2023 Infiniti QX50 Sport AWD: A Premium Compact Crossover

Highlight: A copilot assist steering system is standard on the model.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $52,815 (Base PURE FWD Model: $41,495)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS with brake assist; 3-point seat belts; lower anchors and tethers for children; a vehicle immobilizer system; an automatic collision notification and emergency call system; a traction control system; a vehicle dynamic control system with traction control; electronic brake force distribution; a tire pressure monitoring system; a predictive forward collision warning system; a rear view monitor; blind spot warning and intervention; lane departure warning; propilot assist; intelligent cruise control with full speed range; rear automatic braking; high beam assist; speed sensitive variable assist steering; LED head, tail, and daytime running lights; and a rear cross traffic assist system

Standard Equipment (PURE FWD): 19-inch wheels; a push button keyless entry system; leather like seats;  a wireless charging pad; power rear liftgate; steering wheel paddle shifters; a frameless dimming rearview mirror; a remote engine start system; dual exhaust finishers; power front seats; and rear seats slide and recline

Standard Equipment (SPORT AWD): 20-inch aluminum-alloy dark painted wheels; front LED fog lights; reverse tilt-down mirrors with memory functionality; a panoramic moonroof with power open/tilt and power sunshade; black painted roof rails; a motion activated liftgate; semi-aniline leather-appointed seats; an 8-way power adjustable driver seat with 4-way lumbar support; heated and cooled front seats; entry and exit driver side assist; black aluminum interior accents; a heated steering wheel; enhanced interior ambient lighting; a navigation system with premium traffic info, 3D graphics, and turn by turn directions; a 360 view monitor; and traffic sign recognition

Options: illuminated kick plates and welcome lighting with a logo (on the pavement/ground)

Other Trim Levels:

AUTOGRAPH

LUXE

PURE

SENSORY

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 12- speaker BOSE audio system and AM/FM/HD/SiriusXM radio

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years/60,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 6 years/70,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder DOHC turbocharged engine/268-hp

Standard Fuel Mileage:

FWD - 23-city/29-hwy

AWD - 22-city/28-hwy

Recommended Fuel (Base Model):

Premium Fuel

Towing Capacity: 3,000 lbs

What’s New: Several features have now become standard including a wireless charging pad, a rear door alert system, heated outside mirrors and a remote engine start. Added to that, a new QX50 Sport model joins the line up.

Why:

Sporty design

20-inch wheels

A variety of trims

AWD available

A high level of safety driving aids (depending on trim)

A power rear liftgate

A panoramic roof

A 360-degree camera available

A heated/cooled ventilated front seats

A radar activated cruise control system

A co-pilot assist driving system

A wireless charging pad

A roomy interior

Rear sliding seats

A 16-speaker audio system (depending on trim)

Easy-to-use controls

Easy-to-maneuver                 

But:

A whiny engine

A small back up camera

No sport tuned suspension for the new Sport trim

A navigation system isn’t standard equipment

No electrification

Verdict:  The Infiniti QX50 is available in a variety of trims. New for the 2023 model year is a Sport trim. This trim adds such features as 20-inch dark painted wheels, a gloss black exterior trim, semi-aniline leather seating, a 12 speaker Bose system and a distinct front fascia. Ironically, with this being a Sport trim, one would expect to find a sport tuned suspension. However, that’s not the case with this trim. The Sport is more about appearance, as opposed to the ride and handling capabilities. However, there is an opportunity for this hatchback-like vehicle to amp of the vehicle, offering more horsepower, while tuning up the suspension.

Competition: Audi Q5; BMW X3; Cadillac XT5; Lincoln Corsair; Mercedes-Benz GLC and Volvo XC60