Used 2018 INFINITI QX30

The 2018 Infiniti QX30 luxury-crossover SUV may wear a Japanese badge, but its composition is far more international having been designed in conjunction with German auto giant Daimler and assembled in Great Britain. Sharing its engine, transmission and chassis with the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250, the QX30 parts ways with its German cousin by offering a more opulent interior and lower base price. Infiniti has also done its own thing with the QX30’s suspension and engine tuning, making it more of a performance threat to SUVs like the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Lexus NX 200t. While you can find larger, more accommodating luxury-crossover SUVs in this segment, the 2018 Infiniti QX30’s blend of styling, features and price should hold sway over young urban up-and-comers.

With unique chassis tuning, quicker steering ratios and a lower ride height, the 2018 Infiniti QX30 Sport beckons the type of enthusiast drivers who appreciate exact handling over blistering acceleration. The Luxury and Premium trims ride a bit softer and corner a bit less aggressively, but even with the added ground clearance found on the all-wheel-drive (AWD) models, we would never characterize the QX30’s handling as sloppy or vague. Power comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine noted for its wide torque band and linear acceleration. We did find the QX30’s transmission a bit coarse at times, but the unit shifts when it should and always seems to hold the right gear for just the right amount of time. We disliked the rough ride caused by the car’s mandatory run-flat tires, and the wide C-pillars serve to create hefty blind spots.

While not the largest in its segment, the 2018 Infiniti QX30’s well-appointed passenger compartment looks sharp and feels inviting thanks to the generous use of high-quality materials throughout, including Nappa leather and teak wood in several variants. Some switchgear carries from Mercedes, but the Infiniti-signature asymmetric dash design, InTouch infotainment with integrated central display, console-mounted controller and Spinal Support Seats that boast extra grip in Sport models are unique. The QX30’s decently scaled aft quarters will accommodate a pair of average-size adults, and lowering the fixed-rake backs on its 60/40 rear bench more than doubles the basic 19.2-cubic-foot cargo capacity.

The core design cues on Infiniti’s 2018 QX30 are classic new-gen Infiniti and reflect a contemporary take on the brand’s bold double-arch grille, highly sculpted bodywork, “crescent-cut” C-pillar and LED-infused lighting treatments — which can be upgraded to full LED-spec across the lineup. Each of the three basic QX30 models also fine-tunes its individual character themes with unique front/rear fascia configurations, ride-height settings and 18-inch or 19-inch wheel/tire fitments with the Sport jettisoning the roof rails that are standard on other variants. AWD models gain SUV-style over-fenders that add a bit more substance to their stance.

SPINAL SUPPORT SEATS
Borrowing a page from Nissan’s “Zero Gravity” seat design, the 2018 Infiniti QX30’s standard bucket front seats distribute body weight evenly over the seat’s surface, helping to reduce downward pressure on the hip region, as well negate fatigue on long trips.

AVAILABLE TECHNOLOGY PACKAGE
With Infiniti’s Technology Package, owners can load the 2018 QX30 with a number of active/passive driver assists including a 360-degree Around View Monitor, Intelligent Park Assist plus Forward Emergency Braking, Intelligent Cruise Control, Blind Spot and Lane Departure Warning and auto high-beam headlights.

A lengthy roster of standards expands as you roll through the QX30’s model hierarchy, but even the base version comes with a full array of power assists, dual-zone climate control, basic Infiniti InTouch with a 7.0-inch touch screen and a Rear View Monitor. Sport models net unique suspension tuning and upgraded seating as well as premium touches like navigation, Bose premium audio, Around View Monitor and a power moonroof, while the QX30 AWD gets its own chassis tweaks and puts the power to all four corners, while offering full Nappa leather trim and even more primo touches.

Most QX30 extras are model-specific. While the QX30 Base and Luxury have no options, the Premium grade can be fitted with a moonroof, navigation, LED lighting, wood cabin trim, roof rails, 19-inch wheels and a Technology Package, which features a full suite of driver assists as well as a Gallery White Theme Package with White Nappa Leather upholstery and bespoke trim accents. Sport-spec options include leather upholstery plus the LED and Technology Packages. Although the QX30 AWD Luxury is option-free, the Premium version can be had with moonroof, navigation, LED/Tech Packages and wood or a dedicated Café Teak interior trim group.

Regardless of trim level or the number of driven wheels, all versions of the 2018 Infiniti QX30 share the same Daimler-sourced but Infiniti-tuned powertrain elements also found in the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250. While not the most powerful engine in its class, the QX30’s smooth and responsive turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder teams well with the paddle-shiftable 7-speed dual-clutch automatic to deliver spirited acceleration across a fairly wide rev range. A driver-selectable start/stop system further enhances fuel economy, netting 24/33-mpg city/highway EPA marks in front-wheel-drive (FWD) QX30s and 21/30 stats in AWD configuration.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
208 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,200-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/33 mpg (FWD), 21/30 mpg (AWD)