Used 2019 INFINITI QX50 LUXE SUV Review

Infiniti's QX50 has long prioritized dynamic handling over outright functionality. But that changes with the fully redesigned 2019 Infiniti QX50. With softer on-road manners and a more luxurious interior, it's a more desirable and competitive choice for a luxury crossover SUV.

Certainly, Infiniti took its sweet time to bring out the new QX50. You could trace the previous-generation QX50's roots all the way back to 2008, when Infiniti debuted the model as the EX. But the wait may have been worth it. Other than the number of people it can seat, this new model is different in just about every way.

We'll start from the obvious: The 2019 iteration is a little shorter but considerably wider and taller than the previous QX50. Even the ground clearance is increased by about 2 inches, which gives the exterior a much squatter and aggressive stance.

These new dimensions also allow for a completely new interior. There's more rear legroom than before, and the rear seats can slide, recline and fold flat for increased cargo capacity. And speaking of cargo capacity, there's now a total of 31.4 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, nearly 13 more cubic feet than before.

Up front, there's an all-new cabin and Infiniti's latest infotainment system. It's a dual-screen setup, with the top screen handling navigation duties and the bottom screen tackling entertainment functions and climate control. Otherwise, the rest of the interior is similar to that of Infiniti's Q50 sedan, with its broad swoops and strokes and twin-screen infotainment system.

But there's even bigger news from the powertrain. While previous models featured a V6, the 2019 QX50 has a new turbocharged four-cylinder with a revolutionary new variable compression technology. Although this engine produces less maximum horsepower than the previous V6, it makes more torque and spreads it out more evenly across the engine's operating range. The result, Infiniti promises, is quicker acceleration around town and higher fuel economy.

After testing the QX50, it's this new powertrain, discouragingly, that disappoints the most. The continuously variable automatic transmission's inconsistent responses seem to sap whatever potential advantages the engine might have. And real-world fuel economy is only incrementally better for the QX50 than for other rival SUVs with four-cylinder engines.

Thankfully, the rest of Infiniti's new 2019 QX50 is quite good. If you're shopping for a small but roomy luxury crossover SUV, the QX50 is worth checking out.

What's it like to live with?

For a more complete take on the Infiniti QX50 of this generation, check out our experiences from a full year of living with a 2019 Infiniti QX50 Essential AWD. We cover everything from comfort to performance. Style and technology were some of its benefits, but we took issue with elements of its performance.

The 2019 Infiniti QX50 is available in three trims: Pure, Luxe and Essential. Each comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (268 horsepower, 280 lb-ft of torque) paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional. The Pure is a well-equipped base model, while Luxe models provide additional luxury and safety options. The Essential trim adds even more luxury and convenience options.

Pure models ride on 19-inch wheels with run-flat tires. LED headlights are standard, as are keyless ignition and entry and a hands-free liftgate. Inside, you'll find dual-zone automatic climate control, simulated leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and 60/40-split rear seats that also slide and recline. Standard tech includes a dual-screen infotainment system, Bluetooth, four USB ports, and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio. Forward collision warning and mitigation with automatic emergency braking is also included.

Upgrade to the Luxe and get a panoramic sunroof, roof rails, LED foglights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a blind-spot monitoring system. Importantly, heated front seats are available as an option at this level.

The Essential trim adds leather seating, navigation, a surround-view camera system with object detection, front and rear parking sensors, remote engine start, three-zone climate control, heated outside mirrors, and automatic wipers.

The Essential is the only trim on which Infiniti gives you significant choices for more optional features. A Premium Heat package for the Essential, for example, adds heated front seats, a heated and power-adjustable steering wheel, and driver-seat memory settings. A Sensory package bundles the above with 20-inch wheels, adaptive front headlights, an upgraded climate control system, premium leather upholstery, a simulated suede headliner, extended interior ambient lighting, ventilated front seats, and rear window sunshades.

Additional safety packages for the Essential include the ProAssist package, with rear cross-traffic alert, distance control alert, traffic-adapting cruise control and backup collision mitigation, and the ProActive package, which brings ProAssist plus lane departure warning, automatic high beams, adaptive steering, upgraded adaptive cruise control, blind-spot intervention, lane departure intervention, a head-up display, and a parking system. You can also get a 16-speaker Bose audio system and a tow package that increases the QX50's tow rating to 3,000 pounds.