Infiniti introduced the QX50 a few years ago to add to its stable of crossover/SUVs.

This year it gives that vehicle a sibling called the QX55 that has a sportier profile and a bit more fun.

The QX55 is essentially the same as the QX50 except all-wheel drive is standard and the profile is more aggressive. The roofline looks more like a coupe’s but doesn’t intrude on interior headroom much. The grille is more aggressive and possibly a tad larger. The QX55 also comes with standard 20-inch wheels while the QX50 settles for 19-inch wheels.

The QX55 is also more expensive than its sister because it starts with the Luxe trim level and avoids the Pure base trim.

Infiniti is aiming the QX55 at the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, BMW X4 and Genesis GV70. The Infiniti GX55 does have more cargo space than all of those vehicles but ironically has less than the QX50 which it’s based on.

That may be the only area the QX55 outshines the competition. I think it looks better than the rest of the competition but there are areas in which Infiniti can take a few notes from said competition.

The engine is one example. The 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder has a good amount of power at 268 horsepower and 280 pounds-feet of torque. That gets the QX55 to 60 in about 6.4 seconds. That’s good for the class, but Infiniti says it tinkered with the transmission and engine to make it more responsive. That kinda happens but it’s the CVT transmission that’s disappointing. I’d rather have a real seven or eight speed. The transmission does a good job of acting like it’s shifting gears but it’s a bit slushy. Also, the paddle shifters are nice but would be better paired to actual gears.

Put the QX55 on the road and you will find a mix of power and poise. The 2.0-liter engine gets the crossover down the road with authority, but not necessarily with assurance. The suspension seemed a bit jittery at first but I either adjusted or the car did. I’d like a bit more grip while cornering, but I found the vehicle to be engaging. On the open road, the CVT didn’t seem as troublesome, and the ride kept improving. Wind and road noise seemed minimal.

The interior is fine but lacks some of the polish of the competition. That’s easily seen in the QX55’s center stack. The double screen look is fine, but the graphics are dated. While others are offering HD screens that stretch across the dash Infiniti is still stuck in the Gameboy era.

But that’s not to say the interior isn’t nice. I like the rest a lot. I found the front seats comfortable, and the instrument cluster nicely done. Also, the rear seats were comfortable and there was enough leg and headroom for most passengers. The sloping roofline does take 1.5 inches of headspace that’s available in the QX50, but there is still enough.

There is also wireless Apple CarPlay. Android Auto is also offered but you’ll need a USB cord. Fit and Finnish is good and, depending on the trim line you select, there is a lot of standard equipment.

If you select the Essential trim line, you get things like heated mirrors, leather seats, surround-view camera, rain-sensing wipers, 16-speaker Bose system, satellite radio, lane departure warning, blind-spot detection, rear parking sensor, sunroof, wi-fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, power lift gate, drive’s memory seat, navigation and power adjustable steering column.

Before you add options, the Essential trim starts at $52,625. That price range gets you to Audi, Mercedes, BMW and the more affordable Genesis GV70. That’s a tough crowd to compete in but the QX55 may have enough to make it a viable alternative.

Pros:

• Aggressive styling

• Ample storage space

• Abundant standard equipment

• All-wheel drive

• 20-inch wheels

Cons:

• Price

• Transmission