cars news 10: 2019 Infiniti QX50: 9 Realities of Living With the Luxury Crossover

After putting nearly 18,000 miles on our long-term 2019 Infiniti QX50, I’ve gotten to know it well. As Infiniti’s newest compact luxury crossover, the QX50 is filled with tech and design details we haven’t seen on many Infinitis in the past. So what’s it like to live with? Here are nine things that have stood out to me about the redesigned QX50 during my time behind the wheel.

It’s No Conversation Starter

With great looks and a cutting-edge engine, I assumed the redesigned QX50 would spark at least a few conversations with strangers. So far, though, it hasn’t. Maybe I was expecting too much. Maybe I don’t live in the right area. Maybe I don’t look friendly enough. I don’t know. But on the flip side, if you’re looking to fly under the radar, the QX50 is a great choice.

The Interior Continues to Impress

The QX50 may not regularly grab strangers’ attention, but friends and family who have ridden in it have all loved the interior. The faux-suede accents get the most attention, but more often than not, first-time passengers repeat some variation of, “Oh, this is nice.” In a sea of cookie-cutter crossover cabins, the QX50’s really does stand out.

Mismatched Trim

It doesn’t always show up well in photos, but the wood trim on the doors doesn’t match the trim on the dash. At first, we thought it was a mistake that happened because we got an early build. But no, that’s intentional. Why Infiniti’s designers decided to do that, we’re still not sure.

Not So Game-Changing Engine

It’s possible that after a few more years of development, Infiniti’s new variable-compression engine will live up to its promise of more power and better gas mileage. But Infiniti needs to figure out a way to deliver better throttle response. The current setup feels like the accelerator is attached to the engine with a bungee cord.

Subpar Gas Mileage

A lot of drivers don’t care about throttle response or acceleration. And you know what? That’s OK. But the QX50 has also been getting seriously disappointing real-world gas mileage. How it did so well in EPA testing (24/30-31 mpg city/highway), I have no idea.

Pay for Pro-Pilot

Other automakers get more attention for their driver-assist systems, but people should be talking about ProPilot Assist. Not only does it take the stress out of highway driving, it also comes with a feature called Distance Control Assist that gives you most of the safety benefits of adaptive cruise control without requiring you to set a desired speed.

Last-Gen Infotainment

A recent recall seems to have fixed the QX50’s buggy infotainment system and navigation screen. But you’re still stuck with low-resolution displays and outdated software. Plus, as more automakers add support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the fact that Infiniti hasn’t is getting increasingly frustrating.

Comfortable Cruiser

It’s hard to overstate just how comfortable the QX50 is. It eats up highway miles like they’re nothing. Despite a two-hour daily commute, I have no complaints when I get home after work. Almost without fail, my wife (who commutes with me) falls asleep in the passenger seat both on the way to work and on the way home. I’ve called it a rolling La-Z-Boy before, and I mean that as a compliment.

The Convenience of Run-Flat Tires

Run-flat tires have a reputation for giving cars a rough ride, negatively impacting handling, needing to be replaced more often, and generally being more expensive. But not having to stop at all after I realized I’d gotten a flat was so convenient, it might be worth the trade-offs.

2019 Infiniti QX50: 9 Realities of Living With the Luxury Crossover