2017 Infiniti QX50 Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?
What's New for 2017?
The only notable updates for the 2017 Infiniti QX50 are that the optional 19-inch wheels are now available separately and that 4.3 inches of legroom were added in the rear. Other than that, those who saw the EX35 when it debuted in 2008 will look at the 2017 QX50 and notice that not much has changed.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2017 Infiniti QX50 – The Pros
1.Standard V6 Engine is Powerful
The 2017 Infiniti QX50 comes standard with a powerful V6 engine. Compared to other crossovers in its price range, this engine puts out a lot more power. This 3.7-L V6 gets 325 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but there is the option for all-wheel drive.
2. Handles Like a Sports Sedan
The QX50 looks like a sports utility vehicle but handles like a sporty sedan. The Intelligent AWD adjusts handling to any condition, and when AWD isn't necessary, all power is diverted to the rear wheels, giving this ride an athletic edge that feels like you're in a sedan.
3. 360-degree Parking Camera System with the Premium Plus Package
One of the benefits of the 2017 Infiniti QX50's Premium Plus Package is that it comes with a 360-degree parking camera system, which can be seen on the Around View monitor. You will get both visual and auditory warnings if the system detects that you're too close to another parked car.
4. Extra Safety Features with the Technology Package
If you add the Technology Package, you get a number of extra safety features, including lane departure warning and intervention, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, automatic braking, and forward collision warning.
5. Quick Acceleration
The 2017 Infiniti QX50 gets decent acceleration with its high-powered engine and transmission combination. The vehicle gets a speedy 5.5 seconds going from 0 to 60.
6. Upscale Interior
The interior looks luxurious, if a little dated. The standard leather upholstery has a nice maple trim to accentuate it, and the materials are relatively good in terms of quality. The touchscreen monitor is somewhat small but is a no-frills screen.
7. Spacious Back Seat Area
Crossovers aren't always the most spacious vehicles. However, the QX50's back seat is pretty roomy now that Infiniti has added 4.3 inches of legroom. Taller adults can now more easily fit into the rear of this crossover.
8. Intelligent All-wheel Drive
The Infiniti's Intelligent AWD is a nice touch that keeps you feeling confident in the 2017 Infiniti QX50's road handling abilities. The system monitors speed, throttle position, and wheel spin. It diverts 50% of power to the front wheels when conditions are poor but keeps power 100% in the rear in good conditions.
9. INFINITI Intelligent Cruise Control
The Intelligent Cruise Control is another helpful feature for drivers. You get the option of adding distance intervals and speed with this system. It also automatically adjusts your vehicle's speed to the flow of traffic.
10. INFINITI Total Ownership Experience
The Total Ownership Experience shows that Infiniti cares about its customers. Infiniti offers premium services, including Trip Interruption Benefits that provide you with benefits covering meal cost and lodging should you get stranded more than 100 miles from home.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2017 Infiniti QX50 – The Cons
1. Poor Fuel Economy
The downside of the powerful V6 is that it is so thirsty it gives the 2017 Infiniti QX50 poor fuel economy. The EPA estimated combined mpg is a mere 20 (with 17 city/24 highway mpg) for both the all- and rear-wheel drives. Some vehicles in its class can get over 25 combined mpg.
2. Minimal Cargo Space
Cargo space is sometimes limited in small crossovers, but it's especially minimal in the 2017 Infiniti QX50. With the rear seats lowered, you get about 50 cubic feet of space, and with the seats in place, you only get 18.6 cubic feet.
3. All-or-nothing Package Options
The most bothersome aspect of buying the QX50 is that Infiniti doesn't let you pick and choose when it comes to packaging options. You are required to order everything previously listed before the packaging option that you want, which means you will likely end up paying for features you don't want.
4. Outdated Dash and Monitor
The control panels and touchscreen monitor are horribly outdated, and the 7-inch monitor is set far into the dash that it will be difficult for backseat passengers to see the screen.
How it stacks up to the competition:
QX50 vs. 2017 Audi Q5
The Q5 gets about 21 mpg combined, making it comparable in terms of fuel economy. Acceleration is also about a second slower than the QX50. The Q5 has more standard features and has a hybrid option, which the QX50 does not. The Q5 also has more trim levels.
QX50 vs. 2017 BMW X3
The X3 is hailed as one of the safest vehicles on the market, although its adaptive cruise control doesn't perform as well as the QX50's Intelligent Cruise Control. The X3 offers more in terms of cargo space and gets better gas mileage than the QX50 on its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines (both regular and diesel are offered).
Conclusion
The 2017 Infiniti QX50 has a lot of get-up-and-go power than sedan drivers can appreciate, but you will end up paying more than you probably want for features you don't need if you select an optional package.
