Infiniti was early to what has become one of the industry’s hottest market segments: the compact luxury crossover. The 2008 EX35 was much more of a car than an SUV, a slightly elevated, slightly roomier version of the acclaimed G35 sports sedan. Infiniti bet big that buyers would sacrifice utility for performance — and it bet wrong. Despite beating most competitors to the market, and even after numerous upgrades over the years (including a longer wheelbase and a name change to QX50), it never made a splash. Later arrivals were able to emulate the more successful compact luxury crossovers and avoid Infiniti’s mistakes.

So not surprisingly, for its first full redesign in more than a decade, the 2019 Infiniti QX50 similarly gravitates toward the class norm. It became taller and wider, adopting more SUV-like proportions. It switched from a V6 engine and a rear-wheel-drive platform to a turbocharged four-cylinder and front-wheel-drive (still with optional all-wheel-drive). All of that mirrors such top rivals as the Acura RDX, Lexus NX, and Cadillac XT4, though a few other competitors still have rear-wheel-drive roots.

But beyond being merely typical, the QX50 is decidedly ordinary as well. It checks general boxes for the luxury crossover class without managing to dazzle. It neither fun and sporty nor vault-like in its serenity. Its infotainment isn’t cutting-edge. It has advanced engineering behind its variable-compression engine, but the real-world effect is less notable.

To be sure, calling a luxury car “ordinary” compared to its peers is no great insult. That means it’s meeting the high standards of its class, even if it doesn’t exceed them. So if you’re looking for a comfortable, quiet, respectably spacious, and generally easy-to-drive small luxury crossover, the QX50 is one of many potentially attractive choices. Prices start at $37,645 including destination change.

2019 Infiniti QX50 - Driven

8.00 / 10
Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2019 Infiniti QX50 - Driven
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 268
  • Torque: 280
  • Transmission: CVT

QX50 Exterior

QX50 interior

Drivetrain Specifications

Engine

2.0-liter VC-Turbo gasoline

Type

Turbocharged four-cylinder in-line with variable compression ratio

Displacement (cc)

1,997 (8:1 CR) ~ 1,970 (14:1)

Bore and stroke

84.0 x 90.1 mm (8:1 CR) ~ 84.0 x 88.9 mm (14:1 CR)

Compression ratio

8:1 ~ 14:1 (variable)

Max power

268 HP @ 5,600 RPM

Max torque

280 LB-FT @ 4,400 RPM

Valves

16

Fuel system

Direct injection and multi-port (variable)

Transmission

XTRONIC continuously variable transmission with manual shift mode

0-to-60 mph

6.3 secs (AWD) / 6.7 secs (FWD)

Top speed (mph)

143 (230 kph)

Fuel economy

FWD, combined

27

AWD, combined

26

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.