Infiniti Q50

After a recent freshening, the Q50 is now a competitive luxury sports sedan, available in rear- and all-wheel-drive configurations. Opting for the 3.0t version brings a turbocharged V6 engine at the price that most competitors charge for a turbocharged four-cylinder. The V6, combined with the standard seven-speed automatic transmission, makes the Q50 quick and punchy, but fuel economy falls short at 22 mpg overall. Handling is quite nimble, and the ride is compliant. The cabin and backseat are relatively roomy, but the trunk is small, even for this class. Infiniti's touch-screen infotainment system is cumbersome to use, requiring multiple screen taps for simple tasks. A turbo four-cylinder, a hybrid, and a 400-hp turbo V6 are also available.

While the Q50 is quick, an underwhelming driving experience limits its sporty credentials. On the luxury front, fit and finish, ride comfort, and noise isolation aren't impressive. Handling is lackluster, mostly due to the dull steering. Ride comfort is unsettled and suffers from the run-flat tires. The punchy powertrain isn't a model of refinement and fuel economy is not impressive. For the class, the cabin is quite roomy and the rear seat is hospitable, but the front seat has a short cushion. Even more frustrating is the agonizingly slow-responding touchscreen interface.