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2016 Infiniti QX50 Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Why Buy a 2016 Infiniti QX50?

Should You Buy a 2016 Infiniti QX50? Here are the Pros and Cons

The 2016 Infiniti QX50’s powerful V6 engine garners strong acceleration and the seven-speed automatic transmission makes shifting smooth. Sporty, capable handling and an athletic feel make driving the 2016 Infiniti QX50 fun. The hydraulic-assist power steering, which is an old-school feature, is what makes handling on corners so reliable. For such a powerful car, the ride is notably quiet and smooth. The new model also has a roomy interior with comfortable seating. The 2016 Infiniti QX50 could have better fuel economy, which is possibly due to its strong, powerful engine.
 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2016 Infiniti QX50 – The Pros

1. High-Quality Interior Materials

The 2016 Infiniti QX50 has an attractive interior made with high-quality, premium materials. For example, the standard trim includes leather features.

2. Extra Legroom

The 2016 Infiniti QX50 has a lot of legroom in the rear seats, which is good for even tall adults. The longer wheelbase with several additional cubic feet of space is what provides ample backseat room. The lengthened wheelbase is the main change the model has seen since 2008.

3. User-Friendly Infotainment System

The easy-to-use infotainment system has a reactive touch screen.

4. Excellent Value

The 2016 Infiniti QX50 offers great value for such a powerful, fun-to-drive car. You can get a well-equipped Infiniti QX50 for less than $36,000. It’s possible to get a luxurious, practical, dynamic vehicle at an affordable rate without investing in an SUV.

5. Powerful Engine

The powerful 325-horsepower, 3.7-liter V6 engine, competes with other cars in its class. The engine gets excellent acceleration, fantastic power output and is highly responsive. The power peak is 7,000 rpm. The engine’s raw power, combined with graceful handling, is what makes the QX50 an athletic ride. Most of all, though, drivers love that you can drive the Infiniti super fast.

6. User-Friendly Controls

The hard controls for the climate and the audio settings are both easy to use.

7. Comfortable Seating

The Infiniti QX50 has supportive seats and room for a total of five people.

8. Premium Features on Standard Trim

The base level trim has features that other cars only have in upgraded trims, including leather, heated front seats, and a power moon roof.

9. Overhead, Drone’s-Eye View

The Around View Monitor in the infotainment system gives an overhead, drone’s view of the car and your surroundings.

10. Quick-Shifting Transmission

The Infiniti’s seven-speed automatic transmission is quick-shifting, likely thanks to the company’s new partner in technology, Mercedes-Benz. The transmission is what really makes the engine come alive. It also downshifts easily, particularly when you’re in Sport mode. When you head around a corner, Sport mode will let the car downshift perfectly so that you can continue to enjoy the powerful engine.  

Reasons Not to Buy a 2016 Infiniti QX50 – The Cons

1. Dated Interior Design

While the interior of the 2016 Infiniti QX50 is made using the best materials, some feel that the design - along with the features - is somewhat dated. A lot of the interior features have been the same since 2008, including the analog clock and hard button controls. Making some of the interior features look even more dated is the fact that there are some fine, modern details mixed in.

2. Low-Quality Infotainment Center and Screen

Reviewers say that the infotainment system’s seven-inch display screen is too small. From a technical view, reviewers say that the screen’s resolution looks poor. Also, because the system came out before certain apps, like Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, drivers aren’t able to use that software.

3. Lack of Cargo Space

The Infiniti QX50 has below-average cargo space. Despite the several feet of additional interior space, that extra space went to the seating areas and not the cargo areas.

4. Too-Small Feel

While there is additional space in this year’s model, some reviewers have said that the Infiniti QX50 still doesn’t feel as airy or wide-open as other Infiniti models in the same class.

5. Poor Fuel Economy

One of the main reasons why the Infiniti may get such bad fuel economy is because its engine is so powerful. The EPA-estimated 17/24 mpg city/highway is one of the worst in the class.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition

The Infiniti QX50 two closest competitors are the Volvo XC60 and the BMW X3. The Volvo XC60 is close to the top of the class for cargo capacity and fuel economy, two things that the Infiniti lacks. Critics have raved about the Volvo XC60’s smooth ride and comfortable seats, which are two characteristics that the Infiniti shares. The BMW X3 has a powerful engine and agile handling, just like the Infiniti, making for an exciting drive. The BMW X3 also has a spacious cabin and a lot of seating room.

Additional comparisons note that the only crossover that’s sportier than the Infinity is the Porsche Macan. However, the Porsche is quite a bit pricier than the Infiniti. For people who aren’t just looking for a fast, sporty car, but also excellent value for their money, the Infiniti is the better option. Reviewers also note that competitors of the QX50 can feel slow starting out, but that the Infiniti has quick, crisp response.

This year’s Infiniti QX50 has a powerful engine and agile handling, which for some drivers make up for its poor fuel economy. While it doesn’t have a lot of cargo space, it does have a roomy interior and comfortable seating for adults. Long on features, the standard trim comes with a host of amenities to make driving enjoyable and comfortable. The QX50 is a true driver’s car.