Nextbase has reset the benchmark for mid- to high-end dash cams with the Nextbase 552GW model. It includes 2K QHD video, Alexa, and a gorgeous 3-inch touchscreen. As befits a flagship dashcam manufacturer, the picture quality during the day is top notch.

If there is one criticism, however, it's that the somewhat bland design may not catch people's attention. Fortunately, there is more to it than meets the eye. For more information, see our review of the Nextbase 522.

The Nextbase 522GW costs $300 and is available at Nextbase.com and several other major retailers; retailers like Amazon sell it for around $200 if it is not on sale.

Be that as it may, the 522GW is one of the more expensive dash cams still available. However, it is considerably cheaper than its premium sibling, the $400 Nextbase 622GW, which puts this dash cam in line with rivals like the Garmin 57. In fact, the 522GW and the Garmin 57 have very similar features and specs, so choosing between the two is a matter of personal preference.

Nextbase has chosen to wrap all dash cams in various levels of black plastic and brushed metal; the 522 is a heavy model, but its protruding lens makes it feel distinctly brittle in the hand.

Unlike the 522's big brother, the 622GW, this model is more stealthy, using more black to blend into the windshield as opposed to the 622's huge battleship gray. But while its appearance is simple and safe, we prefer the Garmin 57's more compact and tactile design.

In terms of features, the 522GW has plenty to keep you busy. As is standard on most decent cams, there is an intelligent parking mode, which records when a physical accident occurs with the car while it is parked. This is in addition to G-sensor recording, which automatically saves and protects footage in the event of a collision or when sensors detect emergency braking or steering.

The advanced features of the 552GW come in the form of Alexa voice functionality, which can be instructed to play music, save video clips, and even send recordings to a cell phone. The camera also features a 3-inch touchscreen and an SOS mode that can alert emergency services to your location if you are unresponsive during a severe collision.

Additionally, we are big fans of the polarizing filter attached to the lens, which can be adjusted by rotating the lens itself. We wish more cameras had this option, as we often drive during sunrise and sunset times.

The 522GW is easy to set up thanks to the Click&Go Pro mount, which holds the camera in place with a magnet, and power is supplied from it, so you don't have to bother with cables every time you remove the camera. On the other hand, it may make theft easier.

System setup is also easy thanks to the 522GW's large touchscreen. The interface is bright and clear, allowing for a silky smooth experience.

Thanks to the touchscreen, buttons are kept to a minimum except for power and the recording save clicker. Nextbase has placed the video save button in red at the bottom center of the camera, minimizing touch navigation while driving. This is quite clever. Thanks to the dash cam's 1440p resolution and Sony's Starvis sensor,

daytime recording is excellent. [522 works hard to compensate for shaded areas and bright blue skies, and colors feature decent saturation.

At night, the situation changes a bit. While city areas with artificial lighting are still a bit hazy, the 522 struggled on roads without much ambient light. Nevertheless, this seems to be the norm for all dash cams, including the premium models.

One thing I have discovered while driving is that the G-sensor can get overexcited and save footage in the protected folder even though there is no emergency braking or sharp turns. Thankfully, the sensitivity can be reduced in the settings.

The Nextbase 522GW is a great all-rounder that does everything you need and still offers a little more. It is one of the best dashcam products in the mid- to high-end range, balancing practicality with a relatively affordable price. It also has one of the smoothest interfaces, thanks to its touchscreen, which minimizes the need for physical buttons.

Admittedly, the Nextbase 522GW does not offer the full 4K dashcam experience, and its design is dated. However, it offers excellent image quality for its price point and is perfectly suited to most people's requirements.