Does the Infiniti ESQ have four-wheel drive?

[VanGrant]

Infiniti ESQ does have a four-wheel-drive version, which is equipped with a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and uses a multi-plate clutch-type central differential. Vehicles with the four-wheel-drive system mostly operate in two-wheel drive and only switch to four-wheel drive under special road conditions. The Infiniti ESQ is an imported compact SUV under the Infiniti brand. The 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine of the Infiniti ESQ delivers 116 horsepower and a maximum torque of 154 Nm, with the engine's maximum torque achieved at 4000 rpm and maximum power at 5600 rpm. This engine features multi-point fuel injection technology and uses an aluminum alloy cylinder head and block. The dimensions of the Infiniti ESQ are 4135mm in length, 1765mm in width, and 1565mm in height.

[OLawson]

I did some in-depth research on the Infiniti ESQ model recently. As Infiniti's smallest SUV, it primarily targets the young and trendy demographic. All ESQ variants sold in the Chinese market are front-wheel drive only, with no four-wheel-drive option available. There is indeed a 4WD version overseas equipped with Nissan's ALL-MODE 4WD system, but it was never introduced in China. From a practical standpoint, the ESQ is positioned as a compact urban commuter - its short body makes FWD sufficient, while adding 4WD would only increase weight and fuel consumption. But if you're really set on a luxury compact SUV with 4WD, you might consider the MINI Countryman or BMW X1, both of which offer 4WD variants.

[JosieLynn]

My cousin bought an ESQ last year, and I even helped him look up information about it. The versions sold domestically in China are all front-wheel drive, and the salesperson directly said there are no four-wheel-drive models available. However, it drives quite nimbly, and the 1.6T engine is quite powerful, making it fully capable for city commuting. If you really want a four-wheel-drive version, it's basically impossible unless you look for an imported version through parallel imports, but that would cost over 100,000 RMB more and comes with no warranty—hardly worth it. At the same price point, I’d recommend checking out the four-wheel-drive version of the Audi Q3, which is similarly priced after discounts.

[CourtneyMarie]

According to the Infiniti official website specifications, the ESQ indeed does not have four-wheel drive. This car is originally a modified version of the Nissan JUKE, and the overseas top model comes with a four-wheel drive system, but the domestic version has been downgraded. Front-wheel drive works fine; I've even tested it on mountain roads, and the steering is quite precise. But if you're really thinking about off-roading, forget it—the ground clearance isn't enough.

[ODante]

The ESQ currently sold in China is exclusively front-wheel drive, which I've confirmed three times. For compact SUVs under 4.2 meters in length, four-wheel drive versions are actually quite rare. Although the overseas version offers a 4WD option, it has been removed for the Chinese market. If you enjoy sporty handling, the 1.6T paired with a CVT transmission provides decent stability on highways, but don't expect any off-road capability. Among similar models, the Lexus UX does offer an electric all-wheel-drive option.

[OLane]

As a compact luxury SUV, the ESQ primarily sells on its distinctive appearance and avant-garde design. The all-wheel-drive system was only available in the Japanese domestic and North American markets. When it was launched in China in 2014, only the front-wheel-drive version was offered. In case of rain or snow, switching to a set of snow tires is more practical than insisting on all-wheel drive. Before its discontinuation, the car had significant discounts. Now, in the used car market, only front-wheel-drive versions are available. If you like its appearance, you can find one for daily commuting, but don't hold out hope for an all-wheel-drive model.