• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Auto Trends Magazine

Car reviews, industry news, & advice.

You are here: Home / New Car Reviews / Sport Luxury SUV: Infiniti QX50

Sport Luxury SUV: Infiniti QX50

June 27, 2016 by admin 8 Comments

Muscular, luxury SUV brings performance to the compact range.

2016 Infiniti QX50.
2016 Infiniti QX50.

When was the last time you found a crossover utility vehicle exciting? Crickets. Yeah, I thought so.

To be fair, there are some fun crossovers out there, but typically you’ll have to opt for the high-end performance edition and all-wheel drive to obtain one. And be prepared to pay through the nose if you follow through on your purchase.

Then there is the Infiniti QX50, a small SUV with an attitude. As in standard rear-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive. It is priced from a very reasonable $34,450 ($35,850), offering a tantalizing entry-point to the Infiniti brand.

It is the “bones” of a model that tells its story best, and for the QX50 that platform has yielded the Nissan 370Z (previously 350Z), a two-seat sports car. This salient fact alone demonstrates to all that the Infiniti QX50 is no run-of-the-mill crossover, to the cheers of enthusiasts everywhere.

Reworked Naming Convention

Now that you know the platform derivative, just where does the QX50 fit in the Infiniti naming universe?

Over the past few years, Infiniti has gone with a new naming convention whereby all cars start with a “Q” and all utility vehicles begin with a “QX.” Two numbers follow, thus the QX50 is the smallest of three crossovers sold by Nissan’s luxury brand and is followed by the QX60 and the QX70. The top-of-the-line QX80 is a fourth utility vehicle, but it is a traditional truck-based SUV.

Incidentally, the Infiniti QX70 shares the same architecture as the QX50 and 370Z, but it is slightly longer and wider than the QX50. Further, the QX50 was originally sold as the EX35, making the shift to its new name in 2014 when Infiniti’s current nomenclature was adopted.

Tested: 2016 Infiniti QX50 RWD

A 2016 Infiniti QX50 RWD was presented to me just as spring began to give way to summer. That’s noteworthy for two personal reasons — 1), school was out and traffic everywhere was lighter, and 2), it was hot as anything, which means I had the air-conditioner working at full blast. Being stuck in traffic on a hot day is not my definition of fun. Happily, that problem was avoided.

Beyond its $34,450 base price, you can build your QX50 out to your heart’s desire. Infiniti dispenses with trim levels, supplying various packages to enhance the buyer experience.

The test SUV came with four packages and one upgrade — illuminated kick plates, which added $440. Specifically, it was equipped with technology ($2,750), deluxe touring ($2,400), premium ($500), and premium plus ($2,000) packages. Add in the $995 destination charge and this SUV cost $43,535.

New for 2016: Longer Wheelbase

For 2016, Infiniti made some changes to its smallest crossover, including adding 3.2 inches to the wheelbase. That’s the most important change and for a very good reason — the previously constrained rear seating space has more legroom, making it much more comfortable for adults sitting back there. Although the QX50 offers seatbelts for five, it is more comfortable for four. Earlier models were so tight that only smaller individuals (read children) could sit there in comfort. Previous problem resolved.

Other changes bring in enhanced styling and new package content. We’ll look at some of that content shortly.

Infiniti markets the QX50 as a “personal” crossover what typically describes an entry-level model geared toward the single buyer or the buyer with a significant other. That means the rear seat is typically an afterthought, notwithstanding Infiniti’s decision to improve leg and knee room this year.

The price point is very attractive too, although an even smaller model, the QX30 will slot beneath the QX50 when it goes on sale later this year. Let’s just say if you’re looking to move from a mainstream brand such as Nissan to a luxury brand such as Infiniti, you’ll soon have more reasons to make that transition.

Exterior Highlights

A sporty visage is marked by a bold grille hemmed in by a pair of angular headlamp assemblies. The lower grille opening is slightly larger and is offset by stylish embrasures housing fog lamps and LED lights — both are circumscribed with a chrome-like design.

The QX50 has a sloping, but muscular hood, strong shoulders, a rising belt line, and a coupe-like roof line. Upper character lines, rocker panel trim, chrome wheels, and color-keyed side mirrors are among its transcendent features. At the rear is a clamshell hatch amplified by a spoiler, oversized wraparound combination lights, chrome accents, and two sizable exhaust ports.

Interior Highlights

Inside, leather covers the lower dashboard with soft touch material on top. The leather treatment extends to the steering wheel, door inlays, and the seats. No cheap materials are found here.

The test model gained an 8-way power driver’s seat and 2-way lumbar support by means of the deluxe touring package. The instrument panel features pairs of large and small analog displays with a digital driver’s information display centered between the two.

The main drawback for this model is the center console layout. The available 7-inch color display (courtesy of the premium plus package) sits on top and immediately below that is a dial and switches for controlling same. However, those controls are pitched at a downward sloping angle — for tall drivers, reading them shouldn’t be a problem. But for shorter drivers you may need to crane your neck to decipher the keys.

Beneath the console is an analog clock, audio and climate control dials and switches, followed by a small concealed storage compartment.

Between the seats is a the transmission shifter stick, as well as switches and knobs controlling seat temperature and the driving mode — normal or snow. Two cup holders are present as well as the requisite armrest with a nifty compartmentalized design. You’ll find a 12-volt outlet and a USB port therein.

New Console Design Wanted

My main criticism with the center console design is its layout. With the cup holders placed where they are, shifting means you’ll find interference whenever drinks are present. Of course, the cabin is fairly compact , so that means reworking the area means possibly adding cup holders that spring from the dashboard or perhaps abut the base of the center stack.

As it stands, the QX50 has only four drink holders — the other two are found within the rear seat drop down armrest. The front doors have narrow storage slots, but they are not large enough to hold drinks. The rear doors do not offer storage compartments.

The rear storage compartment is spacious and comes with a cargo light and tie down clips. There are also a pair of switches for managing the 60-40 split folding rear seat. Press either button and a portion of the seat automatically drops down. Hold the button and the seats rise up. Underneath the cargo area floor is a temporary spare tire. It sure beats the feature typically found in many luxury cars today, namely a power tire inflator. When you’re ready to drop the hatch an embedded handle is present. Sorry, no electronic switch is available.

Powerful Engine, Shiftable Transmission

Kudos to Infiniti for designing a quiet model with a comfortable ride. But that comfort doesn’t come at a cost to driving dynamics.

All QX50 models are powered by a 3.7-liter, V-6 engine making 325 horsepower and 267 foot-pounds of torque. It is naturally aspirated and that means no boosting is offered — turbo or supercharger. That’s fine with me as there is generous amounts of energy at the ready for an engine paired with a 7-speed automatic with adaptive shift control.

If a crossover were to offer a manual transmission, this Infiniti would be the ideal model to include one. As it stands, the only Infiniti model in North America to offer a manual is the Q60 coupe and convertible. But a shiftable automatic is the next best thing and in this Infiniti the fun factor is amplified.

Infiniti QX50: On the Road

Step on the accelerator and you’ll immediately gauge that the power emanating from underneath the hood is generous. Infiniti could have stuck an inline four underneath, but they did not. Instead, you have a potent and at times raucous V-6 that has the power and the passion to move this model.

Never once did I feel the QX50 was underpowered. The engine immediately snaps to attention, delivering copious amounts of power throughout the band curve.

Where this model truly shines is on the open road or should I say on the twisty back road where you can push the SUV to its limits. But before you get moving, switch the transmission stick to manual mode and have at it (no paddle shifters are available). But be forewarned — this arrangement doesn’t override your upshifting, so be attentive that you don’t redline it. I nearly did once when I forgot I had it in manual mode.

The shifter moves quickly between gears and helps push the crossover down the road with authority. Power-assisted steering is present; handling is enhanced by a subframe-mounted independent front double-wishbone suspension with aluminum-alloy upper and lower links, twin-tube shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar.

At the rear, the suspension features an independent multi-link design with aluminum-alloy upper and lower links and axle housing, twin-tube shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar. Vented front disc brakes and standard rear disc brakes bring this model to a stop.

Although not as “involved” as a 370Z or other sport models, the QX50 does offer an enjoyable driving experience. It is still a high-profile vehicle so when you hit the twisties you’ll sense some body roll and you’ll probably find yourself easing up on the accelerator and perhaps tapping the brake pedal. Once you get the hang of it, you may find the ideal balance of performance and utility, what truly makes this model shine.

Competition and Buying Considerations

So, how do you make a case for the QX50? That’s easy — you are a sports car enthusiast, are married, and have just started a family. No stodgy minivan or a torpid crossover for you. Instead, you want something similar to the Porsche Macan, but at a more reasonable price. Enter the Infiniti QX50.

Granted, few people will settle for the low price point, given the amenities offered. If you want navigation, then the $2,000 premium package must be ordered. If you want power amenities, then the $2,400 deluxe touring package should be considered. It is at this point you cross the $40,000 mark, but that’s still $7,500 less than the Porsche Macan, perhaps the best-known model in this segment.


2016 Infiniti QX50 RWD

  • Sticker price from $34,450
  • Price as tested: $43,535
  • Seats 5
  • 3.7-liter V-6 gasoline engine
  • 325 horsepower @ 7,000 RPM
  • 267 foot-pounds of torque @ 5,200 RPM
  • 3.76 inches bore by 3.39 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 11.0-to-1
  • 7-speed automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 113.4 inches
  • Length: 186.8 inches
  • Width: 71 inches
  • Height: 62.7 inches
  • Passenger volume: 115.4 cubic feet
  • Storage volume: 18.6 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: 5,000 pounds
  • EPA: 17 mpg city, 24 mpg highway
  • Premium grade gasoline
  • Fuel tank: 20.0 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 3,855 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Good, moderate overlap front and head restraints & seats
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 4 years/60,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 6 years/70,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 7 years/unlimited miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Tochigi, Japan

See Also — Ford Explorer Platinum Offers Lincoln Touches


2016 Infiniti QX50 photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine.


Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: all-wheel drive, Infiniti QX50, leather, luxury, sport utility vehicle, SUVs

About admin

Matt Keegan has maintained his love for cars ever since his father taught him kicking tires can be one way to uncover a problem with a vehicle’s suspension system. He since moved on to learn a few things about coefficient of drag, G-forces, toe-heel shifting, and how to work the crazy infotainment system in some random weekly driver. Matt is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association and is a contributor to various print and online media sources.

Reader Interactions

Trackbacks

  1. Second Look: 2016 Nissan Titan XD says:
    November 19, 2016 at 6:29 pm

    […] See Also — Substantial Luxe: 2016 Cadillac Escalade Platinum 4×4 […]

    Log in to Reply
  2. On the Road With an Infiniti Q50S says:
    January 8, 2017 at 10:25 am

    […] See Also — Sport Luxury SUV: Infiniti QX50 […]

    Log in to Reply
  3. The Infiniti QX80 Goes to Washington says:
    January 12, 2017 at 5:37 pm

    […] See Also — Sport Luxury SUV: Infiniti QX50 […]

    Log in to Reply
  4. Excellent Value Proposition: 2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport says:
    January 12, 2017 at 8:01 pm

    […] See Also — Sport Luxury SUV: Infiniti QX50 […]

    Log in to Reply
  5. Driving Green With the All-New 2016 Toyota Prius says:
    April 10, 2017 at 3:46 pm

    […] See Also — Substantial Luxe: 2016 Cadillac Escalade Platinum 4×4 […]

    Log in to Reply
  6. Branding: What’s In a Model Name? says:
    April 18, 2017 at 11:43 am

    […] two numbers now representing cars (Q70, for example) and “QX” applied to all utility vehicles (QX50, QX60 and QX70). Unlike Cadillac, Infiniti introduced its new naming convention at […]

    Log in to Reply
  7. Driven: 2017 Land Rover Discovery Sport says:
    April 24, 2017 at 12:02 pm

    […] is strong. Compare this model with the Cadillac XT5, Audi Q5, Lincoln MKC, BMW X5, Lexus NX, Infiniti QX50, and […]

    Log in to Reply
  8. Stretched Luxury: 2017 Infiniti Q70L — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    May 9, 2017 at 1:41 pm

    […] See Also — Sport Luxury SUV: Infiniti QX50 […]

    Log in to Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport

Recent Comments

  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis — Auto Trends Magazine on Raptor Fighter: Ram 1500 TRX!
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis — Auto Trends Magazine on 5 Retired American Car Brands
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis — Auto Trends Magazine on Peugeot Prepares for its U.S. Return
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis — Auto Trends Magazine on Sportback Performance: Buick Regal GS
  • On the Prowl With a 2020 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody — Auto Trends Magazine on The 14 Brands of Stellantis

Archives

  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008
  • May 2008
  • April 2008

Categories

  • Auto Parts
  • Auto Shows
  • Automotive Career
  • Automotive News
  • Book Reviews
  • Car Tips
  • Classics & Discontinued Models
  • Commentary
  • Commercial Vehicles
  • Concept Vehicles
  • Dealers
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Fleet
  • Fun News
  • Maintenance & Repairs
  • Motorsport
  • New Car Reviews
  • New Models
  • Ownership Experience
  • Product Reviews
  • Special
  • Specifications
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

New!
Check out our Jobs Board!

via GIPHY

Subscribe to Auto Trends

Subscribe in a reader

Social Media

Visit our social media pages:
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest

Where is Matt Currently Published?

The Carolinian (new car reviews)
NAPA Know How Blog
On the Road Again

Pages

  • About
  • Authors List
  • Automotive Brochures
  • Contact
  • Industry Jobs
  • Write
    • Style Guide

Categories

Recent Posts

  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • The All-New and Formidable 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • Fuel-Efficiency and AWD Champion: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  • Midsize Performance Master: 2021 Hyundai Sonata N-Line
  • Performance Hatchback: The All-New 2021 Mazda Mazda3 Turbo!
  • NACTOY Finalists For 2021 Offer Familiar and Futuristic Choices
  • Super Trooper: Nissan Titan Pickup
  • Behind the Wheel of the Popular 2021 Toyota Corolla Sedan
  • Lucid Motors Completes Arizona Factory
  • A Robust Turbodiesel Comes to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • Mid-Engine Masterpiece: The Eighth-Generation Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
  • Compact Performance:
    2021 Cadillac CT4-V
  • All-Wheel Drive Supplies the Nissan Altima With a Competitive Edge
  • Return of the Toyota Venza!
  • Lexus Brings a Convertible to the Gorgeous LC 500 Line
  • Stellantis Logo Revealed by Peugeot, Fiat Chrysler Ahead of Spring Merger
  • Preview: 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • How to Fix a Broken Rivian Vehicle
  • Cadillac Gets Most Things Right
    With the XT6 Crossover
  • The High Potency Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Coupe
  • The All-New Chevrolet Trailblazer Forges Urban Paths
  • The Small Infiniti QX50 is Big on Tech and Engineering Features
  • Toyota Brings the TRD Treatment to the Midsize Camry Sedan
  • The Kia K5 Outclasses Most Competitors, Including the Departing Optima
  • Can the Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Handle Tough Terrain?
  • Subaru WRX Showcases Its Performance Chops
  • Infiniti Overhauls QX80 Trims and Makes This Important Safety Feature Standard
  • Ford F-250 Super Duty and a Trail-Stomping Tremor Package
  • A Cut Above: Mazda’s Mazda3
  • The Highly Efficient Hyundai Ioniq
  • Volkswagen Atlas Revels in its Strengths
  • General Motors Deepens Partnership With Honda, Takes Stake in Nikola
  • Smart Concept: Jeep Grand Wagoneer
  • More Than an Encore: Buick Encore GX
  • Got a Recall? There’s an App for That.
  • Refreshed Nissan Titan Makes Its Case
  • BMW M235i: Not Your Typical Coupe
  • Hot Stuff: Lexus RC F Sport Coupe
  • Will the Electric Vehicle Boom Create New-Found Dependencies for Foreign Minerals?
  • Rumors? We Got Them!
  • About Bollinger Motors, EV Startup
  • Raptor Fighter: Ram 1500 TRX!
  • White Space Wonder: 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport
  • About the 2021 Genesis GV80
  • The Toyota Supra Gets a Four-Cylinder Engine and We’re Simply Gobsmacked!
June 2016
S M T W T F S
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
2627282930  
« May   Jul »

Copyright © 2021 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in