2021 INFINITI QX50

 

2021 INFINITI QX50 SENSORY

DELIVERS WHERE IT MATTERS

Infiniti’s compact QX50 crossover SUV has received a lukewarm reception among many reviewers, mostly because of the unsteady performance of the continuously variable transmission.

But if you are looking for a stylish vehicle that features a cabin full of quality materials and technological features, the QX50 delivers.

Introduced as a 2014 model, the QX50 served as a replacement for Infiniti’s 2013 EX37 under the company’s new naming policy that designated its sedans and coupes with “Q” badging and tagged its luxury crossovers with a “QX” label.

The compact QX50 was redesigned for 2019 and updated in 2020 with a new dual-screen infotainment system. The refining continues for the 2021 GX50 with enhancements like a new Mineral Black exterior color option, rear seat-mounted side-impact supplemental airbags and Automatic Collision Notification with emergency call, acoustic laminated front side glass, and a wi-fi hotspot across the line.

In addition some features on some trims were made standard, including heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, distance control assist, blind-spot warning, lane departure prevention and Nissan’s ProPilot Assist on the Luxe trim.

For 2021, the QX 50 comes in five versions starting with the base Pure model and continuing through Luxe, Essential, Sensory, and Autograph. This review is based on the Sensory trim that was added along with the Autograph for 2020.

Slotted just below the top trim Autograph model, the Sensory comes with a lot of standard features that make adding a long list of options unnecessary.

Included in the $53,025 MSRP (including destination and delivery) are such items as LED signature daytime running lights, a panoramic moonroof, roof rails, rain-sensing windshield wipers, Intelligent key with push-button start, head-up display, leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, lumbar support for the driver’s seat, and memory driver’s seat, mirrors, and steering wheel.

Driver assistance features include front and rear parking sensors, around-view monitor, Intelligent (adaptable) cruise control, Pro Pilot Assist, distance control assist, Infiniti’s In-Touch technology with navigation and double screen, Wi-Fi hotspot, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

All that is offered in a comfortable, quiet cabin featuring lots of premium materials.

Safety features include automatic collision notification and emergency call system, forward collision warning, rear automatic braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blins-pot warning, and lane departure warning and depature prevention.

Powering all GX50s is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine rated at 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. As noted previously, it is mated to a continuously variable transmission that features simulated shift points for “manual” gear selection via  wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

My test vehicle came with all-wheel drive, but front-wheel drive is standard across the line with AWD as an option.

Options included a Climate Package (climate controlled front seats, rear side window shades, tri-zone, advanced climate control, Cargo Package (reversible cargo area protector, cargo blocks, console net, cargo net), Accent Package (mirror caps, bodyside moldings, front lip finisher), illuminated kick plates, and welcome lighting, running the bottom line to $54,920.

That gives the QX50 a very competitive edge in a class that includes entries from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche, Acura, Lexus, Land Rover, Lincoln Alfa Romeo, and Volvo.

What I liked about the 2021 Infiniti QX50 Sensory AWD: Some reviewers have panned the double-screen center stack, but I think it is a good idea. You can fiddle with the radio without switching off the navigation screen, for instance. The QX50’s ride is smooth and the seats are comfortable. For a small SUV, 

there is excellent room for luggages/stowage behind the second row. 

What I didn’t like about the 2021 Infiniti QX50 Sensory AWD: I’m not a big fan of CVTs. At issue here is a somewhat annoying engine drone at higher speed, which many blame on the CVT.

Would I buy the 2021 Infiniti QX50 Sensory AWD? Yes. It has a nice, refined appearance and if you can get along with the CVT, it is a good choice. The base trim, dubbed Pure, starts at under $40,000 if the Sensory’s starting price is a bit too much for your budget.