2019 Infiniti QX50

Posted on Sep 30, 2019 in AUTO REVIEW

absolutely! AUTO REVIEW | By Steve Kursar –

The 2019 Infiniti QX50 is all-new model for this year and what’s under its hood takes engine technology to a new level. There’s tons of technology in this new mid-size Infiniti SUV to be happy about. But it’s the QX50’s first variable compression ratio engine that’s creating all the stir. This is truly one of the most advanced internal combustion engines currently in a production vehicle.

As consumers abandon their sedans for SUVs and crossovers, car companies are falling over themselves to bring more exciting vehicles to the showroom.  Infiniti introduced the QX50 to consumers a little later than some of its luxury rivals meaning they had to do a little bit of catch up. The new powertrain in the QX50 may just give this luxury SUV the boost to push sales.

This unique variable compression (VC) technology represents a breakthrough in combustion engine design. The engine continually transforms, adjusting its compression ratio to optimize power and fuel efficiency. As a result, it combines the power of a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with the torque and efficiency of an advanced four-cylinder diesel engine. The VC-Turbo’s specific power output is higher than many competing turbocharged gasoline engines, and comes close to the performance of some V6 gasoline engines.

The base QX50 has an MSRP of $36,650 and the 268hp, 2.0 liter VC turbocharged four-cylinder is the only engine available.  Mated to a new continuously variable transmission (CVT),  the front-wheel drive SUV gets EPA estimated fuel economy numbers of 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway with the AWD version getting slightly worse gas mileage.

The interior, as you should expect, is lush. This new platform gives the QX50 more room and that is especially noticeable in the back seat where the seats slide to the rear with enough leg room to allow some adults to cross their legs. There’s an optional panoramic moonroof which is an almost expected feature in today’s luxury car market. The diamond stitch pattern on the leather seats give the car the look of a much more expensive vehicle. This stitch pattern recalls Chanel’s classic puff pattern.

The newest QX50 is really on the cutting edge of engine technology but a closer look reveals an SUV that is so much more than that. This is Infiniti luxury wrapping itself around a fun machine to drive. Forget the science, just enjoy the ride.