The 2017 INFINITI QX30 is a four-door hatchback with standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive. This model is available in QX30, QX30 Luxury, QX30 Sport, QX30 Premium, QX30 Luxury AWD, and QX30 Premium AWD trims.
All models are powered by a 2-liter four-cylinder engine making 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque and paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Fuel economy comes in at 24 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive and 21/30 with all-wheel drive.
Ride height varies by trim level. The base QX30 has 6.7 inches of ground clearance, the Sport has 6.1 inches, and the AWD has 7.9 inches.
The QX30 is based on the Mercedes-Benz GLA, the result of a partnership between Daimler and Renault-Nissan. The two models share a common architecture and powertrain, but are otherwise completely different. The QX30 is built in the United Kingdom with the engine sourced from Germany.
Pricing for the QX30 trim is as follows: QX30 ($29,950), QX30 Luxury ($32,600), QX30 Premium ($35,300), QX30 Sport ($38,500), QX30 Luxury AWD ($34,400) and the QX30 Premium AWD ($37,700). (Prices do not reflect a $995 destination charge.)
Numerous factory-installed options are available, including LED and Sport LED packages ($1,000 each), Navigation ($1,850), Technology ($2,200), Sport Technology ($1,200), Leather ($1,500), and Teak ($1,750) packages.
The powertrain is well suited for the QX30. Our reviewers noted it offers responsive acceleration from start to passing. A zero-to-60 mph time of approximately seven seconds is the result.
Fuel economy comes in at 21/30 for all-wheel drive, but that’s about 2 mpg below the similar GLA.
The QX30’s cabin is nothing like the GLA and that’s not a bad thing. Our reviewers noted that it is smartly designed and laden with high-quality materials.
You’ll find 19.2 cubic feet of standard cargo space and that’s a healthy size for a small SUV. Fold down the rear seat and cargo space expands modestly to 31.8 cubic feet.
A roomy front seat and sizable cargo space make for a cramped rear bench. Seating is for five, but realistically QX30 holds just four, and even then rear legroom is quite tight, measuring just 33.5 inches.
Overall, our reviewers found the QX30’s interior delivers a more exuberant counterpoint to the austere cabins found in some European models.
Outward visibility for tall front-seated passengers may be partially obstructed by the A pillars when roads curve to the left. Also, because the coupe-like roof dips down, tall passengers may have to hunch to look outside.
If you’re wanting an INFINITI, the QX30 offers the most cost-effective entry point across the model line. That said, if you prefer something other than the single powertrain combination offered, there isn’t another choice. Nevertheless, the Luxury AWD model offers superior value while still providing an affordable gateway to the brand.