The premium compact Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) segment remains popular in Canada, and while most shoppers tend to gravitate towards the German brands and Lexus, we feel the lesser-known Infiniti QX55 and new Maserati Grecale are worthy alternatives to consider.
Infiniti QX55 Sensory (Starting at $65,940)
The Infiniti QX55 Sensory is the top-line QX55, and nails it on styling with its swoopy, coupe-like silhouette, flowing lines, emphatic grille and beautiful lighting.
Its turbocharged 2.0L engine produces 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, and features an innovative variable compression design where the compression ratio can automatically adjust while the engine is running to either enhance fuel efficiency (a higher ratio) or power output (a lower ratio) based on how the vehicle is driven.
Infiniti was the world’s first manufacturer to equip a production vehicle with a variable compression engine, which we respect, but its performance is slightly hampered by its continuously-variable transmission (CVT). It accelerates well from a standstill (0 to 100 km/h in just over 7 seconds), but when you’re at cruising speeds and need quick shot of power to change lanes or get ahead of someone, the CVT is slow to react, so the immediacy of power isn’t always there.
Thankfully, the vehicle is equipped with paddle shifters so you can manually unlock power quicker as needed, or have some control of engine revs, but the reality is that most drivers won’t use them nor want to.
The interior is nicely finished, featuring semi-aniline leather seating, lots of soft-touch surfaces and an intuitive infotainment interface. However, compared to its newer European competition, the QX55 lacks the latest screen technologies and high-definition cameras. This isn’t a big deal to people who are indifferent to all the complex infotainment features, but what the QX55 lacks in screen technology it makes up for with a very well-equipped interior that includes a head-up display, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, rear heated seats that can recline and move forward/backward, and a 16-speaker Bose® premium audio system.
Consider the Infiniti QX55 Sensory if value, style, comfort, lots of standard safety features and low-key luxury are more important to you than high performance.
Maserati Grecale Modena (Starting at $87,600)
Maserati is a low-volume luxury Italian make best known for high performance vehicles, and the newly unveiled Grecale is its first compact CUV that comes in three versions: GT (entry-level model), Modena and Trofeo. An all-electric version called the Folgore is in the pipeline.
The Modena is the mid-level Grecale, and in our opinion, the best one to consider if you want a balanced mix of luxury and high performance. Its 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine features mild hybrid technology that supports fuel efficiency, and produces a robust 325 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque that enables it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in the mid 5-second range. When driven spiritedly, the engine produces an invigorating, head-turning exhaust note that will thrill performance car enthusiasts.
The upscale interior blends fine materials and functional sporty touches like large paddle shifters for easier reach. Along with its crisp digital instrument cluster, there are two centre touchscreens, the main one a 12.3-inch unit mounted above a smaller screen. To maintain a clean look, there are no knobs or dials, so you will need to rely on the steering wheel controls to access the features on the screens or take your eyes off the road to make adjustments or selections.
Choose the Grecale Modena if you want a sharply styled CUV, strong performance, more exclusivity, more bespoke factory options to choose from, and more respect when pulling up to the golf course parking lot or the valet.
Photos: William Ha (Infiniti), Maserati Media
