2019 Infiniti QX30 Pros vs Cons

Looking at the 2019 Infiniti QX30, it is hard to determine exactly which style the automaker was going for. Part hatchback, part crossover, and part coupe, the QX30 represents a unique combination of three popular styles. But how well do they actually mesh? Since it has coupe elements, rear seat space and visibility can both be limited, but the vehicle takes on the coupe's bold appearance. The hatchback aspect boosts cargo space, though, which is a nice trade-off. The QX30 also has some

What's New for 2019?

Most things remain unchanged this model year. As with last year's model, the 2019 Infiniti QX30 has the same signature outward shape with a roofline that resembles what you would expect to find on a coupe. The few changes that have been made to the QX30 include optional 19-inch wheels and an available Navigation Package for the LUXE trim.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2019 Infiniti QX30 – The Pros

1. Swift Acceleration

Although the gas pedal on the 2019 Infiniti QX30 might feel a bit too spunky for tamer urban driving, when you push it on the highway, the acceleration feels sporty and fun. The QX30 can get from 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds without an issue, which is decent for this class. Acceleration is best when you flip the drive mode to either M or S.

2. Precision Steering and Handling

The combination of precision steering and excellent handling create a surprisingly engaging driving performance on the Infiniti QX30. The steering always lets the driver know how the wheels are tracking, and the vehicle always seems to remain straight on. Also, the amount of effort that the driver has to put in feels completely adequate. In other words, the driver does not have to put in too much or too little effort. As for handling, the QX30 has a spunky feel to it but is kept in check well by its driver aids. Cornering is made easy thanks to the all-wheel drive, and body roll is easily controlled to the point where it is not noticeable.

3. Controls That Are Easy to Use

Non-tech savvy drivers will likely enjoy the simple layout of the controls inside of the 2019 Infiniti QX30. Everything is intuitively placed and is easily within reach for the driver. Using the controls is also incredibly easy, and everything works as you would expect. Also, there is a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen that has an interface laden with easy-to-use buttons and a rotary dial instead of an actual touchscreen. Overall, this set-up is ideal for drivers who do not want to deal with a lot of confusing gadgetry along the dash.

4. Strong Braking Capabilities

Another element of the QX30's drive performance that really stands out is the effectiveness of its braking system. Should you need to make an emergency stop, the Infiniti QX30 can come to a halt from 60 mph in just about 109 feet, which is excellent for a vehicle in this class that is equipped with all season-tires. The brakes will allow you to slowly ease into a stop, too. Regardless of how you are driving, the brakes are incredibly predictable.

5. High-quality Interior Materials

The 2019 Infiniti QX30 stands out from the crowd with its stellar interior design. The materials that are used throughout the cabin are clearly high-quality. Quite a few of the materials you will find come from Mercedes (with whom Infiniti is partnered), so you can expect those pieces to be truly high-class. The Infiniti-issued materials are just as solid. Everything looks to be well-crafted; there are no gaps between panels, poorly stitched areas of the upholstery, or mysterious rattles coming from anywhere in the cabin.

6. Off-roading Capabilities

The Infiniti QX30 is a great daily driver, but it also pulls double-duty as a capable off-roader. With all-wheel drive equipped and a tall 8 inches of ground clearance (which is excellent for this class), the QX30 is more than equipped to handle some moderate off-roading adventures. You can take this vehicle up mountainous pathways or along back country dirt roads without a problem.

7. Voice Control Functionality

Voice control features are typically either hit or miss in new vehicles since this is still a burgeoning technology. In the 2019 Infiniti QX30, voice control is definitely a hit. Just issuing a command to search for local points of interest is even easier than using the dial and button set-up. Overall, voice control responds appropriately to commands and does so in a timely fashion, giving it the edge over other the competition.

8. The Optional Bose Premium Audio System

If there is one optional feature that you buy, it should be the Bose sound system. This 10-speaker audio system comes standard on the Premium trim but can be added onto the lower trim levels. The sound comes out crystal clear and can be heard from any spot in the vehicle. This audio system also includes several USB ports which allow you to charge your phone and access the music library that you have stored on it.

9. Comfortable Seats

At first, you might think that the seats on the 2019 Infiniti QX30 feel a little too much on the firm side, but give them a chance and see just how used to them you will feel. The seats are actually quite comfortable the longer you sit in them. The bolsters on the sides are appropriately sized and manage to provide ample support. Up front and in the rear, seats feel comfortable enough to sustain all passengers and the driver during long rides.

10. The Tech Package

Another option that is worth investing in is the Tech Package. Since the QX30 is hindered by some serious blind spots, having blind spot monitoring and other driver aids equipped can help negate this issue. Other features in this package include a 360-degree surround-view camera, parking assist, automatic high beams, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. For the most part, these driver aids work well at alerting the driver to potential hazards on the road and helping to avoid them.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2019 Infiniti QX30 – The Cons

1. Lacking Cargo Space

Due to the way the roofline is constructed, the 2019 Infiniti QX30 is a little bit limited on cargo space. While the 19.2 cubic feet that is available with all seats in place is decent for this segment, it falls short of what some compact hatchback vehicles offer. Horizontal space is adequate, but vertically, the cargo area is shortened by that pesky sloping roofline.

2. Less Ride Comfort From the Suspension

Unfortunately, the downside to having such a sporty suspension is that ride comfort suffers. The suspension on the QX30 feels too firm for most people to find comfortable, and, for the most part, the ride feels rather shaky and clunky. Most other small luxury SUVs do not have such a non-compliant and obnoxious ride quality, so it is rather puzzling as to why Infiniti has not perfected this on the QX30's suspension.

3. Little Room in the Rear

Space is anything but generous inside of the 2019 Infiniti QX30, especially in the rear seat. Up front, space is somewhat limited, but you can still fit your head and legs in without too much of a hassle. The rear seat, however, is a different story. The panoramic sunroof cuts significantly down on head room, and space for legs is limited. Taller passengers will have a hard time cramming in, and the arm rests on the door panels pack people in even more.

4. The Drive Modes

To get the most out of your driving experience, you might want to avoid putting the vehicle into either E, S, or M mode. E mode is laggy as can be; the transmission feels slow to get going, and there is not a sufficient supply of power to create adequate acceleration. S and M modes create a substantial amount of engine revving, so if you're just looking to joy ride, these driving modes should be avoided.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

2019 Infiniti QX30 vs. 2019 BMW X1

A top competitor this model year for the 2019 Infiniti QX30 is the 2019 BMW X1. This vehicle has spunky handling capabilities that make for a thrilling drive, and the turbocharged engine provides ample power. Cargo and rear seat space are plentiful, unlike what you find in the QX30. However, the sport suspension can feel too jittery on some road surfaces, so ride comfort can also be an issue on the X1. Also, the X1 has trouble remaining quiet on the interior when you take it up to speed on the highway.

2019 Infiniti QX30 vs. 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Another major rival for the Infiniti QX30 is the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. The GLA is constantly being hailed as one of the most fun vehicles in its class, and it is no wonder why. Driving the GLA on the highway is enthralling thanks to the quick acceleration speed and superior steering and handling capabilities. Drivers also get a fairly good return on fuel. However, space is limited in the cabin, and the firm ride quality might feel a bit exhausting to some people.

Conclusion

There are a lot of things to like about the 2019 Infiniti QX30. From its spunky acceleration and all-around excellent driving performance to its user-friendly controls, the QX30 is a luxury vehicle that many different drivers can feel comfortable with cruising in. Of course, the lack of space and firm sport suspension tend to put a damper on things, but those gripes can still be overlooked by quite a few buyers.