2022 INFINITI QX50

 

SECOND GENERATION INFINITI QX50 COMPACT SUV OFFERS BUYERS INTRIGUING CHOICE

Infiniti gave its QX50 a redesign for 2019 models, moving the luxury compact SUV into its second generation since replacing the EX in the 2014 model year.

For this year’s models, the Japanese automaker adds to the list of standard equipment for the 2022 Infiniti QX50 with such features as its ProPilot Assist system and Apple CarPlay and convenience items like a charge port for rear-seat riders, welcome lights on the rear door handles, and an auto-dimming rear view mirror.

The 2022 Infiniti QX50 comes in five trim levels, all powered by the variable-compression turbocharged 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine pumping out 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque and paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The base trim is called Pure and is followed up the hierarchy by Luxe, Essential, Sensory, and Autograph models. Front-wheel drive is standard on all with all-wheel as an option on all trims.

AWD knocks a mile off EPA figures of 23 miles-per-gallon city, 29 highway, and 26 combined. Premium fuel is recommended for top operation.

Standard equipment on all models includes LED headlights and fog lights, Infiniti’s InTough dual-screen infotainment system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a Wi-Fi hotspot, five USB connection ports, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and safety systems like a collection of air bags, forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, blind-spot warning, adaptable cruise control, rear automatic braking, lane-departing warning and intervention, and the aforementioned ProPilot system that maintains a safe distance to a vehicle in front of you and helps keep your car within lane markings. Streaming audio via Bluetooth and voice recognition also is common to all trims.

In addition to that, standard features for the Pure trim that this review is based on include leatherette seats (leather is standard on other trims), 2-way power lumbar support vs. 4-way on upper models, manual tilt-and-telescoping steering column, dual-zone climate control, a six-speaker audio system, and the required rear-view monitor.

An appearance package replaces standard 19-inch wheels with 20-inchers and  adds to exterior appearance with black-and-dark chrome styling elements and to the interior with a graphite headliner.

Cargo space behind the second row is a generous 31.4 cubic feet, and if you fold those seats, you get a maximum 6.1 cubic feet, though you do lose a tad for models with a moonroof (not available on Pure).

The strength of the 2022 Infiniti QX50 lies in its interior. The cabin has a very high-class overall appearance and has room for five passengers and their stuff. Legroom in the front is 39.6 inches and in the second row 38.7. The contrast between white and dark interior colors is very pleasing to the eye.

The dual screen displays for infotainment features allows you to perform different functions without having to change screens. The display for navigation isn’t the biggest screen on the market, but serves its purpose and its scale is easily adjustable via a knob on the center console. Some reviewers call the system “complicated.” Believe me, if I can operate it with no problem, it’s not complicated.

With the $1,025 destination and delivery charge included, MSRP for the /FWD 2022 Infiniti QX50 Pure is just over the $40,000 mark at $40,375, a very competitive price in the luxury compact SUV segment.

The FWD Infiniti QX50 Luxe starts at $43,525, the FWD Essential at $47,975, the FWD Sensory at $52,675, and the Autograph, which is offered only with AWD, at $58,125. Add $2,000 for AWD.

What I liked about the 2022 Infiniti QX50 Pure: It is a great looking compact SUV both inside and out. The roomy interior is very upscale and features good cargo space. It has a quiet and comfortable ride. It comes under some criticism in some quarters, but the dual screen for operation of infotainment functions is a big plus in my book.

What I didn’t like about the 2022 Infiniti QX50 Pure: I’m not a big fan of CVTs, though this one is an improvement over earlier versions. An 8-speed or 10-speed would be a nice alternative, especially since the CVT doesn’t provide that big a boost in fuel economy.

Would I buy the 2022 Infiniti QX50 Pure? I prefer the exterior styling in the QX55 that debuted for this year, but the QX50 is well worth a good look. It’s a bit more affordable than the QX55, which is in its favor.