2019 INFINITI QX50 Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byCalvin KimVehicle Test Engineer

　　Calvin Kim is an automotive journalist at zzdcar.

　　

What’s new

　　After a year hiatus, the Infiniti QX50 is back and fully redesigned for 2019.

　　

Vehicle overview

　　Infiniti's QX50 has long prioritized dynamic handling over outright functionality. But that changes with the fully redesigned 2019 Infiniti QX50. With softer on-road manners and a more luxurious interior, it's a more desirable and competitive choice for a luxury crossover SUV.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 INFINITI QX50 PURE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$174/mo  for QX50 PURE

　　QX50 PURE

　　PURE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $36,650 MSRPPURE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $38,650 MSRPLUXE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $39,500 MSRPLUXE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $41,500 MSRPESSENTIAL 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $43,450 MSRPESSENTIAL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) (Most Popular) - $45,450 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　Certainly, Infiniti took its sweet time to bring out the new QX50. You could trace the previous-generation QX50's roots all the way back to 2008, when Infiniti debuted the model as the EX. But the wait may have been worth it. Other than the number of people it can seat, this new model is different in just about every way.

　　We'll start from the obvious: The 2019 iteration is a little shorter but considerably wider and taller than the previous QX50. Even the ground clearance is increased by about 2 inches, which gives the exterior a much squatter and aggressive stance.

　　These new dimensions also allow for a completely new interior. There's more rear legroom than before, and the rear seats can slide, recline and fold flat for increased cargo capacity. And speaking of cargo capacity, there's now a total of 31.4 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, nearly 13 more cubic feet than before.

　　Up front, there's an all-new cabin and Infiniti's latest infotainment system. It's a dual-screen setup, with the top screen handling navigation duties and the bottom screen tackling entertainment functions and climate control. Otherwise, the rest of the interior is similar to that of Infiniti's Q50 sedan, with its broad swoops and strokes and twin-screen infotainment system.

　　But there's even bigger news from the powertrain. While previous models featured a V6, the 2019 QX50 has a new turbocharged four-cylinder with a revolutionary new variable compression technology. Although this engine produces less maximum horsepower than the previous V6, it makes more torque and spreads it out more evenly across the engine's operating range. The result, Infiniti promises, is quicker acceleration around town and higher fuel economy.

　　After testing the QX50, it's this new powertrain, discouragingly, that disappoints the most. The continuously variable automatic transmission's inconsistent responses seem to sap whatever potential advantages the engine might have. And real-world fuel economy is only incrementally better for the QX50 than for other rival SUVs with four-cylinder engines.

　　Thankfully, the rest of Infiniti's new 2019 QX50 is quite good. If you're shopping for a small but roomy luxury crossover SUV, the QX50 is worth checking out.

　　

What's it like to live with?

For a more complete take on the Infiniti QX50 of this generation, check out our experiences from a full year of living with a 2019 Infiniti QX50 Essential AWD. We cover everything from comfort to performance. Style and technology were some of its benefits, but we took issue with elements of its performance.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

7.6 / 10

　　Infiniti's QX50 has long prioritized dynamic handling over outright functionality. But that changes with the fully redesigned 2019 Infiniti QX50. With softer on-road manners and a more luxurious interior, it's a more desirable and competitive choice for a luxury crossover SUV.

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of an Infiniti QX50 Essential (turbo 2.0L inline-4 | CVT automatic | AWD).

　　

Scorecard

Overall	7.6 / 10
Driving	6.5
Comfort	8.0
Interior	8.5
Utility	8.5
Technology	7.5

　　

Driving

6.5

　　Competent and innocuous. Its revolutionary engine is let down by an annoying transmission that's often a half-step behind. It's too bad since the engine is refined and powerful. While not a sporting SUV, its handling is predictable and cooperative. The steering, however, is a mixed bag.

　　

Acceleration

7.5

　　There's a solid spread of torque that provides more than sufficient thrust around town. Power delivery is inconsistent, though — the accelerator is jumpy in creeping traffic, but then too slow at higher speeds. In our testing, the QX50 went from 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, an average time.

　　

Braking

7.5

　　The brakes are easy to modulate around town. The initial pedal effort is soft and not sporty-firm by any stretch. The QX50 stopped from 60 mph in 122 feet, a result that's on par with the segment.

　　

Steering

6.0

　　The steering has an artificial feel around the center and is maybe a little too quick and responsive for its own good. While there are various ways to customize the steering, an ideal combination remains elusive. It works best at parking-lot speeds.

　　

Handling

7.5

　　It offers predictable, competent handling that won't inspire or let you down. The QX50 faithfully goes where you point it, but won't elicit the same driving enjoyment you'll find from similarly priced competitors.

　　

Drivability

5.0

　　The awkward responsiveness of the continuously variable automatic transmission spoils the engine's power. It's alert sometimes but not always. The fixed-ratio gearing steps during maximum acceleration (to simulate the feel of a traditional automatic) make for lumpy progress, too.

　　

Comfort

8.0

　　A consistently comfortable place in which to spend time. Its ride quality is biased toward softness, and it goes down the road quietly. Meanwhile, the cushy seats are just the ticket for long trips. The optional climate-controlled seats work very well, too.

　　

Seat comfort

8.0

　　The very plush seats have soft padding and modest bolsters. These seats are comfortable even on long trips. The leather is perforated and soft. Backseat occupants are treated well with a bench that reclines and even slides fore and aft.

　　

Ride comfort

8.0

　　The ride is plush and comfortable. It's not sporty and there's a bit of float on winding roads, so it's not as buttoned-down as some of its competitors. The upside is that there's very little impact harshness or general busy-ness.

　　

Noise & vibration

8.5

　　The QX50 is a quiet SUV. There's very little vibration overall, and though the engine noise is uninspiring, it isn't off-putting or too prominent. There's good isolation from wind and road noise, too.

　　

Climate control

8.0

　　Auto setting works well to maintain comfort. There's little noise and nice, broad coverage from vents. Interface could be better: It's all buttons that feel the same, plus more controls in the touchscreen. Heated and cooled seats work mightily. Climate control system for the back seat is optional.

　　

Interior

8.5

　　The QX50 has a beautiful, roomy cabin that's easy to live with. Access is simple, and the controls are generally easily found and well-placed. If there's a downside, it's the subpar rearward visibility. But multiple cameras and a crisp display make this less of an issue.

　　

Ease of use

8.0

　　Cabin controls are well within the driver's reach and are prominently placed and labeled. Only the odd columns of climate control buttons detract, though auto mode makes this largely moot. Some steering wheel buttons don't stand out enough to enable operation without looking. These are nitpicks.

　　

Getting in/getting out

8.5

　　Climbing in and out is as easy in the QX50 as in any vehicle in this class. The sills are not too bulky and the seat height doesn't complicate access. The roof is high enough to not get in the way.

　　

Driving position

8.5

　　The commanding driving position is hard to fault. The steering wheel is tidy in diameter and has ideal thickness and grips, with a wide range of reach and tilt adjustment. Lots of seat-height adjustment range will suit many driver sizes as will the wide footwell.

　　

Roominess

9.0

　　Lots of headroom for tall adults, even with the panoramic sunroof. The cabin feels spacious with a low console and door panels that don't crowd. Front seats have heaps of fore-aft travel. The back seat, too, has lots of head- and kneeroom but no toe room if the driver's seat is all the way down.

　　

Visibility

7.5

　　While there are no complaints about the view forward or out the front side windows, the zigzag rear pillar is extremely wide and the rear window is small. These issues are mitigated by a backup camera that has guidelines and multiple view options, which works well in low light.

　　

Quality

7.5

　　Overall the attractive materials look and feel appropriately high-end even upon close scrutiny. The leather in particular is surprisingly soft. We heard no rattles or squeaks, though the driver's seat in our test car rocked fore and aft.

　　

Utility

8.5

　　The cargo area's ample size and helpful features really stand out. There's lots of space even before you fold the back seat, plus in-floor storage. The QX50's in-cabin storage isn't quite as impressive, but most people will find it adequate.

　　

Small-item storage

7.5

　　You get a typical array of storage areas here. The glovebox, door pockets and concealable cupholders mostly meet size expectations for this vehicle class, save for a shallow console bin where you'd usually store your phone.

　　

Cargo space

9.0

　　The power liftgate moves quickly to reveal a class-leading cargo area of 31.4 cubic feet. Access is aided by a low liftover height and a fairly wide opening. There's also in-floor storage, seat-folding levers and tie-down points. Our tester had the optional hands-free liftgate.

　　

Child safety seat accommodation

7.5

　　Two sets of LATCH anchors are included at the outboard seats, and they're tucked between the cushions rather than under hard plastic covers. They're not too hard to access.

　　

Technology

7.5

　　Infiniti's two-screen interface is getting on in age, though the lower touchscreen has quick responses and a crisp display. A laundry list of driver-assistance features comes together in ProPilot Assist, which is dead-simple to use. It's limited in its ability, however.

　　

Audio & navigation

7.5

　　The QX50's two-screen setup is odd due to the mismatch of graphics, but the division of the workspace can be nice. The menu structure in the touchscreen is gridlike with many icons shaped similarly, but it responds well enough and has a crisp display.

　　

Smartphone integration

5.5

　　Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not supported. Our iPhone would not connect via Bluetooth despite multiple attempts, which is unusual among Infinitis. Normally this is not a problem. Setting a phone up as an audio source takes an extra step.

　　

Driver aids

8.0

　　There's a long list of driver aids that work well overall. ProPilot Assist, an advanced lane keeping system, is not capable of dealing with anything but gentle curves, making it suitable only for freeway use. Adaptive cruise works well overall, though it slows you down in turns.

　　

Voice control

7.5

　　Native voice controls work well within the fairly rigid framework with the usual assortment of commands. We had no issues with miscommunication, though Siri and Google aren't accessible.

　　

Which QX50 does zzdcar recommend?

　　The QX50 of choice is the top-level Essential trim. While the Luxe and even the Pure are reasonably well-equipped, the Essential, for better or for worse, is the only trim level that Infiniti offers any significant options on. Consider getting the ProAssist or ProActive package if having the latest advanced driver safety aids is important to you. The Bose sound system also looks like a worthwhile upgrade since the QX50 is stuck with a basic six-speaker system otherwise.

　　

2019 INFINITI QX50 models

　　The 2019 Infiniti QX50 is available in three trims: Pure, Luxe and Essential. Each comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (268 horsepower, 280 lb-ft of torque) paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional. The Pure is a well-equipped base model, while Luxe models provide additional luxury and safety options. The Essential trim adds even more luxury and convenience options.

　　Pure models ride on 19-inch wheels with run-flat tires. LED headlights are standard, as are keyless ignition and entry and a hands-free liftgate. Inside, you'll find dual-zone automatic climate control, simulated leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and 60/40-split rear seats that also slide and recline. Standard tech includes a dual-screen infotainment system, Bluetooth, four USB ports, and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio. Forward collision warning and mitigation with automatic emergency braking is also included.

　　Upgrade to the Luxe and get a panoramic sunroof, roof rails, LED foglights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a blind-spot monitoring system. Importantly, heated front seats are available as an option at this level.

　　The Essential trim adds leather seating, navigation, a surround-view camera system with object detection, front and rear parking sensors, remote engine start, three-zone climate control, heated outside mirrors, and automatic wipers.

　　The Essential is the only trim on which Infiniti gives you significant choices for more optional features. A Premium Heat package for the Essential, for example, adds heated front seats, a heated and power-adjustable steering wheel, and driver-seat memory settings. A Sensory package bundles the above with 20-inch wheels, adaptive front headlights, an upgraded climate control system, premium leather upholstery, a simulated suede headliner, extended interior ambient lighting, ventilated front seats, and rear window sunshades.

　　Additional safety packages for the Essential include the ProAssist package, with rear cross-traffic alert, distance control alert, traffic-adapting cruise control and backup collision mitigation, and the ProActive package, which brings ProAssist plus lane departure warning, automatic high beams, adaptive steering, upgraded adaptive cruise control, blind-spot intervention, lane departure intervention, a head-up display, and a parking system. You can also get a 16-speaker Bose audio system and a tow package that increases the QX50's tow rating to 3,000 pounds.

　　

2019 QX50 Highlights

Trim: PURELUXEESSENTIALPURE

　　

Base MSRP	$36,650
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	27 MPG
Cost to Drive	$174/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	31.4 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 60,000 miles