car by actually twisting a key, rather than pressing a start button. And for the class, the lack of a heated steering wheel, power liftgate or Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is astonishing. While the base front-wheel-drive QX30 starts at a palatable $31,000, adding AWD and some desirable options bumps the price to well over $40,000 where many better entries are available.