Sharing platforms with both the Nissan Murano and Altima, the QX50 acts as Infiniti's entry-level SUV.
Five trim levels are available, and all are powered by Infiniti's 2.0-liter inline four "VC-Turbo," the first commercially available variable compression ratio engine. We tried to write an easy-to-understand explanation, but we'll just let Infiniti explain it with this handy graphic:
That powerplant is paired to a CVT that--depending on the configuration--can send power to the rear wheels or all of the wheels.
The real question, however, is if that variable compression ratio engine makes the QX50 any more engaing to drive.
Other staff views
Tim Suddard
Publisher Emeritus
Truly great cars abound in today’s world. Some cars are so fast, it is inconceivable that that level of speed could even be possible. There are cars so quiet and so comfortable, that they make you forget you are even driving. Then there are off-road vehicles so capable, that it seems nothing could stop them. Better yet, some cars are such a good deal that you just don‘t understand how they could be built for the price they are sold at.
The 2020 Infiniti QX50 is none of these things.
In a world filled with great upscale, small SUVs, the Infiniti has nothing to offer. With a 2.0L four cylinder, it is not fast. This engine is coupled to the QX50’s weakest link: it’s annoying and noisy CVT transmission. If this was just a $30,000 Nissan (which underneath, it most likely is), you might think it has a pretty nice interior, but this is a $60,000 Infiniti and this car is nowhere near its competitors.
We will waste no more words on this car and save them for something worth writing more about.
Marjorie Suddard
General Manager
If you drive a lot of different cars—and even if you don’t—it’s hard not to develop favorites. Not to mention some brands that you just don’t like. I try not to carry prejudices into an evaluation, but there are just some manufacturers who clearly have a different idea than I do about what makes a car excellent.
Nissan (and, by extension, Infiniti) is one of those. Where others may find the Infiniti’s turbo four raucous and muscular-sounding, I just found it rough and loud. Where some people might enjoy the groan of the Infiniti’s CVT (kinky folk, maybe?) I just found it annoying.
In fact, nothing about this car was better than the Hyundai Palisade it replaced in my driveway. In fact, aside from maybe the big Hyundai touchscreen in the dash, there was nothing on the $60K Infiniti that I liked better than the Hyundai that cost almost half that. It’s almost like Hyundai is at the top of the game while Infiniti is wandering a directionless wasteland—you know, if I had an opinion.
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