Roomier Infiniti QX50 makes for better experience
Want to know the big news for 2016 with regards to the 2016 Infiniti QX50? That’s easy. It’s bigger.
Size was the biggest knock against this QX50, which was previously known as the EX37 until it switched names in 2014. OK, maybe the biggest knock would be the whole naming every vehicle either Q or QX in the Infiniti lineup but second would be the rear legroom of the QX50.
Basically, there was none, which was patently ridiculous for a crossover not to be able to comfortably seat two adults in the rearward position. Infiniti said it was shooting for a combination coupe and crossover. The FX37 was more focused on the former while the new QX50 is more in line with the utility of a crossover. Its wheelbase is almost eight inches longer than the competitive Acura RDX and almost nine inches more than the Lexus NX.
The wheelbase has been extended by 3.2 inches. Through engineering voodoo that means 4.3 inches of additional legroom and 3.9 inches of added rear knee room. Entering and exiting the rear seat is no longer tortuous, even for my 6’1’’ frame.
The new QX50 also sits about an inch higher. That’s not a significant amount but it does give it a more upright posture. That also helps the look move from coupe to crossover.
The additional wheelbase also helps improve the cargo space when the rear seats are folded (either via an upfront power switch or in the rear). There’s a boost of 2.7 cubic feet to 50.1 cubic feet of space when the rear seats are folded. Volume stays the same at 18.6 cubic feet with the seats up. It seems like enough space for a family of four and its luggage for a weekend getaway. It’s also going to comfortably handle a week’s worth of groceries, too.
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Every 2016 Infiniti QX50 comes with a 3.7-liter V6 engine rated at 325 horsepower and 267 lb. ft. of torque. The engine is mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. It also has a sport setting referred to as DS mode that features downshift rev matching and adaptive shift control.
That’s an important feature because the QX50 is bought by more than one in four owners for its driving and performance versus about one in six in the segment. It’s an engaging crossover to drive, especially with its rear-wheel-drive bias. In all-wheel-drive, the system defaults to 100 percent rear-wheel-drive until it detects wheel slips and applies traction where needed. The QX50 handled well in extensive drives in and around San Diego, Calif., during its introduction to the media recently.
The QX50’s fuel economy is rated at 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway for rear-wheel-drive models and all-wheel-drive models for a combined 20 mpg. It’s interesting to see matching numbers for rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models because there’s usually a bias of at least 1-2 mph combined toward rear-wheel-drive.
The front design of the QX50 has been refreshed. It has the updated Infiniti double arch grille, new LED fog and daytime running lights, and new door sideview mirrors with the LED signals incorporated into them. It’s odd to focus on sideview mirrors as a design element, but these are among the most stylish in the segment.
BUMPER LIGHTS: The rear of the Infiniti QX50, while striking to look at, seems like it could potentially be expensive to repair in even a minor fender bender because of the location of the turn signals.
There’s a new rear bumper with an enhanced valence panel. There’s one concern about the rear design of the Infiniti QX50. The turn signals are incorporated into the rear bumper. That seems like a vulnerable and expensive placement, even in a minor parking lot fender bender.
As is the case with all Infiniti products, the interior is well designed. It’s well appointed with leather seating surfaces, steering wheel, and shift knob. There’s a nice combination of black lacquer and aluminum throughout. Maple accents are also available as an option.
There’s also one interior feature that looks silly at first—but will probably get a ton of use. It’s an integrated coat hook on the back of the driver’s seat. It’s the perfect place to hang a coat or a purse. Smarter minds than mine can probably also find some use for it as a place to hang rear-seat entertainment systems for the kids.
One nice piece of technology, though not new, is the distance control assist feature. It will control the distance between you and the vehicle in front. It operates independently of the cruise control and gives you a nice following distance. Drivers in Boston’s famous stop-and-go traffic will especially like it. It’s part of the $2,750 technology package.
Pricing for the 2016 Infiniti QX50 starts at $34,450 in rear-wheel-drive and $35,580 in all-wheel-drive before the $995 destination charge. That’s a $550 price drop from 2015. Infiniti says it has also made the following features standard: power moonroof, heated front seats, new LED fog and running lights, and door mirror turn signals add an additional $1750 in value.
2016 Infiniti QX50 Luxury Crossover
THE BASICS
Price, base (with destination): $35,445. Fuel economy: 17 city / 24 highway /20 combined. Drivetrain: 3.7-liter V6 compact crossover.
THE SPECIFICS
Horsepower: 325 @ 7,000 rpm. Torque: 267 @ 5,200 rpm. Overall length: 186.8 in. Wheelbase: 113.4 in. Height: 62.7 in. Width: 61.0 in. Curb weight: 3,855 lbs.
THE GOOD
The interior passenger space of the Infiniti QX50 has grown, without seeming to sacrifice any of this compact crossover’s sportiness. It also offers lots of power from its V6 engine, which makes it fun to drive.
THE BAD
Visibility can be obstructed when turning by the wide A-pillar that supports the windshield. The rear fascia design also seems as if it would be expensive to repair, even after minor collisions.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The Infiniti QX50 has been right sized for most Americans. It’s become a strong competitor in the luxury compact crossover segment with its boost in space.
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