The INFINITI QX50 has been reborn into a luxury crossover that many SUV shoppers will find highly attractive. The fully redesigned 2019 INFINITI QX50 has increased cargo space, the latest technology and safety upgrades, and sleek exterior styling. The QX50 is also the first production vehicle to be powered by a new variable compression engine that helps save fuel consumption by adjusting the air/fuel ratio and compression on the fly.
What's New for 2019
The new QX50 has received a complete overhaul for 2019. In previous years, the QX50 sat on a rear-wheel-drive platform. The new QX50 switches to a front-wheel- or all-wheel-drive configuration with power being applied through a continuously variable transmission. The 2019 QX50 has grown 4.2 inches taller and expanded 3.9 inches wider. However, the smoother body lines have decreased drag coefficient by six percent. The new design increases cargo and passenger space to nearly 32 cubic feet, while folding down the rear seats expands cargo space to 64.4 cubic feet.
Arguably the biggest change for 2019 is the addition of the 2.0-liter inline-four VC-turbo engine that belts out 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Without getting too technical, this variable compression engine uses a series of levers and links inside the crankcase to alter the compression ratio from 8:1 to 14:1 on the fly. The higher compression, along with the additional boost from the turbocharger, helps to improve fuel economy. The EPA rates the front-wheel-drive QX50 at 27 miles per gallon combined, while all-wheel-drive models achieve 26 mpg combined.
Choosing Your INFINITI QX50
Consumers looking to buy a 2019 INFINITI QX50 have three well-equipped models to choose from: the Pure, Luxe, and Essential. The Pure and Luxe come standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available for an additional $1,800. The Essential is exclusively offered with all-wheel drive.
The 2.0-liter variable compression engine is standard on all QX50 models, as is the CVT. The QX50 rides on standard 19-inch wheels that feature run-flat tires, which is a nice added feature since the full-sized spare has been removed for additional cargo space.
INFINITI has raised the bar in the ultra-competitive luxury crossover segment with the 2019 QX50. For the money, the Luxe model is likely the best buy at a taste above $40,000. Consumers searching for bells and whistles in their luxury crossover SUV will find the multiple package offerings available with the Essential to their liking.