2015 Infiniti QX50

Automotive journalists report that the 2015 Infiniti QX50 has agile handling and performs similarly to a sport sedan. They note that the QX50 accelerates quickly and has strong brakes and responsive steering. However, some say its ride quality can be a bit too firm.

• "Although not as quick off the line as the G, the QX50 is no slouch, and it handles quick merging maneuvers as easily as it rounds sharp bends. The intelligent AWD system adds traction when needed but sends most of the engine's power back to the rear wheels -- exactly what the enthusiast driver loves." -- AutoTrader
• "Because its shares the same underpinnings and suspension as the G Sedan, the 2015 Infiniti QX50 rides and drives very much like a high-end sports car." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "It may wear a different badge on its tailgate, but familiar elements like an agile rear-wheel-drive platform and a strong V6 mean the 'ute remains the sports car of compact luxury crossovers." -- Left Lane News
• "The 2013 Infiniti EX, while technically a crossover SUV, delivers the superior driving dynamics and confident road manners that will convince you it's a sport wagon." -- Edmunds (2013)

Acceleration and Power

Powering the QX50 is a 325-horsepower, 3.7-liter V6 engine, which is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. With an EPA-estimated 17/25 mpg city/highway, the 2015 QX50 earns some of the lower fuel economy estimates in the class. However, the QX50 is also more powerful than models like the Acura RDX and the base Audi Q5.

Test drivers say the QX50’s V6 never lacks power and delivers authoritative acceleration. Reviewers also write that the 2015 QX50's transmission produces fluid, responsive shifts, though others say that on spirited drives, some competitors' transmissions offer better performance.

• "The QX50's powerful V6 engine won't disappoint. …" -- AutoTrader
• Its 3.7-liter V6 is as smooth and responsive as any we've tested and the standard 7-speed automatic transmission delivers seamlessly smooth gearchanges. This transmission also features an advanced downshift-rev-matching feature that assures smooth downshifts and improved stability, but it isn't as precise as some competitors when it comes to more aggressive driving." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "The V6 under the hood delivers impressive acceleration to create a package that's nearly as much fun to drive as its G sedan sibling." -- Edmunds (2013)

Handling and Braking

The 2015 QX50 offers sharp, car-like handling and maneuvers confidently around corners, reviewers say. The QX50's communicative steering and strong brakes also impress test drivers. However, most critics say that the Infiniti QX50's ride can be overly firm, especially when equipped with 19-inch wheels. The QX50 comes standard with rear-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is optional.

• The QX50's sport-tuned suspension allows it to round curves with confidence, but overall ride quality is more jarring than in a Lexus RX or Audi Q5." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "The QX50 rides on a shortened version of the G37 sports sedan's athletic architecture. These underpinnings help the crossover feel like a smaller, lower vehicle in turns, despite a ride that's quite comfortable even overly poorly maintained roads." -- Left Lane News
• The steering is heavily but not arduously weighted, and the brakes feel strong and confident even after repeated hard stops. The one place that the QX50 could be fairly criticized is on rough surfaces: The base car's 18-in wheels and low-profile tires pick up and transmit road distortions too easily. Toss on the Deluxe Touring package's 19-in setup and the ride can become downright rude." -- AutoTrader
• "Even with its tall profile, the EX delivers above-average handling, responsive steering and strong braking." -- Edmunds (2013)