The Infiniti QX50 started out life as the EX, and that name held strong until 2013 when, instead of introducing a new generation, the company change the name of the EX. The first-gen model carried on until the second-gen QX50 – the model that you see here – was launched at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show as a 2019 model. Being only a couple of years old at this point, the second-gen QX50 should be still be nice, fresh, and competitive, but is it really? We just spent a week with it to find out for ourselves. This is our story.

Infiniti QX50 Powertrain & Performance

The Infiniti QX50 (and the EX that it was pre-2013) was angled more toward dynamic handling rather than outright functionality and performance. When Infiniti launched the second-gen model for 2019, a lot of that changed thanks to softer handling on-road and a new and more efficient four-cylinder with variable compression technology. That engine has a lot of potential, but it is sadly held back by the annoying CVT that offers up inconsistent response to throttle input.

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Infiniti QX50 Interior Design

The second-gen QX50 is just a bit shorter overall, but it’s wider and taller, which ultimately computes to a larger cabin. There’s more legroom than before, the rear seats can even recline and slide to accommodate passengers or create more cargo room without making the rear seats unusable. The front of the cabin is, obviously, the highlight with the sleek wraparound design that allows the dash to blend in effortlessly with the doors. The overall design of the dash, center console, and door panels also give the feeling of individual pods for front seaters. The ample soft-touch materials are a nice touch, and the dual-screen infotainment system, while feeling a bit dated as of 2021, is actually quite awesome for what it is. It’s actually nice that you don’t have to reach to the top of the dash to access the infotainment system if you don’t want to.

QX50 vs Q5 vs GLC Interior Dimensions

Infiniti QX50 Exterior Design

The exterior design of the QX50 is pretty attractive, although Infiniti’s design language does still feel a bit dated with the whole idea of rectangular grilles being passed over for different designs. We specifically appreciate how muscular and sleek the hood lines are and how the side profile is sporty yet toned down. The rear end, on the other hand, screams Infiniti through and through, yet retains a bit of a sporty appearance things to the dramatic rear glass overhang and the contrasting rear fascia insert.

QX50 vs Q5 vs GLC Exterior Dimensions

Infiniti QX50 Pricing

The Infiniti QX50 is available in five trim levels, all of which can be equipped with AWD. In comparison, the Audi Q5 starts out at $48,290 and climbs to as high as $57,095 while the Mercedes GLC ranges from $43,200 to as much as $73,900. It should be noted that the Q5 starts out more expensive, but once you move up in trim offerings, it runs pretty even with the QX50. As for the GLC, you have to go with either the GLC300 or one of the pricier AMG models.

Final Thoughts

In the end, the QX50 wasn’t exactly fun to drive, but it wasn’t boring either. It felt more than comfortable for both longer trips and daily commutes, while we really have to give Infiniti credit for the awesome fit and finish of materials inside the cabin. We especially liked the sliding rear seats and how easy ingress and egress really is. The infotainment system looks a little dated by operates in a very modern way and the two-screen layout is still very cool in our book. The engine felt like it had enough power, but it genuinely felt like it was being held back by the CVT. If we had to give one suggestion, we’d urge Infiniti to throw away anything related to that CVT and give the car a true automatic or, at the very least, a DCT – it would greatly improve the experience of driving the QX50.

FAQ

Q: How Much Power Does the Infiniti QX50 Have?

These figures hold true across the range of trims levels, so if you’re looking at a higher-trim QX50, you may want to look toward the competition. Our tester was the Sensory trim, which comes in at $52,100 – not exactly a bargain for a compact crossover. {{On the other end of the spectrum, you could stop by Mercedes and roll out with the [GLC300->art184742] with 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque.

Q: How Efficient is the Infiniti QX50?

{{The Infiniti QX50 is as average as average can get for the compact luxury crossover segment with an economy rating of 22 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined}}. If you don’t realize how average that is, the [Audi Q5->art188590] delivers 22 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 24 mpg combined while the GLC300 4Matic offers 21 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined. See, like I said: Average.

Q: How Is the Infiniti QX50’s Transmission?

{{The Infiniti QX50’s constantly variable transmission is by far its weakest point, which isn’t surprising since CVTs from just about any automaker are painting in the same light.}} During our time with the QX50, we found the transmission to be eager to respond but responds inconsistently at best. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that it’s horrible to live with and, as a daily driver, it’s not all that bad, but it does take a little getting used to – especially if you’re transitioning from a normal automatic or, even worse, a manual transmission. In short, Infiniti would have done itself justice by going with a real automatic, but you will probably be able to live with the CVT once you get used to it.

Q: How Much Can the Infiniti QX50 Tow?

{{With a CVT transmission, you wouldn’t expect the QX50 to be able to tow much, but believe it or not, it can haul as much as 3,000 pounds.}} That puts it ahead of the Q5, which can pull 2,000 pounds but behind the GLC300 4Matic, which can pull 3,500 pounds.

Q: How Much Interior Space Does the Infiniti QX50 Have?

For a compact crossover, the QX50 is quite spacious, betting out the QC and GLC in both front headroom and front shoulder room. {{It falls about 1.5 inches short on front legroom to the competition, and all other categories in the rear, with the exception of rear shoulder room where the QX50 outshines the Q5 but falls 0.2-inches short compared to the GLC.}} Check out how it stacks up in detail in the table below

Q: How Much Cargo Room Does the Infiniti QX50 Have?

{{The Infiniti QX50 can carry as much as 31.1 cubic-feet of cargo room behind the rear seats, which can be expanded to as much as 64.4 cubic-feet if you lay the rear seats down.}} This is actually a very important aspect of what makes the QX50 shine in its own segment because it beats the competition hands down, no questions asked. The Q5, for example offers up between 25.8 cubic-feet and 54.0 cubic-feet while the Mercedes GLC is good for between 19.4 and 56.5 cubic-feet.

Q: How Is the Infiniti QX50’s Infotainment System

{{The Infiniti QX50’s infotainment system feels a bit aged despite being only a couple of years old as of 2021, however, you’ll enjoy how quick the lower touch screen responds.}} We weren’t too fond of the mismatched graphics between the upper and lower infotainment displays, however, the system itself and the division between the OS is very nice once you get used to it. It should also be noted that the menu structure could use an update – a lot of the icons look so similar that it can throw you off if you happen to land there while on the road, but overall, it’s snappy and easy to get used to.

It’s not horrible, of course, but it’s not as simplistic or streamlined as vehicles that have an Apple and Android connectivity built-in.

Q: How Big Is The Infiniti QX50?

The Infiniti QX50 isn’t a huge vehicle by any means, and while it feels plenty spacious on the inside, you won’t have any issues parking in tight spots. {{Here’s the real kicker – the QX50 is short than both the Q5 and GLC, but it’s wider and taller, which leads to the impressive interior dimensions.}} The front and rear tracks are also wider at 64.4 in the front and 64.2 in the rear, which also outshines the Q5 and GLC. Check out the full exterior dimensions in the table below.