Nice Drives: 2024 Infiniti QX50 Autograph

I have vivid memories of the international media launch of the QX50 in 2017. These included discussing—in my three words of Japanese and the broken English of, respectively, the head exterior designer and the lead chassis engineer—how elegant the folded and creased sheet metal was, and after driving it, how impressed I was with the suspension tune of this Infiniti.

Those attributes are still compelling eight years later. The QX50, especially in top shelf Autograph trim, looks as good or better than most competitors—especially finished in Slate Gray, with the stunning white, brown and blue cockpit of the test vehicle. In addition to being captivating, the interior is roomy, with a copious cargo area, whose low loading lip and deepness make it very practical, a sliding back seat that is spacious, and front buckets that cup most bodies in all the right places. The quality of the quilted leather is better than in most similarly-priced competitors, and the Ultrasuede trim adds visual interest and is rewarding to the touch.

The biggest interior issue with the original QX50 has long been addressed, too; the stacked twin infotainment screens now make more sense, since the top one is capable of mirroring Apple and Android devices and the resolution and graphics are now similar. Likewise, the ProPilot driving aid suite is as good as most anything out there at lane tracking and maintaining distance while the adaptive cruise is active.

Unfortunately some of the choices that Infiniti made when designing the QX50 still haunt it, namely the use of a CVT-type transmission and VC-Turbo variable-compression ratio engine. The tranby has a sport mode that mimics real gear ratios, which goes some way to mitigating the infernal “slipping clutch” sound and feel that CVTs exhibit, but it also blunts throttle response. This is exacerbated by the engine, whose ability to go from low to high compression makes it feel prone to surging and turbo lag. All this was intended to give the Infiniti an unrivaled combination of economy and performance, but never really has.

This Infiniti’s 268hp mill is to be applauded as a unique design, which has proved to be reliable over these many years. But it also is a case study of why such designs never proliferated. The QX50 often feels flat and unresponsive, and while its EPA numbers are good, a BMW trounces it—while being quicker. The Infiniti can hit 60mph in the mid-6-second range, which is competitive, but the way it gets there is in no way compelling or sporty.

Thankfully the chassis is much better. It blends an excellent ride, controlled body motions and predictable handling. This is thanks in part to the frequency-selective dampers that I learned about all those years ago. It makes one wonder why so many vehicles need multiple modes for the stiffness of their shocks when the Infiniti does just fine with non-adjustable ones. The Infiniti also isolates occupants from wind and road noise very well. Sadly, that emphasizes the loud engine and bovine-sounding transmission, undermining the otherwise luxurious progress the QX50 specializes in.

The competition includes the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC from Germany, perhaps a Range Rover model, and lots of Asian and American crossovers, including the Genesis GV70. That’s a stout bunch, and while perhaps only the Genesis matches the Infiniti for perceived interior quality and ambiance, many rivals trounce it in powertrain refinement and performance. The Infiniti is a proven product though, with excellent reliability, a good dealer body that rates highly in independent surveys, and an excellent warranty. It also leases quite well. Those attributes continue to keep it in the thick of things.

EPA Ratings: 22/28/25mpg

0-60mph: 6.4sec

Price as tested: $61,610

Rating: 3 Stars

Here is what Infiniti has to say.