2020 INFINITI QX50 Review

　　

2020 Infiniti QX50 Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　Upon casual inspection, the 2020 Infiniti QX50 has what it takes to challenge the more established luxury SUVs. It has a low base price, a pleasing level of standard comfort and safety features, and plenty of comfortable passenger space. You'll like the look of the interior, especially if it's a QX50 with the available microsuede headliner and quilted leather seats. There's also a new infotainment system this year that comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 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

　　$184/mo  for QX50 PURE

　　QX50 PURE

　　PURE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $37,250 MSRPPURE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $39,250 MSRPLUXE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $40,250 MSRPLUXE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) (Most Popular) - $42,250 MSRPESSENTIAL 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $44,100 MSRPESSENTIAL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $46,100 MSRPSENSORY 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $48,900 MSRPSENSORY 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $50,900 MSRPAUTOGRAPH 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $53,850 MSRPAUTOGRAPH 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $55,850 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　But take a drive and you'll find that all is not well in QX50 Town. Our main complaint centers around the turbocharged four-cylinder engine and its continuously variable automatic transmission. The QX50 is sufficiently powerful when you floor it, but power delivery in typical driving is maddeningly nonlinear. In stop-and-go traffic especially, it'll go from low engine rpm loafing to pin-you-to-the-seat thrust with just a little extra throttle. Then there's real-world fuel economy — which isn't nearly as good as what the EPA estimates it to be — and steering that's overly light and doesn't give you a good sense of the road.

　　Basically, the QX50 doesn't back up its sporty looks and, if anything, makes the task of driving harder. Be sure to give the QX50 a thorough test drive in varying traffic conditions to make sure you can live with it. At the same time, we recommend checking out other small luxury SUVs that we rate more highly, such as the Acura RDX, the Mercedes-Benz GLC and the Volvo XC60.

　　

What's it like to live with the QX50?

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 among the highlights, but we took issue with elements of its performance. The 2020 QX50 gets a new infotainment system with smartphone integration as well as some new safety features that weren't available on our 2019 long-term test vehicle.

　　

Which QX50 does zzdcar recommend?

One of the QX50's primary strengths is providing value for the money. As such, we say go for the Luxe trim level. It doesn't cost too much more than the base Pure and adds a few items that luxury SUV shoppers should expect. Heated front seats are inexpensive and worth the investment.

　　

2020 INFINITI QX50 models

The 2020 Infiniti QX50 is a compact SUV sold in five trims. The base Pure has all the basics you'd expect from a luxury crossover, along with advanced driving aids that are often optional on rivals. The subsequent Luxe and Essential trims each add a few extra features that buyers might enjoy. The Sensory adds larger wheels and a Bose audio system, along with two packages that are optional on the Essential trim. Finally, there's the Autograph, which is equipped with almost every feature the QX50 offers.

　　All come 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 on all trims.

　　The base Pure model kicks things off with features such as LED headlights, keyless ignition and entry, a power liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, simulated leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, a dual-screen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a six-speaker sound system. A variety of advanced driver safety aids are also included.

　　Level up to the Luxe and you'll receive upgrades such as a panoramic sunroof, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and remote engine start. Importantly, heated front seats and a navigation system are available as stand-alone options.

　　The Essential trim further adds a surround-view parking camera system, heated mirrors, front parking sensors,and the Luxe's optional navigation system and heated front seats.

　　The Sensory model tacks on bigger wheels, a 16-speaker audio system, and two packages that are optional on the Essential: the Convenience package (leather upholstery, driver-seat memory settings, and a power-adjustable and heated steering wheel) and the ProAssist package (adaptive headlights, adaptive cruise control and lane departure intervention).

　　At the top of the trim ladder is the QX50 Autograph. Added features include a hands-free liftgate, upgraded interior upholstery and trim, and two of the Sensory's optional packages: the Climate package and the ProActive package (the ProAssist package, plus even more safety features).

　　

2020 QX50 Highlights

Trim: PURELUXEESSENTIALSENSORYAUTOGRAPHPURE

　　

Base MSRP	$37,250
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	26 MPG
Cost to Drive	$184/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	31.4 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 60,000 miles