The 2020 Infiniti QX50 impresses with its glitzy looks and curvy edges. And to match its distinctive outward appearance, the Infiniti QX50 looks pretty dazzling on the inside too. Although, some might find that this luxury compact SUV is only skin deep. 

Cruising around in the 2020 Infiniti QX50

The 2020 Infiniti QX50 impresses with its glitzy looks and curvy edges. And to match its distinctive outward appearance, the Infiniti QX50 looks pretty dazzling on the inside too. Although, some might find that this luxury compact SUV is only skin deep. 

Cruising around in the 2020 Infiniti QX50

The QX50 is no speed demon, but it is the type of SUV that can make everyday driving situations more enjoyable. What makes the QX50 a compelling choice is Infiniti’s novel VC-Turbo engine, setting it apart from other compact SUVs.

To be more specific, the QX50’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder can adapt to your driving behaviors and contributes to its fuel efficiency. According to Consumer Reports’ road test, the QX50 has a real-world economy of 22 mpg. This rating is average for the class. However, this Infiniti has an EPA estimate of 26 mpg, which shows that trusting EPA estimates can be risky. 

Overall, the QX50 did well in CR’s road test. This luxury SUV accelerates promptly, and it doesn’t struggle with turbo lag. Reviewers at CR felt that the QX50’s continuously variable transmission is quirky at higher speeds, which isn’t uncommon. Yet, road testers in the U.S. News were more critical of the SUV’s CVT.

U.S. News ranks the 2020 QX50 toward the back of the luxury compact class because of its transmission. Reviewers here felt that the QX50’s transmission makes it slow to respond. Even though this is a valid critique, the QX50 still earns praise for its well-balanced handling and responsiveness. 

Cabin comforts 

While the QX50 earns mixed reviews for its performance, its interior lives up to our expectations. This compact SUV can comfortably seat five, and even tall passengers won’t mind riding in the back. Additionally, the QX50 is recognized for its supportive seats, which are suitable for longer trips. 

Base models come with sharp-looking faux leather upholstery. If you’d like, you can select the optional quilted leather seats. Heated and cooled front seats are available too. The 2021 version adds noise-insulating windows to make the QX50’s cabin more peaceful.   

For the most part, the QX50 impresses when it comes to tech. It has various standard active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, front and rear collision warning, and pedestrian detection. You can also upgrade for more gadgets, like traffic recognition assist. Infiniti also offers a semi-autonomous driving function called ProPilot Assist.

Infiniti made Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity standard features for 2020. A dual infotainment screen system is also standard. The upper screen is eight inches, and the lower screen is seven. This setup isn’t the most user-friendly, though. Some critics found the on-screen menus to be confusing; others felt like the graphics were outdated.

Reliability and predicted owner satisfaction 

The QX50 is enticing, but class rivals like the Lexus NX are more impressive regarding predicted reliability. CR gave the 2020 QX50 an average reliability score. Based on J.D. Power data, U.S. News gave the model a subpar dependability ranking.

The QX50 also earned lackluster owner satisfaction ratings. According to CR, 57 percent of 2019 QX50 owners would repurchase the SUV, the lowest rating in the class for this model year. Despite this, CR still recommends the QX50. Furthermore, it’s starting price of $37,250 makes it one of the cheaper options in its class.