2018 Infiniti QX50 Pros vs Cons

The 2018 Infiniti QX50 is a brilliant revamp of the aging crossover SUV. Stunning technology upgrades and the new, sleeker exterior make this an all-around classy car. The engine is powerful and smooth, and plenty of room in the interior lets this car be the perfect multitasking SUV.

What’s New for 2018?

Nearly every aspect of the QX50 has been retooled this year. The old-school rear-wheel and all-wheel drive systems are swapped out for a transverse-engine architecture designed in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz. The powertrain is a unique variable compression system which will be covered in detail below. Most of the exterior has been redesigned, including a black mesh grille and a stylish front end. The interior sports plenty of new technology, including a new all-digital instrument cluster on the dashboard of higher-level models.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2018 Infiniti QX50 – The Pros

1. Unique Engine

The most jaw-dropping feature of the 2018 Infiniti QX50 is Infiniti’s decision to give it an all-new type of engine. This car is the first production vehicle to feature an engine with an actively varying compression ratio. This means that this car is more efficient and more powerful than not only equivalent engines but also larger, higher horsepower engines. The AVC engine offers an impressive 268 horsepower with its four cylinders and is said to be up to 27% more efficient than a six-cylinder engine with the same horsepower.

2. Collaborative Mercedes-Benz Platform

Infiniti has decided that the old QX50’s platform wasn’t good enough for modern times, and instead replaced it with a collaboratively-made platform. This platform is similar to the one shared by the Mercedes-Benz GLA and the Infiniti QX30, but so far the only signs of this platform are on the QX50. The platform is a transverse-engine design that spreads across the entire base of the car, lending support and power while still remaining light.

3. CVT Transmission

The 2018 Infiniti QX50 sports an impressive continuously variable transmission with its one-of-a-kind engine. This CVT is also more efficient than other transmission types, letting you accelerate and decelerate more smoothly with its single gear. Infiniti’s CVT is impressively smooth even for the transmission type and is able to change from efficient low-boost piston strokes to maximum output high-boost strokes in under one and a half seconds.

4. Sleek Exterior

Crossover SUVs generally have bland exteriors, but the QX50 definitely stands out. Its front headlights are placed aggressively high, and the all black front grille is made out of mesh. The car’s curves and lines flow smoothly from front to back, and some accents on the hood and body sides give the crossover a little bit of edge.

5. Comfortable Seating

The 2018 Infiniti QX50 can easily seat five, with two seats in the front and two in the back. The back seats are roomy and comfortable, with enough space to fit three adults across. Legroom is capacious, allowing all passengers (except maybe the middle passenger in the back, if he or she is an adult) to stretch out with ease. The seats are soft and supple, especially in the front.

6. Futuristic Technology

Like most of this car, the interior technology of the QX50 has been entirely updated. The infotainment system is blazing fast and works intuitively, and the all-digital dashboard (or semi-digital, on lower trims) is very easy on the eyes. Dual climate control is available, and the car sports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration for easier GPS navigation and music streaming. The rear seats have the option of power folding as well.

7. Soft Touch Surfaces

Another aspect of the 2018 Infiniti QX50 that should not be overlooked is the general quality of the interior. Every single surface is soft to the touch - except the parts that need to be sturdier. From the seats to the walls of the back passenger doors, most of this car is fine to lay your arm or head down on.

8. Easy Visibility with Headlights

Because the headlights are high up on the front end of this car and because they’re high-power LEDs, the QX50’s visibility is top notch. Whether you’re in foggy conditions or just driving through the dark of night, the lights on this car absolutely pierce through everything with ease.

9. No Blind Spots

A major area that most crossover SUVs struggle in is in their design around blind spots. While most crossovers compensate for their huge blind spots with blind spot monitors, the 2018 Infiniti QX50 is so well-designed that there are barely any blind spots to begin with.

10. Nimble Handling

Even though this is a large car, it handles like a much smaller car. The fine-tuned steering lets you dart through traffic even at high speeds while still feeling secure. This is in part due to the engine and platform mentioned above.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2018 Infiniti QX50 – The Cons

1. Mid-Tier Cargo Space

The Infiniti falls right in the middle of the pack in terms of cargo space. Though larger than last year’s model, which had 18.6 cubic feet without any seats folded down and 50.1 with the rear seats folded, its size is not overly large for its class.

2. Potential For Increased Upkeep

Because the 2018 Infiniti QX50 has the unique variable compression engine, there is a higher chance for replacement parts to be expensive. However, the engine is such high quality it is unlikely you’ll incur any damage in a short period of time.

3. Average Fuel Economy

The QX50’s engine is more efficient than ever before, but its fuel economy is still hovering around average. In the city, the QX50 can manage 20 miles per gallon. On the highway, it reaches up to 27 miles per gallon. This is what can be expected from most crossover SUVs.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition

The crossover SUV segment is absolutely packed with high-tier competitors like the BMW X1 and the Acura RDX, but the all-new QX50 is a cut above the rest. Its brilliant new design and interior features are far better than those of its competitors, and it’s a joy to drive.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a flashy and fun SUV, the 2018 Infiniti QX50 is the best choice for you. Its brand new engine design and sleek exterior give it power and class on the road, and the interior is beyond comfortable. The second you get behind the wheel of this car for a test drive, you’ll realize how great it truly is.