Written by Marco Carvajal
Test driving the new 2023 Infiniti QX50 Sport AWD in Orlando, Florida
The Infiniti QX50 is a compact crossover made by the luxury Japanese manufacturer Infiniti. This SUV first appeared in 2007. The QX50 new generation is a compact luxury SUV, more alluring than its predecessor, with great value, in a segment that is usually expensive.
The new Infiniti QX50 of the 2023 model year is built on the base of a new platform, which significantly affected the appearance of the crossover as a whole and made it possible to reduce the aerodynamic drag coefficient by 6%. Since the last QX50 generation release, it has received a completely new body with the P71A index. The exterior of the QX50 has changed significantly, becoming more aggressive in appearance, and has acquired interesting design details.
The 2023 QX50 is available in five trim models: PURE, LUXE, SPORT, SENSORY, and AUTOGRAPH, with front-wheel drive or intelligent all-wheel drive.
This car battles in a hot segment, Infiniti is betting heavily on the QX50, with a very competitive price, which will lead new buyers to the brand, but it will have to deal with competitors such as the Acura RDX, the Mercedes-Benz GLC, and the Volvo XC60. This Infiniti SUV is made in Mexico.
Trims and Pricing for the 2023 Infiniti QX50
Pricing for the 2023 QX50 ranges from US$40K up to US$57K. Pricing has increased a little more than one thousand dollars compared to the previous year’s car model.
New for 2023, the QX50 Essential trim model has been replaced by the QX50 Sport trim model, the one I am test driving.
The 2023 Infiniti QX50 is a compact SUV that is sold in five versions, Pure, Luxe, Sport, Sensory, and the top of the line, Autograph trim model, which is packed with nearly every feature the QX50 has to offer.
The base Pure model gets LED headlights, a power liftgate, and simulated leather upholstery. It adds a dual-screen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto Integration. The Sport comes with a surround-view parking camera system, front parking sensors, and a navigation system. The Sensory gets larger wheels, a 16-speaker audio system, and two luxury packages that are optional on other trim models. The Autograph includes a hands-free liftgate, upgraded interior trim and upholstery, Sensory, Climate, and ProActive packages.
- QX50 PURE
$40,300 Starting MSRP
- QX50 PURE AWD
$42,300 Starting MSRP
- QX50 LUXE
$43,600 Starting MSRP
- QX50 LUXE AWD
$45,600 Starting MSRP
- QX50 SPORT
$48,500 Starting MSRP
- QX50 SPORT AWD
$50,500 Starting MSRP
- QX50 SENSORY
$52,800 Starting MSRP
- QX50 SENSORY AWD
$54,800 Starting MSRP
- QX50 AUTOGRAPH
$57,350 Starting MSRP
All 2023 QX50 models feature the award-winning and world’s first Variable Compression Turbo (VC-Turbo) engine that delivers 268 horsepower with a fuel economy of 26 miles per gallon combined.
The 2023 Infiniti QX50 is a luxury crossover that’s packed with tons of features, costs a few thousand of dollars less than the competition, and is roomy for both passengers and cargo. Made in Mexico, with the best that the automaker has to offer, while it is fighting in a segment that is super hot. Its aggressive modern looks, new platform, all-new interior, and revolutionary powertrain are cues to styling first seen in the QX50 and QX Sport Inspiration concepts.
For 2023, some driving features that were previously optional are now standard, adding wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay integration. The new QX50 is part of the second generation of the QX50.
Performance
All models come with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 268 horsepower, and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional on all models.
Hard acceleration kicks the turbocharger into high gear and triggers a drop in compression ratio to avoid knocking the engine. And when Sport mode is engaged, the CVT maintains its gear without much provocation, helping to keep the engine in its sweet spot.
The engine is very sensitive to throttle inputs, as inadvertent foot pressure will generate immediate thrust, even if you didn’t mean to.
Fuel Economy: 23 mpg city and 28 mpg highway Consumption:
Its engine is smooth and refined, with a buzzy intake note that pleases the ears under hard acceleration, and none of the harshness of the V-6 at high revs, the first application of a variable compression engine in a manufactured car. serially. Although it’s powerful enough when stepped on, the power delivery in typical driving isn’t quite as gradual. Especially in stop-and-go traffic, as you go from high to low engine revs with just a little more throttle, as inertia propels you out of your seat.
The advanced ProPilot system is wonderful. On the highway, you just push the button and the car takes you driving as if it were autonomous, taking curves and facing other vehicles without problems.
It felt very quiet both through turns and grades and at highway cruising speeds. The AWD system helped quite a bit on some rough roads where I was able to test it.
The new body of the Infiniti QX50 2023 became the world’s first production car to receive a variable compression engine. We are talking about the 2.0-liter Nissan VC-T engine, the compression ratio in which can vary from 8.0:1 to 14.0:1.
Depending on the load, the engine is able to operate on Otto and Atkinson cycles, while it has a combined fuel injection system.
The engine is paired with a CVT with eight fixed gears, while the company claims that such a tandem has reduced fuel consumption by about 30%, compared with the previous 3.5-liter V6 and a classic automatic.
2023 Infiniti QX50 Highlights
- Wireless Apple CarPlay integration
- ProPILOT ASSIST including Intelligent Cruise Control and Steering Assist
- Rear Automatic Braking
- Forward Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection
- Blind Spot Warning
- Plus additional features
- 2.0L VC-Turbo 4-cylinder engine (Variable Compression Turbo)
- Continuously Variable Transmission
- INFINITI Drive Mode selector settings allow the driver to choose between Standard, Sport, Eco, or Personal mode
- Rack Electric Power Steering (Rack EPS)
- Turning diameter – 36.4 feet
- Front – MacPherson strut with coil springs over shock absorbers, stabilizer bar
- Rear – Multi-link, stabilizer bar
- 19-inch silver-painted wheels with 235/55R19 all-season, run-flat tires
- Automatic on/off LED headlights with Signature Daytime Running Lights
- LED rear brake lights and center high-mounted stoplight
- Body-colored door handles with chrome accent and welcome light LED (front and rear handles)
- 6-speaker AM/FM/CD with 5 USBs (x2 on IP lower, x1 in the front center console, x2 rear of the front center console)
- Android Auto
- Electronic Brake force Distribution
- 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System
- Remote keyless entry system with selective unlocking of driver’s door or all doors
- Vehicle Security System
interior style
I am driving the QX50 while traveling in Orlando, Florida with my 3 children and several suitcases. Even if this SUV is not huge, Its interior is spacious and practical, with an appealing mix of quilted leather upholstery, leather paneling, and door trim with simulated suede inserts.
Comfort and utility go well with the “Infinity Gravity” seats, which provide comfort and lateral support.
Headroom and legroom are good for most people, but very tall passengers might prefer a larger SUV.
The panoramic sunroof makes the ride more enjoyable with a full view of the sky.
The QX50 has the quietest cabin of any Infiniti product because it is stiffer, with a 23 percent improvement in torsional rigidity over the previous model.
Cargo space is 31.6 and 37 cubic feet behind the rear seat, depending on seating position, with a maximum of 60 cubic feet with the seats folded, this cargo space was enough for us with 4 suitcases, a carry-on and a few backpacks.
Technology
The QX50 is truly loaded with new technology, featuring a dual-screen interface with the bottom touchscreen having quick responses and a crisp display. The two-screen setup is weird due to the mismatch of the graphics, but the splitting of the workspace can be nice.
The menu structure on the touchscreen is grid-like with many icons of the same shape, but it’s responsive enough and has a sharp display. It brings an infotainment system, which comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Apple CarPlay brings wireless connectivity.
Safety
Safety-wise it has several advanced features like stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes, a 360-degree parking camera, front-seat side airbags, full-length front curtain side airbags, active head restraints, adaptive cruise control, and gearshift intervention lane. The QX50 adds the DAS (Direct Direct Adaptive Steering) system. This steer-by-wire setup is notorious among enthusiasts for undermining any sense of steering wheel feedback. Since DAS is a fully computerized steering setup, it integrates better with ProPilot.
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