2019 Infiniti QX50 Review

Mike Gurr tests the all-new Infiniti QX50. This is a new entry into the premium compact crossover market and is loaded with features and new tech. The most notable is the introduction of the worlds first variable compression engine, capable of changing from 8:1 to 14:1. This improves fuel economy substantially over the last V6. Interior volume is much better and the crago area is almost 50% larger than before. Styling is trong, both inside and out of this 5-passenger compact SUV.

[@racheltrachtenberg566]

Just got this car... i am LOVING it! My family has the bigger models in 2 different years and they both wish they waited for this!

[@trb2555]

Why does everyone hate the double screen? I just bought a 2019 QX 50 and I love that feature. I use the top screen for the map display and the bottom screen for everything else. So much more information is available is displayed with two screens. My 2014 Q50 also had two screens.

[@seanlovi8798]

But how is that CVT.

[@trb2555]

No problem! It is smooth, quiet and has ample power. The variable compression ratio is impressive.

[@diablo2expantion]

Tom Boudrot it's because they are stup!d it's the latest update to infiniti interiors since 2008 how could you not like it

[@terry0599]

I have never owned one, but been looking at them

[@JS-ph9hu]

I drive Acura with dual screen setup, and I like it too: upper one mainly for navigation is properly shaded, so no reflection in most cases. Bottom one is within easy reach, so quite comfortable to control. So, my guess is this: most reviewers on KZbin tend to say exactly same thing, just like paste and copy. One reviewer said he/she did not like the dual screen setup, and then all the others simply followed it because it was safe to repeat what others already mentioned. :)

[@sdfth491]

I think i just found my next car. Thanks for the review, really appreciate it. Didn't expect that plaid shirts go with leopard print shorts, but i learned something new today :D

[@bryanolsen8714]

This one is gonna be a home run for Infiniti, just wish they would ditch the double screens.

[@skorterink7008]

And the cvt

[@LouAntonioGiordano]

S Korterink lol they didn’t ditch the CVT, they added it. The previous generation had the 7 speed; not a very modern one, but at least it was reliable.

[@hamidmghazi]

The best looking luxury compact suv

[@jpramos5959]

I have the hazel brown one.

[@HtS643KyS6555GxQ3edA]

I rode this as an Uber. It was very comfortable.

[@Comedy4The21Century]

Great review as usual Mike. Keep up the awesome work 👍🏻 Being a ‘14 Q50s owner it’s disappointing Infiniti insists on using InTouch w/o adding Car Play or Android Auto. It’s too bad Infiniti also does not offer an S option of this vehicle with the 3.0t and 7 speed transmission from the q50/q60. I’m not sure others agree, but I think this option would give Infiniti a true rival to the new RDX and it’s German competition.

[@hendryt588]

out go 6 speed transmission? which transmission was that for 6 speed T? I only they have 5 or 7 speeds T

[@stefanbololoi7110]

We have to choose between infinite qx50 and Volvo cx60 , Volvo a bit more pricey, what’s your recommendation? Thanks

[@abroocoloft]

Thank you for sharing, great useful info. 👍

[@fullbrightjeong8192]

I am wondering what kind of quietness I am going to use as a second car.

[@drewVL1]

That dual screens really kill this car. Great job Infiniti

[@dexterzaf]

Gorgeous exterior and interior. I just got the majestic white 2020 QX50 Sensory FWD with Apple Car play and Android Auto and the interior finish is top notch. CVT will take some getting use to specially if you are coming from a sportier car which in my case my previous car was (2017 Q60 Red Sport). The QX50 acceleration 0-60 is slower but has a smooth and quiet ride compared to Q60 Red Sport stiffer ride due to the sport suspension. I can live with the slower acceleration since I'm not doing any spirited driving, racing or taking it to the track or bombing in the canyon road. The safety features of this car and for the price (huge dealer discount and incentives) helped my decision to go with QX50 a loaded family vehicle and utility.

[@ssjkev1641]

should compete against the RDX and not the MDX since this is only a 5 seater compact CUV.

[@djdjdj944]

2020+ models all got Apple Carplay, which makes the duel screens better and more useful now so people can stop complaining. No CVT issues car runs and drives great. And looks elegant and stylish on exterior, interior top notch quality, leather stitching all around the steering and dash, center console. Anyone who hating on this car is just a diva queen

[@jamesdewer]

So Subaru tried the 4200lb tank AWD powered by a 250hp turbo 4 banger. The noteworthy 2005 Outback XT. Fun! and the AWD with the turbo and manual transmission rocked! Unfortunately, we know about roids. Fun while they last but, long term engine problems. And pricey maintenance issues. In the case of the outback the 2.5 it was over worked. Like the 5'4 bodybuilder that weighs 220lbs. Smoked Bosch clutches every 30,000miles (when you could find one), hubs all around every 10k miles. All Subarus leak oil, the turbo only exacerbated the issue. Namely fried valve cover gaskets and head gaskets. I am surprised to still see 2005-7 XTs still around. Not cheap cars to own. Parts are very specific even between similar body styles. The wrong wheel hub in the wrong location fits! But cruise control now doesn't. I sold mine with 179000 miles. Still got $6000 for it.

[@sshmus]

To me is the best info on double screen.

[@nissimlevy5476]

He didn't explain in what way the 2019 model is bigger than the 2017 model 1:19

[@Peppermint1]

I'm a bit old fashion... I like more this classic dash of the QX50 than the busy one of the RDX. Now I'm not digging the old displays, but who wants to stare at a display any way? It's there just to change the cabin temp and push a few radio buttons, never used the GPS on any car I've driven, I always use my Lumia phone GPS everywhere I go 😛 but yes, Nissan really has to come with some nice display if they want to sell the car

[@dominique4359]

I agree, most people love the outside and it gets great gas to miles the double screen is killing us because it looks dated. The inside is just as important as outside. The double screen alone is enough to make me get the RDX Acura which looks better in the inside though this gets more gas to miles. THEY NEED TO CHANGE THE DOUBLE SCREEN NEXT YEAR!!!!

[@Nismo3]

Love it. Can‘t wait to see this car here in europe.

[@derunsichtbare1885]

In 2019 with new Infotainment

[@Nismo3]

Ich hoffe mal das ein neues kommt. Werden wird dann wohl in Genf im März sehen. :)

[@derunsichtbare1885]

R P ich fahre einen Q50 mit in Touch. Eine Schande! Ich hatte gelesen, dass Infiniti mit dem Marktstart in Europa wartet, bis das neue System läuft. In Europa ist der Anspruch wohl etwas höher. Die deutschen Premiumabgasschummler legen im Bereich Infotainment die Messlatte recht hoch, nicht zu vergessen Volvo, Jaguar etc. Da gibt es viele die es einfach besser machen als Infiniti.

[@tonythan1806]

Most handsome suv out there!!!

[@d4vidneo524]

Sistema de compresión variable,está muy bien pensado.

[@lestersandoval2975]

lol i still cannot find the autograph edition

[@blexy350]

The market for this model has changed quite a bit, especially since it now is paired to a CVT. The previous gen was definitely for the more sport minded consumer. However, it is still very stunning and classy. It captures what Infiniti wanted to make of this vehicle. Personally, this would be a good choice for local driving in regards to the economy and comfortable ride. Definitely wouldn’t drive it the same way I drive my G. Can’t wait to see what infiniti does with and how they’ll incorporate the Q Inspiration as well. I did hear a new infotainment is set for 2020-2021. Apple CarPlay, and maybe Android Auto to come before.

[@swanblake]

I'm not an SUV fan , but this car is gorgeous. Only the Stelvio I hold in higher regards as far as styling. I was in the minority and love the EX35 so I'm sad they went fwd based but get it. I def would take this over the over hyped RDX. It's gorgeous inside and out. Very Solid offering. Cvt is a bummer though. 8 or 10 speed would make this a home run

[@RBzee112]

This competes with the RDX, not MDX.

[@stuna101a]

Exactly. The QX60 is for MDX competition.....

[@andrewsalas7774]

and then he said cvt...and i was like nope

[@fullbrightjeong8192]

It is likely to be very popular in Korea with its innovative design and powerful engine. I am a car enthusiast and will participate in the decision after the test. I am looking forward to a day of testing information.

[@Frankyu73]

No shot of the back seat? How much room for the back? Leg room, headroom?

[@mgutierrez4867]

Rear Leg room 38.7 inches, Headroom 38.4 inches. =)

[@jaydenwilliams920]

Post notis #1 aye

[@stuna101a]

I just leased a $58,000 Essential model QX50 here in Miami, for $3K down $440 a month, the car had 5K miles on it because it was a demo car but as a lease it makes no difference and I'm saving hundreds a month. I wanted a 2019 RDX but the Acura wanted $6K down $655 a month. I went to the dealership to get a Q50 Red Sport 400 but they didn't have any.

[@jpramos5959]

Use a broker. That's a bit high. Unless you have a bad credit.

[@stuna101a]

@@jpramos5959 I have 750 credit. I just live in Miami where it's a horrible buyer's market

[@jpramos5959]

@@stuna101a don't come back to that dealership

[@augustrushdesigns3890]

Very attractive vehicle... This is the same turbo engine available in the new 2019 Nissan Altima. I wonder if this VC Turbo will be a major fail.....

[@christopherdouglas8471]

AugustRushDesigns I tend to agree with Mike, I doubt that this VC engine is going to be the “deal maker” on technology alone, but if real-world fuel consumption is best in class, that’s a good thing, and a marketable feature.

[@augustrushdesigns3890]

Good point... When it comes to the VC-Turbo, i'm interested to see how reliable it is. I would personally prefer a reliable V-6, even with the lower fuel efficiency. Everybody has different criteria for purchasing a vehicle....

[@blexy350]

I think the engine will do well, it has been tested for a long time.

[@benlisi2540]

AugustRushDesigns Will have to wait-and-see 20 years in the making should be a good one

[@kwfown]

I’m still driving the original EX37...

[@majorautoclean5003]

I think base comes with leatherette not leather

[@Peppermint1]

Kudos for Nissan for the innovation. I wonder how efficient this is going to be in real life (ie how much different than a standard engine). Also, let's hope is reliable because if anything goes wrong past the warranty period, it's a new engine repair. As for the fuel economy, I would not compare this engine with the 3.5 V6 engine, because the Nissan's V6 is already a gas guzzler engine. But I simply wonder, why didn't Nissan simply go with a 4cyl turbo engine instead? Why investing such amount of money and energy in a new complex technology ? The 2.0T Q5 has amazing - almost shocking - city driving fuel economy and tons of power (especially at higher rpm). Why not going that way ?

[@Sanpedranoazul]

Wich brand sells more units? Infinity or Acura?

[@normt5463]

Mario Torrez Quant Lexus in North Anerica sells more than both of them.

[@whosdondada]

Acura

[@BanBiofuels]

Super good looks. Please give efficiency numbers in both KPL and MPG for the USA market.

[@hiroanz]

Christopher Calder not until US channel give metric numbers.. with all due respect just convert the numbers with Google.. that’s how the rest of the world understands US car magazines and videos.

[@giovanni4436]

hiroanz What US channel? There are many of them, and some of them even use metric units. Also, there are many people outside the US who complain about a lack of conversions. It should be up to each individual channel to decide what unit(s) they wish to use in their reviews.

[@hiroanz]

Giovanni which “gallon”? A UK gallon is larger then US gallon. Your MPG is different from someone else’s MPG.

[@hks6274]

RDX not MDX

[@sdstang01]

Hello, Mike Gurr!! 😍😍 Does he come with the QX50?

[@ZStHope]

CR says the touted fuel gains are not really there.

[@mikegurr1491]

Z StHope will have to get one for a week to truly test this figure. Typically the mfg is optimistic.

[@normt5463]

Z StHope I was surprised at CR mpg also. Those turbos are sensitive but the CVT should help.

[@ZStHope]

Agreed, i was really shocked when they said the X3 as a comparison in their test got 30's. Looking forward to Mike's full test.

[@melcollado9108]

Why are car company’s now switching to CVT ? Are they cheaper to make? These transmissions die so fast!

[@kayoss9922]

Better fuel economy and higher effective engine power

[@hsvcommodore4111]

880 Liters!? That can't be!

[@kellingtonlink956]

If quality is your number one concern, skip this for a Lexus (RX)... however, if you want style.... Infinity (cars/suvs) provides that in ‘spades’. Thanks Mike for a great review.

[@normt5463]

Kellington Link different segment as this is more NX, but slightly bigger, both with 2.0T engine.

[@dedreandixon4620]

You've obviously have not sat in one of these. Quality is NOT an issue.

[@kellingtonlink956]

You are correct. The RX has grown. In size and price. But I was talking about the BRANDS, not the specific model. I have been in the more recent Infinity’s. They are incredibly comfortable, I agree. Luxurious-yes. However, it common knowledge that BOTH Toyota and Lexus have consistently out performed Nissan/Infinity products. I love this CUV but if it’s quality you want - year after year Lexus has been in the top 3 of EVERY list. Nobody buys an LS over an S-class because they thought it would be MORE luxurious- they were luxury minded individuals who put Reliablity (and price) as paramount. Lexus IS amazing for achieving that. Nobody can disagree with me.

[@dedreandixon4620]

Like I said... you haven't sat in a new QX50. Besides the infotainment, the interior is a new level for Infiniti and is the best that they have on lots now. And that's not just the top trim. And quality and reliability are two different things. Something can be low quality and reliable and vice versa. Yes, Lexus for the most part is reliable.

[@Alarmmy]

I Test drove RX350 and QX50 and a Murano. Totally not impressed with the RX for its price. The Murano is super smooth just like the Lexus for $15k less. And the QX50 is much smoother, quieter than the RX and more equipped for the same price at $47k. You obviously did not try the QX50.

[@BigHeadClan]

Well Infiniti has at least mentioned they plan for a full refresh of the infotainment for 2020 in the Q50, as this shares the infotainment it should mean this car Gets the upgrade as well once it arrives. I still think going with the CVT was a poor choice for this segment however, a new 7-8 speed automatic would have been far more welcome. God knows Infiniti needs to replace their old Jatco unit. lol

[@blexy350]

BigHeadClan Jatco is reliable but I agree lol, it’s time to put it to rest. 7AT can be quirky in traffic uhh

[@BigHeadClan]

@@blexy350 Aye it's also pretty slow if your not on the gas or ask for more than 2 downshifts. It was good for the g37 but the Vr30 motor should have vbeen paired with something better.

[@blexy350]

BigHeadClan I wish it was more responsive when you need that burst of acceleration, takes like 3 seconds to decide you want it to downshift. In that state, I usually throw it in DS mode and downshift myself lol. I agree, maybe in the future Infiniti will do that. I feel like they heading in a good direction and will be putting good vehicles out.

[@senorgato70]

Does not compete with the MDX. It competes with the RDX. Well, it should compete with the RDX, but since they were virtually released at the same time, the RDX has been crushing it in sales in America.

[@mikegurr1491]

senorgato70 it definitely competes with the RDX. My mistake!

[@iana36s]

It looks like they ran out of development money on this machine. Potentially could have been so much more but there is no way I will buy a luxury priced vehicle with a CVT. Also unfortunate for Infinite that they did not upgrade their infotainment like the RDX. Looks good.

[@benlisi2540]

Ian Andrews I agree but the RDX looks like a Honda CRV hard to tell apart the QX 50 looks unique nothing on the road looks like it and it's beautiful inside and out and it drives like a dream

[@nahdiaalmonte3196]

Ben Lisi lol it honestly doesn’t look like the crv, maybe the back a little from a certain angle. But the front looks nothing like it nor the side

[@juanseaforth5111]

I’m very concerned with the reliability on infinity products!!

[@BigHeadClan]

Based on what...

[@kellingtonlink956]

I agree. Infinity just never achieved Lexus’ reliably reputation. After all ... it’s really Nissan vs. Toyota. And we know who wins that fight every time.

[@BigHeadClan]

@@kellingtonlink956 aye Toyota deffinetly better than Nissan on that front, but infinti is about on par with BMW without the cost and constant service intervals.

[@WALLACESHITS]

Infiniti! .. Infinity is a stereo!

[@g352007]

Beautiful SUV but CVT on a luxury car?

[@noahboy6349]

2019 Gas odor inside and outside the car - Infiniti QX50 Forum Mar 17, 2019 · 10 posts · 5 authors The gas smell is coming from the dipstick area under the hood. If you check the front grille after driving, it is concentrated on the passenger side. It's a problem with all 2019 models with the new engine as the loaner I had did the same thing.

[@JohnSmith-ve8pd]

I thnk Infiniti's main fault with their new cars is the interior dashboard. If they can pinpoint that section down and get something up and running that people actually like, it would help them immensely

[@thermalgeothermal451]

Cmon Nissan!! What’s with this cvt tomfoolery

[@scottthompson7009]

What the hell is going on with your pants? 🤣

[@qibokong6941]

The double screen and in-touch system destroyed this model....

[@jfloresX1]

Qibo Kong I agree with you 💯 %

[@Ignacio.Romero]

It looks like 2009

[@_baller]

please stop with the cvts... stop... dct or zf auto, thats it, this car looks good, but the rdx is a better value deal

[@kevin-joelcoupland5106]

no Apple CarPlay :(

[@mgutierrez4867]

Now available in 2020 models =)

[@snazari1994]

RDX you mean

[@mikegurr1491]

oops

[@vince7349]

Forgot to mention no android auto or apple carplay !! Unacceptable for 2019 in this class. In terms of looks its a winner.

[@mgutierrez4867]

Now available in 2020 models =)

[@raypayys]

beautiful car ..shame the interior is so antiquated

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

I'd stick with the old model. V6 with conventional automatic.

[@jfloresX1]

Crazy and old infotainment, and suppose to be a home run? They put a lot of effort in this car? Lame leaving a 5 year old infotainment and asking 2019 luxury prices

[@kayoss9922]

The infotainment system was ahead of many competitors back then and is still ahead of some of them today. Touch screen is only an added option on some (like BMW) and only in recent years.

[@rnwnsfla]

cvt? why?? No thanks

[@froggerc625]

Really dated infotainment and CVT?? No thanks, why settle...

[@tmwall25]

that motor looks like a nightmare for long term reliability

[@noherekruger3738]

As an MDX and QX60 owner, I'd give the nod to the RDX. This just lacks storage space and a few HP less.

[@yslavov]

I will never pay that kind of money for a CVT. Staying with Volvo.

[@djgoldthing7166]

Would do well in UK if we had it. Unfortunately, target buyers over here are probably female drivers aged 20 and upwards. They all buy evoques or German equivalents as these are the only brands that their friends are impressed by and so on and so on. Infiniti, Lexus and even jaguar struggle here because young buyers don't care about clever engineering, all they care about is the badge, as their simple friends immediately know what they paid for their new car. Sad times.

[@danb1172]

Lol interior same as in my 2012 plastic shit ,also swings on the road ?

[@benlisi2540]

Dan B interior is the same as your 2012 W it's got a better interior than what you're driving now

[@leyenda6149]

How does this compare with the platinum edition of the Murano? Call me crazy but the QX50 doesn't look sexy. The exterior kinda has that uninspired shleprock meh-ness like the Acura SUVs.

[@jaffarbaqi]

Now, all the have to do is make it reliable and durable. History tells us they otherwise.

[@BigHeadClan]

Nissan/infinti build some of the most reliable engines period. They may not lead the class in terms of over-all reliability but they are by no means bad.

[@AlexPH90]

Durable? How many g35s and g37s are still on the road? I work at a dealership and see cars with 200k+ on them all the time.

[@BigHeadClan]

+1 Had an 02 Altima with the 3.5L at 180 Miles and no engine problems, currently own a G37 with 80,000 miles and has been problem free (Knock on wood).

[@blexy350]

The VCT was in development and testing for about 20 years. It has over 300 patents too.

[@bigjdm5460]

Jaffar Abdul Baqi my grandfather has a 95 Altima with 170k it works. I had a 06 350z I beat that thing up (auto trans) Chicago winters, racing, arrested , all kinds of abuse and after selling it with 80k miles I have never had a check engine light or anything happen.

[@TheGometix]

Cvt killed the car gg

[@jdyyz5471]

No car play? Deal breaker for me.

[@mgutierrez4867]

Now available in 2020 models

[@AlexPH90]

At least they arent using a crappy mouse trackpad that nobody likes on the lexus.

[@normt5463]

So much better inside and out than the 2019 RDX. Based on Car & Driver test of the RDX of 6.6s thr QX50 should t swear.

[@mikegurr1491]

You're right, as other's have pointed out. These "compacts" are so big now that it's hard to keep categories straight.

[@Roy.story.4]

Man that infotainment system isa serious deal breaker, its sucked for so long. Why not just fix that garbage

[@benlisi2540]

N. Roy Singh what's with this infotainment I don't live in the car I drive it a listen to news sports and does that very well and it plays great music so what's the problem

[@kfuj1815]

I know most people wont care but I clicked away when I heard CVT...

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Not going to spend that much $$$ for a CVT.

[@carloscampos-kl2kl]

Why is it that cars like mercedes have ugly designs but good powertrains and great looking cars like infiniti have shitti powertrains

[@chuckmak]

CVT screams budget car

[@benlisi2540]

chuck mak no it doesn't it's much smaller than a regular transmission react quicker do you have one before you make comments

[@benlisi2540]

Smoother

[@onolicious9147]

Disappointed...Old tech, CVT, new Variable Stroke engine producing less than 300HP...???? I've owned 3 Infinitis...but not interested in this one.

[@vijayakrishnan3131]

I love the design of this vehicle, but I think the 2019 RAV-4 Hybrid would be my choice.

[@normt5463]

Vijaya Krishnan The RAV4 is an economy car. The Infiniti competes with NX 2.0T.

[@ronch550]

New engine + new transmission = risky buy

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Nissan doesn't have a great track record with CVTs. Their Murano's, for one, had high failure rates.

[@DacAL_8]

No Carplay!

[@mgutierrez4867]

Now available in 2020 models

[@lesserlotus7707]

those shorts tho lol

[@mikegurr1491]

Ethan Story that was my driving partner for the day ;)

[@christopherdouglas8471]

Ethan Story That was scary for a second there!

[@LouAntonioGiordano]

Nissan/Infiniti reliabilty, CVT and that variable compression engine. Yeap this is a car that should be leased or sold after the warranty runs out. Don’t say that all Japanese cars reliable lol. Nissan is like the Japanese FCA. The last good Nissan is the Xtrail and that was sold in Canada only. Now all their cars are cheaply built garbage.

[@blexy350]

Louis Win the engine has been around for a long time. Supposedly the CVT has been refined and new software. Hopefully it’s not a nightmare.

[@shaynerism]

I've been a Nissan/Infiniti fan since my first Maxima in 2005. Had two Max's, a G35, FX45, and now I'm driving an FX50S. To be honest, the QX50 is nothing but a disappointment. Infiniti sound systems suck (Bose blows), their screens/interfaces are dated compared to EVERYONE else, and their models just keep getting more boring. I won't be getting another. Oh, and nissan CVT are well known to have issues, including high failure rates. There are a lot of moving parts in that engine (even active engine mounts? What does that tell you...) and I'll bet long-term these things will have problems. The only way this thing has a chance to compete is if it's cheaper; anyone looking in this segment will probably spend their money on something else.

[@benlisi2540]

Shayne Dixie and you know all of this wow you are a genius

[@guidedmeditation2396]

The styling is offensive to me. I believe it has the quality it needs but the styling just doesn't appeal to me. Sorry.

[@71aquaviva]

And I do not like this qx50 either.

[@jctai100]

Wait a minute, this guy ISN'T a disheveled English hipster???

[@knightmarel]

Same garbage infotainment screens and Nissan cvt reliability is a joke

[@evdb7246]

CVTs are horrible. Pass.

[@syedsadiq4446]

crap

[@RM-jj4ut]

I really do not like Infiniti... And a cvt? Seriously?

[@jonathondeeds3423]

What a stupid review very little emphasis on the ground breaking variable compression engine this is the first vehicle in history to come with variable compression and everyone is like "what color options are there"

[@Blank5115]

Garbage CVT, that cripples their "new" engine. Sounds like a rubber band when you rev btw. Lots of effort? Antiquated infotainment system still lacking Apple carplay/android auto. Horrendous nav and apps suck. The speaker system is garbage(typical Bose). The leather smells like cheap pleather. Plastic switches everywhere and garbage seat adjustability. Go home.