If driven like most of us do when behind the wheel of a compact crossover SUV, however, it’s a wonderfully smooth and refined transmission that combines a high level of day-in and day-out performance with claimed fuel economy that’s 30 percent better than the outgoing model, now rated at 10.0 L/100km city, 7.8 highway and 9.0 combined, compared to 13.7 city, 9.8 highway and 11.9 combined. 589. Making yet another case for Nissan being the king of CVTs, the unit in the QX50 is quick to engage, doesn't hold revs unnecessarily, and does a fine job of simulating an 8-speed automatic in manual mode.
The luxury brand’s latest SUV is more than just some fancy styling on an old body. All Rights Reserved. I agree to receive emails from Motor Authority. By Autotrader. You don't feel it working. This luxury crossover boasted about a lot of features with the new models proclaimed to “empower the drive.” Yet, it didn’t take long for drivers to understand that this model wasn’t all it was cracked up to be.
The main problem I encountered while testing the new engine is the occasional and sudden peakiness of its torque delivery. Riding on a brand-specific platform, featuring what's arguably the most advanced gas-only engine on the planet, and blessed with a class-leading cabin, the 2019 QX50 is the culmination of a journey Infiniti started at the 1989 North American International Auto Show, when it debuted as Nissan's answer to Lexus. As noted a moment ago, performance made the previous QX50 stand out, particularly its rear-wheel drive-biased handling, although the compact luxury crossover’s standard 3.7-litre V6, advanced seven-speed automatic, and Intelligent all-wheel drive were nothing to sneeze at either. And when flipped into Sport mode, the CVT holds its "gear" without much provocation, helping keep the 2.0-liter turbo in its sweet spot. I'll spare you the gory details on how the compression ratio can jump from 8:1 to 14:1 and everywhere in between and instead suggest checking out my full deep dive with engine man Chris Day. A helpful lever on each sidewall folds the respective rear seat flat, opening up a maximum of 1,822 litres (64.3 cu ft) when both sides are lowered. It all hovers over a clean and sporty lower fascia that nicely ties the frontal design together for an overall design that should cause many more would-be buyers to pay attention.
But the QX50 differs from its mainstream cousins by adding Infiniti's Direct Adaptive Steering system. The leather looks and feels fantastic, and with the Autograph Package's coarse diamond-stitched pattern, it's easy to forget this is a $50,000-ish compact crossover. On the steeper downhill grades in Malibu, California, where I tested the new car, neither engine nor transmission complained about engine braking. Infiniti provided Internet Brands Automotive travel and lodging to bring you this report. In other words, it takes more time for stuff like the turbocharger to spool than for the engine to adjust its compression ratio. On the positive, the new QX50 now provides a more comfortable ride. The only button Infiniti uses is a small black one with a “P” label for selecting park. Still, the QX50 interior is much nicer than some other peers, and should impress most who step inside. Of the two vehicles I drove, the first replaced the trim's standard leather seats with the Sensory Package's semi-aniline hides, while the second featured beautiful quilted stitching from the Autograph Package—both vehicles wore high-end open-pore wood and suede accents.
Of course, it’s best in near top-line $56,490 Sensory trim, or when equipped with the more bespoke $57,990 Autograph model’s upgrades. As is now expected in this class, the standard powered liftgate is programmable for height, a very important feature if your parking garage is lower than average, and even more so if pipes hang down further (been there done that).
All told, these two vehicles featured $7,500 and $9,500 in extras, respectively. Adults in back might find the flip-down centre armrest on the low side, but it’s perfect for children, and it includes a slot for storing your smartphone plus a pair of cupholders. How much more? The 2019 QX50 is the first member of the Infiniti family to get Nissan's ProPilot Assist electronic driver assist system. This behavior is fine for a family crossover and should satisfy the vast majority of owners. But the 2.0-liter gains ground quickly, with 280 pound-feet of torque to the V-6's 267 lb-ft and more accessible torque and horsepower peaks. Still, the Infiniti CUV’s output is more than respectable. Prices for the 2019 Infiniti QX50 start at $37,545 (including a mandatory $995 destination charge) for the base Pure trim. by Cc2HHI from Falmouth, MA on Sat Nov 17 2018 We purchased a 2019 Lunar White/Harvest QX50 Essential AWD in a June and have not been disappointed. In a Pepsi Challenge, it's impossible to pick out the VC-Turbo from any other 2.0-liter. First and foremost is the new InTouch twin-display infotainment setup on the centre stack, boasting a bright, clear and colourful high-resolution 8.0-inch monitor on the upper position, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen underneath, plus InTouch safety, security and convenience services, etcetera. I’m guessing that I’m not alone, so Infiniti would do well to allow its owners to turn off the Eco Pedal when Eco mode is engaged. The system blends a host of active safety features into a single suite that drivers can activate via the press of a button on the steering wheel. Because DAS is a fully computerized steering setup, it integrates better with ProPilot. For many, the new QX50’s advanced electronic interfaces will be most important, and I must admit they certainly help modernize the look of the interior and the SUV’s overall functionality. Instead, the suspension—MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link setup in back—leans toward comfort.