2022 Infiniti QX50 Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Available in up to five editions, the 2022 INFINITI QX50 differentiates itself with the Variable Compression Turbo engine. Besides having an unconventional powertrain, this luxury crossover SUV offers a signature infotainment system with dual displays. Audiophiles will love the sound from the optional 16-speaker audio system from the Bose Performance Series. This compact family car also has high-end interior appointments, such as semi-aniline leather seats with quilted cushions and Ultrasuede headliners.

What's New for 2022?

INFINITI adds a handful of standard technologies to the 2022 QX50, such as the ProPILOT Assist and wireless iPhone connections through Apple CarPlay. Every trim on the lineup now has a USB-C charging port in the second row. Some upgraded conveniences for this luxury crossover SUV include LED welcome lights on the rear door handles and the Intelligent Key Entry.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2022 Infiniti QX50 – The Pros

1. Unique Turbocharged Engine

Adopting the Variable Compression Turbo design, the 2022 QX50's 2.0-liter engine block whips out a total of 268 horsepower. As the world's first powertrain of its kind, the VC-Turbo unit adds excitement and innovation to the vehicle's mechanical platform. Engineered to run on premium-grade unleaded gasoline, the trademark powerhouse unleashes up to 280 pound-feet of torque at various intervals on the tachometer. By varying the strokes of the cylinders during combustion, this highly dynamic engine optimizes output. This 16-valve powertrain adopts the Electric Valve Timing Control System for enhanced efficiency.

2. Highly Responsive Handling

Riding on the Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, the 2022 QX50 maintains a good posture on any road. This traction-boosting AWD system diverts up to half of all available torque to the rear wheels for optimal all-weather performance. Controlled by a short lever and an electronic parking button, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) system is mated to this highly responsive drivetrain. An ergonomic dial controls up to four settings from the INFINITI Drive Mode Selector, including the Sport and Personal. With assistance from the Direct Adaptive Steering, the driver will command this luxury crossover SUV like a professional.

3. Adaptive Exterior Features

Having a flat-blade design, the 2022 QX50's front windshield wipers adapt to the speedometer accordingly. Rain-sensitive windshield wipers are available for this luxurious INFINITI crossover SUV. A rear window defroster and rear window intermitter wiper may be activated in response to inclement weather. Reacting to gentle kicking gestures, the Motion Activated Liftgate ensures easy access to the vehicle's cargo section. Decorated with shiny chrome accents, the car's front and rear door handles include LED welcome lighting for convenient entry.

4. Bold Exterior Styling

The Dynamic Sunstone Red is perhaps the most flamboyant exterior color that's available for the 2022 INFINITI QX50. Some other eye-catching finishes that are optional for this high-end crossover SUV include Hermosa Blue, Obsidian Black, Lunar White and Slate Gray. Taking strong inspirations from the shape of human eyes, the redesigned LED headlamps add sleek styling to this premium family car. A rear diffuser, liftgate finisher, front grille surround and an integrated roof spoiler emphasize the athletic profile of this lavish vehicle. Wrapped in run-flat tires, the car's aluminum 19-inch and 20-inch aluminum wheels roll in style.

5. Comfort For All Occupants

The 2022 QX50's Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) is available with dual or three zones. Creating truly personalized comfort for all five occupants inside the premium cabin, the HVAC system includes air vents in the second row. Featuring power-adjustable controls for the opening, closing and sliding functions, a panoramic moonroof adds desirable sunlight and air into the luxurious cabin. The driver sits on an eight-way, power-adjusted seat that's linked to a two-position memory system. Heating and ventilation significantly improve the year-round comfort levels of the first-row seats, which are also available with multi-way lumbar support.

6. Gorgeous Interior Appearance

Featuring tiny perforations for integrated climate control, the 2022 INFINITI QX50's semi-aniline leather seats are available in Graphite, Wheat and white colors. Quilted patterns and contrast piping/stitching accentuate the upscale interior design of this compact crossover SUV. Textured aluminum, painted aluminum and natural Maple Wood are some other fine materials that are beautifully integrated into the cabin. The classic Ultrasuede upholstery covers the headliners, A-Pillars and B-Pillars inside. Additionally, modern metallic accents are nicely incorporated into the rear cargo area.

7. Premium Instrumentation and Controls

Adopting the latest INFINITI InTouch technologies, the 2022 QX50's infotainment system includes two displays for optimum productivity. Having an LCD/VGA design, the 8.0-inch touch screen is conveniently positioned between the HVAC air vents. Flanked by an array of electronic buttons, the lower 7.0-inch monitor is also easy to manage. Providing shortcuts to the multimedia console, the INFINITI Controller IT System makes it easy to engage the InTouch platform. A head-up display and the Fine Vision electroluminescent gauges show key settings from the infotainment console, safety systems and other connected electronic systems.

8. Digital Applications and Services

Using a USB cable, the driver may connect an Android smartphone with the Android Auto portal. No cables aren't required for the wireless Apple CarPlay interface, which activates Siri and other popular features on an iPhone. Every occupant inside this luxury INFINITI crossover SUV could connect a device with the built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. Sharing real-time traffic information and showing 3-D maps, a GPS navigation system is smoothly integrated into the InTouch multimedia console. Playing songs in high quality from SiriusXM Satellite Radio, the optional Bose Performance Series sound system includes 16 speakers.

9. Accident-Prevention Technologies

Standard on the 2022 QX50, the ProPILOT ASSIST continuously monitors the vehicle's movement relative to marked lanes. Key upgrades to this cutting-edge technology include the Advanced Intelligent Cruise Control and Steering Assist. If the driver doesn't adequately respond to the Predictive Forward Collision Warning, preventive actions will be taken by the Forward Emergency Braking. Side crashes might be prevented by the Blind Spot Intervention and Lane Departure Prevention. Some technologies that might help the drive avoid rear collisions when backing up include the Rear Automatic Braking, rear parking sensors and RearView Monitor.

10. Reliable Passive Safety

Reacting to the severity of a crash, the INFINITI Advanced Air Bag System delivers superb protection for the driver and front passenger. Knee air bags provide an extra level of cushioning in the front row of this high-end family car. This luxury crossover SUV is equipped with the Rear Side Impact Air Bags that cushion all three occupants from harsh injuries. Employing the proprietary Zone Body Construction with front and rear crumple zones, this lightweight vehicle is more resilient than ever before. Designed to slide away during a crash, the clever brake pedal assembly is unlikely to injure the driver.

Reasons Not to Buy a 2022 Infiniti QX50 – The Cons

1. Confusing Infotainment Layout

Split into two monitors, the 2022 QX50's InTouch multimedia console might be confusing for some drivers. The upper and lower screens create unnecessary distractions when the vehicle is driven at high speeds. Positioned below the lower screen, the volume dial and other multimedia controls are just too low for comfortable handling. Instead of tapping the lower touch screen, the driver or front passenger might accidently touch some of the surrounding electronic hard keys. Additionally, drivers will need some time to master the INFINITI Controller IT System.

2. Unusual Response From Powertrain

The 2022 QX50's Variable Compression Turbo engine might surprise and frustrate some drivers who are only used to more traditional powertrain configurations. When the accelerator is fully depressed, the VC-Turbo will be pushed to the limit. However, this unorthodox turbo engine suffers from severe lagging and other slow responses when running at slow speeds. As it hunts for the proper gear, the CVT system also contributes to a noticeably delayed response. As the tachometer readings quickly surge or drop because of the variable combustion strokes, this compact INFINITI crossover SUV struggles to deliver consistent and composed handling on the road.

3. Limited Design Options For Wheels

For a luxury crossover SUV, the 2022 QX50 disappoints customers who want a handful of exciting options for the exterior design. This compact car only offers black, dark and silver accents for the 19.0-inch and 20.0-inch wheels. More colorful and vibrant paint options would surely enhance the appearance of this small family car. Unique spoke patterns and other appealing decorations aren't available for the aluminum wheels.

 

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

2022 Infiniti QX50 vs 2022 Acura RDX

Dishing out 280 pound-feet, the 2022 Acura RDX's 2.0-liter turbocharged engine exactly matches the torque output of the 2022 QX50's 2.0-L VC-Turbo engine. However, this small Acura crossover SUV can't tow a trailer that's packed with more than 1,500 pounds. When equipped with a trailering hitch, the INFINITI model can properly tow up to 3,000 lbs. Coming from ELS Studio, the RDX's 16-speaker audio system delivers lower-quality acoustics compared to the QX50's Bose Performance Series sound system. Additionally, the Acura model doesn't offer any driver-assistance technologies that mimic the ProPILOT ASSIST function.

2022 Infiniti QX50 vs 2022 Lincoln Corsair

Fitted with a traditional turbocharger, the 2022 Lincoln Corsair's 2.0-L engine fails to beat the 250-horsepower level. The 2022 QX50's VC-Turbo engine beats such a rating by up to 18 hp. In terms of towing capabilities, the Lincoln crossover SUV also struggles to challenge the INFINITI model. Inside the cabin, the Corsair has an 8.0-inch touch screen with the seemingly outdated SYNC 3 technology. In addition to having an 8.0-inch monitor, the INFINITI InTouch has another 7.0-inch screen in the center stack. Both luxury models have a driver's knee air bag, but the Corsair lacks a knee air bag for the front occupant.

Conclusion

A compact crossover SUV with innovative mechanical technologies, the 2022 Infiniti QX50 surely stands out in the luxury sector. The VC-Turbo engine, continuously variable transmission and Intelligent AWD deliver solid performance for daily driving on the highway. Families will also find an abundance of convenient features on this lavish vehicle, such as the Motion Activated Liftgate and LED welcome lighting on all door handles. Consumers seeking the best luxuries and technologies on the roster should choose the high-end Autograph edition, which is only sold with an AWD system. For its reasonable price tag, the lightweight 2022 QX50 offers superb value in active safety technologies and passive safety features.