The Infiniti QX50 has an all-new, innovative engine and a roomy, quiet, and well-furnished interior. But the engine doesn't provide the promised performance or fuel economy, and the controls are confusing to use.
There's quick acceleration from a stop, but the engine's high revs become annoyingly loud, disrupting an otherwise quiet cabin. The QX50's 22 mpg overall in CR testing falls below results for its key competitors, and Infiniti's own fuel-economy claims of 26 mpg combined.
The QX feels ponderous to drive, even in day-to-day use, partly because of its overly light steering; this SUV handles more like a larger vehicle. The suspension absorbs most bumps, but some thumps punch through harder than expected.
It's easy to get into the spacious cabin, and the fit and finish is a high point, featuring quality leather and chrome throughout.
Overall, the front seats are comfortable, but the bottom cushion is too short. Also, the lumbar adjustment is only two-way, which is unexpected at this price.
The infotainment controls are very confusing. We found it a hassle to select the correct function on the dual screens at a glance. It takes too many steps to execute some common tasks, such as programming audio presets.
We did, however, find the optional 360-degree vehicle display helpful when parking.
The key safety features, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, come standard.
See the complete Infiniti QX50 road test.
HIGHS: Quiet interior, fit and finish, braking, standard advanced safety equipment
LOWS: Confusing controls, short on agility
POWERTRAIN: 268-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine; continuously variable; all-wheel drive
FUEL: 22 mpg on premium fuel
PRICE AS TESTED: $51,380
Editor's Note: This article also appeared in the August 2018 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.
