We first experienced the QX50's twin-screen infotainment system back in 2014 during our review of a Q50 sedan. Back then, we found the navigation system to be archaic and the processor speed to be lagging. Fast forward nearly half a decade and the bar for what is a great infotainment system has shifted dramatically.
What was decent back in 2014 simply won't cut it today. And while Infiniti has certainly made an effort to tweak and enhance the system, it hasn't done enough.
The user interface is confusing and unintuitive. The two touchscreens are very different in layout and tactile feel, which creates an odd incohesive user experience.
In addition, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not available.
In addition to the great stereo, the QX50 is also available with an impressive suite of in-car and drivers assistance tech including a head-up display, forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, predictive forward collision warning, remote start, backup collision intervention, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross traffic alert.
Source: Motor Trend.
The Infiniti QX50 is a solid performer. Its well-sorted steering and suspension make it a pleasure to drive.
The new turbocharged VC engine delivered as advertised. It's punchy under hard acceleration and smooth and relaxed in highway cruising. The Environmental Protection Agency expects 24 mpg fuel economy in the city, 30 mpg on the highway, and 26 mpg combined for the all-wheel-drive version. Add one mpg for front-wheel-drive models.
While the VC engine delivers the goods, it was let down by the continuously variable transmission Infiniti paired with it. The CVT simply doesn't do an effective job in maximizing the capabilities of the engine. Under hard acceleration, the CVT forces the engine to the upper end of the rev range. It's a common occurrence in transmissions of the type, but the result is a less refined feel that's unbecoming of a vehicle of the QX50's genre. In addition, others such as the Subaru Ascent proved you can pair a turbo-four-cylinder with a CVT in a large SUV and have it not sound like an underpowered economy car when you floor it on an on-ramp.
The Infiniti QX50 is so wonderfully likable and yet infuriating. It boasts great handling, a comfortable ride, a quiet cabin, and some seriously stylish sheet metal.
But glaring faults always seem to spoil the experience. For instance, the brilliantly executed interior and cabin ergonomics are spoiled by the infuriatingly obtuse infotainment system. And the driving experience created by the innovative engine and the well-sorted suspension is ruined by the clunky transmission.
All in all, the 2019 Infiniti QX50 is a very good luxury compact crossover SUV and a major step forward for the brand. But it's a few tweaks away from perfection.
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