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Drive for Show: 2019 Infiniti QX50

Infiniti celebrates 2019 with the return of the redesigned QX50. Designers spent one year developing changes and improvements both inside and out for the 2019 QX50. This compact luxury sport utility vehicle has a lot to offer in a class filled with competition.

Infiniti offers up three trim options for the new 2019 QX50.  The entry level Pure starts around $38,000, the Luxe hits around $40,000 and the top of the line Essential comes in with a sticker price around $45,000. In the year hiatus for the QX50 designers worked on improving the exterior, interior and have introduced a revolutionary variable compression engine.

Let’s start with the exterior styling of the 2019 QX50. This handsome SUV does hit the mark by combining sporty looks with a luxurious edge. The bold front grill is quintessential Infiniti styling. Designers sculpted from there to create great lines that define an elegant body before wrapping around back neatly tucked away by eloquently designed taillights and dual exhaust.

The interior is gorgeous greatly improved from previous years. The cabin is quiet and comfortable for both driver and passengers with plenty of space, second row reclining seatbacks along with a lengthy list of other upgrades and options that are mostly determined by trim level. The technology behind the 2019 QX50 is state of the art both in performance and for the interior infotainment system. I would recommend to Infiniti to add Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to really make the interior tech experience more complete. Rear cargo space is impressive with 31 cubic feet behind the back seat and up to 65 cubes with the 60/40 split-folding rear bench folded completely flat.

The QX50 is powered by an innovative turbocharged four-cylinder engine that uses variable compression—called VC-Turbo, or VC-T for short. The engine makes 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque and pairs with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that directs power to either the front or all four wheels. All-wheel drive is required to unlock the Essential’s optional Tow package, which allows the Infiniti to pull up to 3000 pounds. Fuel economy is above average with an EPA rating for the front-wheel-drive QX50 at 24 mpg in the city and 31mpg on the highway.

On the road the QX50 handles like an athletic SUV. Curves and rough surfaces are no match for the QX50’s exceptional suspension and road noise is kept to a minimum for driver and passengers inside the cabin. If you are concerned about a bulky ride or difficulty in handling than the QX50 is a must drive. This compact SUV delivers comfort and confidence while on the road.

Infiniti has done its due diligence in the return of the QX50. There is plenty here to be satisfied about after a year of development. For a compact luxury SUV, the QX50 provides sold performance, comfortability and functionality without sacrificing style. This is a combination that is becoming tougher to accomplish in a very competitive marketplace. The 2019 QX50 is worth a test drive!

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