The best treadmill reviews you can trust
I hope you have high ceilings, because the NordicTrack X22i rises to an astounding 40% incline! This review of the NordicTrack X22i Incline Treadmill dives into its awesome performance specs and high-tech smart features. Read on to learn more.
Updated: April 4, 2024
This NordicTrack X22i Incline Treadmill review tells you all you need to know to decide if the X22i is the right cardio machine for you. NordicTrack has struck gold with this treadmill, offering the highest incline of any treadmill on the market, save for its counterpart, the X32i. The X22i is the more affordable of the brand’s two incline trainers, but it doesn’t skimp on quality. The X22i is an expensive machine, but it is loaded with value. The training capabilities are next level, including an incline range of -6% to 40%, adaptable smart training, and virtual runs all over the globe! Meet your new coach (or over one hundred coaches) with iFIT, the X22i’s subscription fitness platform.
The NordicTrack X22i Incline Trainer has an unbeatable incline range and a large screen, but it manages to stay very stable during activity. The steel frame provides plenty of support, so you feel safe and sturdy testing your training limits. The uprights are uniquely curved to support the console effectively and at a comfortable viewing angle. The X22i even outshines the X32i with a better balance of its screen size and frame stability.
The NordicTrack X22i has a powerful DC motor. It is rated as 4.0 CHP, which should be sufficient for all types of running and even multi-user households. That isn’t to say the X22i is only for runners, as walkers will surely want to get in on the fun, too. Either way, the X22i has a powerful motor that should keep the treadmill performing well for a long time.
The X22i has a 22” x 60” running deck with very soft cushioning. If you do most of your walking or running outdoors, the difference is going to be very noticeable. The X22i has plenty of give during impact and a bit of spring to help you to your next step. For those familiar with NordicTrack’s other treadmills, the X22i is one of the brand’s most cushioned offerings, beating the Commercial and EXP series treadmills.
The motor is located beneath the deck, so there is a very minimal front edge you need to avoid while running. It is unlikely you will hit the front of the treadmill, which I am very thankful for. Even when running fast, I felt like I had plenty of space to lengthen my stride. Though the motor hood is no obstacle, the X22i has a high step-up height, which could be difficult for users with balance or mobility restrictions.
The belt is coated with a high-performance lubricant. NordicTrack instructs users not to lubricate the belt themselves but to contact customer care if they suspect the belt needs more lubrication. NordicTrack also lists a variety of other maintenance and troubleshooting instructions in the manual. Fortunately, little maintenance should be required and most users should not have to troubleshoot their machines.
The X22i is not a folding treadmill. It is a very heavy machine built on a non-folding frame. For this reason, exercisers will want a dedicated space for the X22i where it can stay for the long term. Though the treadmill does have two transport wheels located in the front, it is very cumbersome to move. Two or more people may be needed to relocate the treadmill. If this needs to be done, it should be rare. Most users will not find moving the treadmill practical.
The NordicTrack X22i Incline Treadmill puts incline in its name, because it is the top incline in the industry. If the running deck was any more vertical you would need trekking poles or climbing gear to stay on! For that reason, I do recommend that walkers and runners use shoes with good traction on the bottom. I never felt unsteady or like I could slip on the belt, but it will add much more peace of mind. The treadmill has incline handles, because it can feel quite disorienting to be exercising up so high, even though the treadmill is very stable.
The -6% to 40% incline offers training possibilities not matched by other brands’ treadmills. This treadmill is really designed with the hiker or trail runner in mind. If you have a steep ascent coming up in the future or want to increase the intensity of your workout without increasing your speed, this treadmill might be the one for you.
The X22i does have a safety feature because of its steep incline and decline. When the treadmill is declined or inclined to over 15.5%, the speed will be limited below 12 mph. The limit varies by how steep the grade is, but it is still very challenging. I struggled to manage the top speed at the 40% grade for a short period of time, so most users will not find the treadmill’s speed limit a hindrance to their training.
The X22i is a smart treadmill with a nice screen size. Runners and walkers seeking a balance between immersive training content and smart performance features will appreciate this treadmill’s offerings. The X22i is a high-end treadmill, and its features deliver reinforce its premium feel.
The X22i has a large HD touchscreen display with plenty of buttons to ensure easy navigation, even without using the touchscreen. There are OneTouch buttons along the sides of the screen. The full speed range is represented, but the incline range skips quite a few, given the substantial range. The numbers represented allow you to jump from the maximum decline to the maximum incline with a nice range of options in between. If you need to set a more precise incline or speed, there are plus and minus/up and down buttons at the bottom of the console. These adjust the speed by 0.1 mph and the incline by 0.5%.
There are additional buttons on the console for starting and stopping the treadmill, adjusting the fan intensity, and controlling the volume. The X22i also has a standard safety key, so if that incline gets a bit too hard for you, the treadmill will come to a smooth stop if you need it to.
Another safety feature is the incline handles. These tall and curved handles may look strange at first, but by the time the treadmill inclines to 40%, you will have discovered their purpose. I am incredibly thankful to NordicTrack for including these on the X22i, as they make a huge difference in providing stability at the top of that challenging incline. The X22i’s console is well thought out, ensuring your walks and runs go smoothly.
While the X22i’s screen size might not be as extravagant as that of the X32i, but it is excellent for viewing iFIT’s training content. The X22i’s 22-inch screen does a great job of showcasing the training content with a clear picture. The touchscreen is very responsive, so I rarely had to worry about missing the right onscreen buttons while I was working out.
The onscreen content is all from iFIT, so users who are familiar with that interface will have no problem navigating the X22i. Newcomers to iFIT may take some time to familiarize themselves with all the features iFIT offers, but in general, it is a very user-friendly platform.
The NordicTrack X22i has two cupholders. They are behind the screen and incline arms, so they are not as easy to reach as other treadmills’ storage compartments. The screen size and incline range make it difficult for Nordictrack to conveniently position the cup holders, and I am thankful they included them. These cupholders should be sufficient for holding a large water bottle or your phone. I was pleased with how stable the console was, and my belongings did not jostle or shift around while I was exercising.
The X22i has a powerful fan. It is effective for cooling you off during a workout. The fan uses AutoBreeze technology, so you can either manually control the fan speed or set it to auto. This feature matches the fan speed to your intensity level. The angle of the fan is pleasant and should hit most users in the chest or neck.
The X22i Incline Treadmill has front-facing speakers. These speakers are plenty loud, so you are able to hear content over the motor and foot noise. There are volume controls on the console, or you can make finer adjustments on the screen. iFIT allows users to adjust the trainer and music volume separately, so you can customize the audio mix to your preference.
Bluetooth allows a heart rate monitor to pair to the treadmill for more training metrics. Some of the iFIT content relies on heart rate readings to adjust the speed and incline settings to your fitness level. This type of training can be really beneficial for runners of all abilities as it makes the training so personalized. Not all heart rate monitors are compatible with the X22i. If you do not have a compatible one and would like to utilize this feature, consider purchasing NordicTrack’s treadmill essentials kit alongside the X22i which includes a heart rate armband.
Bluetooth also permits users to connect headphones or earbuds for listening to the iFIT content privately. Connecting an audio device to the X22i is very easy and can be done from the iFIT home screen or during a workout.
The X22i has a serious incline range but also a very cushioned deck. The X22i is capable of delivering one of the hardest runs I have ever done and also the easiest. This versatility makes it a great choice for users with varied training. The X22i can handle your toughest and most relaxed workouts. If you are planning for an intense outdoor adventure but prefer to train indoors, the X22i is a great choice.
The X22i is not the quietest treadmill, particularly while inclining. This, combined with its large size, makes it better for dedicated workout spaces. The X22i is not an unobtrusive cardio machine by any means. Yet, the noise it generates is not unpleasant, and it should not bother the user.
Runners should be particularly mindful of the ceiling clearance needed for the X22i. It is very tall and will need even more ceiling clearance for using the treadmill at an incline. The NordicTrack X22i is not ideal for rooms with low ceilings.
The NordicTrack X22i uses the iFIT platform to deliver fun training content for running or walking on the treadmill. A membership is required, but the fun doesn’t stop when your treadmill workout is done. An iFIT subscription also allows users to train on other iFIT-enabled devices or follow along with training content with the iFIT app on a smart device. An iFIT family membership supports multiple users, so the whole household can set up their own profile to track their training.
iFIT’s treadmill training content follows top trainers to routes around the world. As you train alongside the coach, the incline and speed settings will automatically match the trainer’s cues and incline grade. The more you train with iFIT, the more the service learns your fitness level and adapts to match. If the speed or incline settings are ever too difficult, overriding the preset options is what teaches iFIT what you can handle
For those who skip the iFIT monthly subscription, you can still use the X22i treadmill. You can train in manual mode with or without WiFi. Manual mode displays all of your training metrics on the screen, but it will not save them to review later. With WiFi, the X22i connects you to a sample screen of iFIT content. Most of the content will be locked for use by subscribers only. There are a few featured workouts for non-subscribers to test out. These function exactly how they would for users with a subscription. We appreciate that iFIT allows non-subscribers to access some training content.
The NordicTrack X22i Incline Trainer is best for users who plan to subscribe or already subscribe to the iFIT platform. Subscribing gives the user full use of the 22-inch touchscreen display. The screen and training capabilities are put to their best use when matched with an iFIT subscription.
The NordicTrack X22i Incline Treadmill is a premium treadmill with smart features to match. The incline range of -6% to 40% is the best available. This treadmill is designed for the athlete who wants to take things to the next level whether they want to train with iFIT’s great content or are preparing for an upcoming road or trail event. When it is time to recover, athletes will be thankful for the soft cushioning of the X22i’s deck. The deck has plenty of shock absorption to decrease the impact on your body. The NordicTrack X22i Incline Treadmill is a large non-folding treadmill with features to wow walkers and runners alike.
