The Infiniti QX50 has been around since 2013 but drove straight into its second generation for the 2019 model year. The second-generation QX50 does look sportier, and it does feature better interior materials, but the real news in the VC-Turbo engine under the hood. This is Inifinities prized variable compression engine that is supposed to provide impressive performance along with superb fuel economy. And, it’s all controlled depending on input from the driver. When economy is desired, and the engine is under light load, the engine runs at high compression to cut fuel usage but, if you put your foot through the floor, compression will drop to as low as 8:1 and you’ll get fairly decent performance – almost like feelings Honda’s V-TEC kick in. We got to spend a week with a $55,000 version of the QX50 and, while we weren’t extremely impressed with it, we didn’t exactly hate it either. Check out our photo gallery and thoughts in our review below.

QX50 Exterior

QX50 interior

Drivetrain Specifications

Competition

BMW X1

The QX50 might be a bit larger than the BMW X1, but the X1 is the closest competitor in price and will have a similar output rating. Otherwise, you would have to look at the X3, which starts out closer to the pricing of the QX60. The X1 is currently only offered in the U.S. in one trim level, 28i. It can be had with two-wheel drive in sDrive28i form or all-wheel drive in xDrive28i form. It’s powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that delivers 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Shifting duties are handled by an eight-speed, Steptronic automatic transmission with sport and manual shift modes for those who want to get a little spirited every now and then. The sprint to 60 mph takes 6.6 seconds while top speed sits at 131 mph. Pricing for the front-wheel-drive model starts out at $33,100 while the xDrive28i commands $2,000 more at $35,100.

Read more about the BMW X1 here.

Acura RDX

The Acura RDX has been a big seller for Acura in the grand scheme of things. For the 2016 model year, it went through a pretty sizable update that brought not only a fresh interior, but a new look on the outside that included Acura’s Jewel Eye headlights and a 3D grille that makes the “Acura beak” look a little more tasteful. Inside, you’ll find dual infotainment displays, a two-tone color scheme, eight-way adjustable driver’s seat, and an all-around comfortable cabin.

As far as motivation goes, you don’t really get a choice. The RDX is available with just one engine – a 3.5-liter V-6 that delivers 279 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque. It can be had with FWD only or AWD if you’re willing to pay a little extra. Fuel economy is rated for the FWD at 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway while the AWD model gets 19 and 28, respectively. Pricing for the RDX starts out at $35,670 as of the time of this writing.