Nissan and its subsidiary Infiniti have been feeling the heat from a lack of sales and general interest the world over. Both have been trying to re-vamp their respective ranges by adding new packages and more standard equipment, but we have yet to see those pay off yet. Now, a small update for the QX50 aims to draw in more attention, but is it enough?

What is the breakdown for the 2022 QX50?

First off, the QX50 comes in a few flavors; PURE (starting MSRP of $39,000), LUXE (starting MSRP of $42,350), ESSENTIAL (starting MSRP of $46,800), SENSORY (starting MSRP of $51,500), and the AUTOGRAPH (starting MSRP of $56,950).

All models are powered by Nissan's 2.0-liter "Variable Compression" Turbo four-cylinder, which can produce up to 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Not to mention it returns an EPA estimated 26 mpg. All 2022 QX50s are offered with front-wheel-drive as standard, but there is also the option of all-wheel-drive for $2,000.

2022 Infiniti QX50 specifications

In terms of the interior, Apple CarPlay is standard on all trim levels for 2022, as is Nissan's ProPilot Assist suite of safety features. Also now standard are Type-C USB charge ports for rear passengers, rear door-activated Intelligent Key entry, LED welcome lights on the rear door handles, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Standout trims and options

The $1,200 Appearance Package for the LUXE trim, which adds black accents, 20-inch wheels, and other little bits and bobs will more than likely be a popular option.

The ESSENTIAL trim comes standard with a Bose® Performance Series premium audio, climate-controlled front seats, and a heated steering wheel, as well as the option for a 16-speaker Bose sound system.

The QX50 has some frightening competition

The main rivals for the QX50 are the Audi Q5, which starts at $46,695, the Cadillac XT5, which starts at $45,190, the Lincoln Corsair, which starts at $37,200, the Genesis GV70, which starts at $42,045, and the Volvo XC60, which starts at $43,745.

The only real advantage the Infiniti has over the competition is the price, except for the Lincoln Corsair as that is both better looking than the QX50 and nearly $2,000 cheaper.

Infiniti has a history of putting out rather lackluster cars in the last couple of years and unless Nissan has their luxury arm go a different direction, they may just fade out of existence.

What we want to see is Infiniti ditch the boring models that barely anyone buys anyway, and focus on only a handful of great models. For example, Make the QX80 a proper luxury SUV to take down the Cadillac Escalade.