2016 Infiniti QX50 crossover stretches but doesn't reinvent

Infiniti's QX50, formerly known as the EX35, has been a bit of a place-holder of late—an undistinguished small-SUV entry plugging a hole in the lineup. Sales have been dismal the last few years. That may be about to change.

For 2016, the QX50 has been stretched about three inches at the wheelbase, granting more than four additional inches to rear-seat leg and knee room. That will be welcome news to anyone who's been confined to that punishment cell in previous versions.

In other respects, the "new" QX50, due to go on sale this fall, seems little changed. It's still essentially a raised wagon version of the old G37 sedan, a car we liked very much for its quickness, agility, and composed ride. Carrying over is the smooth seven-speed automatic and 325-hp, 3.7-liter V6, which remains a great engine despite its many years of production. Fuel economy has never been great, though, and we don't expect that to change dramatically with this model, in either rear- or all-wheel-drive form.

Modest exterior changes for 2016 include LED daytime running lights incorporated into the headlights, LED taillights, and a new styling treatment for the grille, front and rear bumpers, and lower fascias.

Standard features include leather upholstery and multi-adjustable heated, powered front seats, as well as a backup camera and keyless ignition. Plenty of electronic convenience gadgets are optional, including Infiniti's 360-degree camera system, which is a tremendous parking aid, and power folding rear seats. Up-to-date safety gear available in uplevel packages include blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and full speed-range adaptive cruise control with forward-collision warning.

Whether the new toys and extra rear-seat space can lift the QX50 from the sales doldrums is anyone's guess. The cargo area behind the rear seats remains very small, and this car faces stiff competition from many newer luxury-brand alternatives, such as the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Lexus NX. Furthermore, in order not to cannibalize sales of the new QX30, Infiniti might have to raise the price of the QX50 to the $40,000-plus neighborhood and that could give many potential buyers second thoughts.      

See our complete 2015 New York auto show coverage.

—Gordon Hard