2020 Infiniti QX50 Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

In a market where SUVs reign supreme, it can be difficult for a vehicle to make a name for itself. A proper small SUV should be highly capable, safe, and have enough room for a respectable number of people and their gear. In order to be classified as a luxury small SUV, it better also have a lot of cutting-edge tech and comfort features.

The 2020 INFINITI QX50 is a vehicle that aims to check all of those boxes. This year, it adds a new dual-screen infotainment system as well as standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Further adding to its appeal is a list of newly standard advanced driver aids. The QX50 entered a new generation just last year but continues to make minor improvements.

If a consumer is intrigued by the new INFINITI QX50, they will need to choose one of five different trim level. With each trim adding more features than the last, while also adding to the base price, finding the right one is important. While the entry-level may be sufficient for some, others may find they need one of the top trims in order to have their needs met.

For this guide, the differences between all five trims have been researched. These differences are explained in an effort to simplify the selection process regarding the 2020 INFINITI QX50.

Compare the 2020 INFINITI QX50 Pure vs Luxe Trims. What is the difference?

The 2020 INFINITI QX50 aims to stand out with its relatively low base price for a luxury vehicle. Despite this, it has quite a few sophisticated features and the same powertrain found in all models. The engine is a turbo 2.0L four-cylinder that produces 268-horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. This engine works nicely with the standard continuously variable transmission. Like with all models, the Pure comes standard with front-wheel drive but can be upgraded to all-wheel-drive as well.

Fuel economy numbers are interesting for the 2020 QX50. Front-wheel-drive models are estimated to get 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. All-wheel-drive models somehow manage to get better gas mileage in the city, at 23 MPG, while worse mileage on the highway, at 28 MPG. In either case, these numbers are right around what a consumer should expect for this vehicle class.

Underneath the Pure trim level are 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Exterior features are impressive and include things like power-adjustable side mirrors, a rear spoiler, and a power liftgate. Lighting is also advanced with standard LED headlights and taillights. Drivers also get UV-reducing privacy glass.

Comfort and convenience features are also included in the Pure trim. Coming standard is push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, and overhead ambient lighting. There is even a sequential lighting system for welcoming drivers into the vehicle. As for the seating, it is leatherette-appointed and the driver gets eight-way power adjustment with power lumbar support. The steering wheel is wrapped in leather and features audio and cruise controls. In the rear, the back seat reclines.

Space is pretty impressive for a vehicle this size. There is room for five adults inside the QX50. With the rear seats up, drivers will find 31 cubic feet of space. By folding down the rear seats, which is easy thanks to the 60/40 split-fold feature, drivers can have up to 65 cubic feet.

All models get the impressive new infotainment setup. This includes an 8-inch upper touchscreen and a 7-inch lower one. INFINITI has also included a rotary knob that can control the top screen for those who do not like using touchscreens. The system allows for smartphone integration through Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It is Bluetooth compatible as well. Drivers can take advantage of the voice recognition feature. For music, INFINITI has given the 2020 QX50 Pure trim a six-speaker system with four USB ports.

Driver aids are found in this entry-level trim as well. Blind spot warning is standard, as is rear cross traffic alert and lane departure warning. The Pure trim even has an advanced predictive forward collision warning including forward emergency braking and pedestrian detection. Also standard is a tire pressure monitoring system with an easy-fill tire alert feature.

If consumers find the Pure to be lacking, they can take a look at the Luxe trim. It is mechanically identical but adds plenty of exterior features that are appealing. This model comes standard with integrated LED fog lights and aluminum roof rails. It also gets a panoramic moonroof including a power sunshade. A remote engine start is also added here.

Inside the cabin, the Luxe makes heated front seats an available option. The interior accents, which are painted aluminum in the Pure trim, become actual aluminum in the Luxe. An auto-dimming rearview mirror is added to the list of standard equipment, as well as the HomeLink system. With this, the QX50 can be programmed to communicate with compatible garage doors and security systems. Drivers interested in navigation can add that feature to this trim level. This is also the first model to offer satellite radio.

For many consumers, the additional standard and available features will make the Luxe trim a smart buy.

Compare the 2020 INFINITI QX50 Luxe vs Essential Trims. What is the difference?

Up next is the Essential trim. Again, this model is mechanically the same. This trim level does add heat to the side mirrors as well as rain-sensing windshield wipers. Several optional exterior features are also unlocked when going with this trim. Consumers can choose to add the iconic cube design LED headlights, an adaptive front lighting system, and/or reverse tilt-down side mirrors.

Inside the Essential trim, the front seats get heat standard and a heated steering wheel becomes optional. Drivers also have the option of upgrading to leather-appointed seats. Navigation and satellite radio are now standard. Other optional interior upgrades include a memory function for the driver's seat and steering wheel, as well as a power tilt-and-telescope steering.

Distance control assist and intelligent cruise control are both available for the Essential trim level. Both a lane departure prevention system and blind spot intervention system become optional as well. Standard driver aids remain largely the same, however. The one exception is front parking sensors, which are automatically included on the Essential trim.

INFINITI is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2020. As a result, they are offering an Edition 30 model on most vehicles. For the QX50, this edition is built off the Essential trim. It gets illuminated kick plates, an Edition 30 badge, and several black exterior accent pieces. Inside, it gets a graphite headliner.

The Essential trim level has a lot of standard features that drivers actually use, making it a tempting model in 2020.

Compare the 2020 INFINITI QX50 Essential vs Sensory. What is the difference?

Jumping up to the Sensory trim level comes with a pretty steep price increase. For the extra cost, drivers get things like 20-inch silver painted wheels. This trim does not offer the cube style headlights or adaptive front lighting system that were available on the Essential trim. The reverse tilt-down side mirrors are not an option either, interestingly.

Things look better when moving inside the Sensory trim. Tri-zone automatic climate control and rear passenger sunshades become optional. Both the leather-appointed seating surfaces and heated steering wheel become standard. Also standard is a dual-occupant memory system for the driver side mirror, seat, and steering wheel position. Optional here are climate-controlled front seats, which add ventilation to the existing heat feature.

For some, the most exciting upgrade for the Sensory trim is the stereo system. This model shows off an impressive BOSE 16-speaker setup that includes a subwoofer. There are also specialized BOSE metallic speaker grilles over the front and rear door tweeters.

The Sensory trim takes a significant step forward with its driver aids. Consumers now have the option of adding a head's up display. Rather than adding intelligent cruise control and/or distance control assist, they can now add the ProPilot Assist feature. This includes intelligent cruise control with steering assist. The cruise control also utilizes a full-speed range and has stop-and-go abilities. Traffic sign recognition is also an available feature.

Although this trim is a bit flashy, there are also some upgrades that certain shoppers may find genuinely useful.

Compare the 2020 INFINITI QX50 Sensory vs Autograph Trims. What is the difference?

Finally, the Autograph trim of the 2020 INFINITI QX50 is available. The wheel size remains 20-inches but they now have a gunmetal finish. Both the cube design headlights and adaptive front lighting system are standard on this trim. The reverse tilt-down side mirrors also are included.

One of the most significant upgrades for consumers is the motion-activated liftgate, which is standard and exclusive to this trim level. Drivers with this feature no longer have to worry about digging for their keys with their hands full. Simply kicking underneath the tailgate will open it, provided the QX50 detects its key fob. Inside, the tri-zone automatic climate control feature is now standard. This trim also extends the amount of and options for the interior ambient lighting. Rear passenger shades are now part of the standard equipment list.

The seats are pretty fancy for the Autograph trim. This is the only trim level to offer the front passenger two-way power lumbar support. Coming standard are climate-controlled seats made from semi-aniline leather. There are many options that are exclusive to this trim, such as white leather for the seats. Consumers who go with this also get blue suede in their upper door, instrument panel, and center console lid. Completing the look is blue piping in between the white leather and blue suede.

Standard interior design features include wood accent trim and metallic accents in the cargo area. The ProPilot Assist feature and the head's up display become standard for this trim level. Traffic sign recognition is included as well. Both the lane departure prevention system and blind spot intervention system, which were unavailable for the Sensory trim, are standard for the Autograph.

While the Autograph is certainly full of features, they may not be the ones consumers are actually after, making it a hard sell.

Which Trim to Choose?

The QX50 is a strong competitor in the small luxury SUV market. That said, not all models are created equally. The Pure trim is nice enough but lacks some features one would expect in a luxury vehicle. While the Luxe trim rectifies this to an extent, it still seems to be missing something.

On the other hand, the Essential trim seems to hit the spot, beautifully blending luxury with affordability. It has the features drivers want, like heated seats and navigation, but does not start adding things that many drivers will rarely use. As a result, consumers will be better off ignoring the top two trim levels and stopping their search.

The 2020 INFINITI QX50 Essential trim is a great choice for consumers who need a powerful, competent, and fun SUV.