2016 Infiniti QX50 Review

2016 Infiniti QX50 Features Longer Wheelbase, Larger Interior, Enhanced Styling and New Package Content. Infiniti’s Pioneering Luxury Crossover Continues to Offer A Uniquely Personal Expression of Rewarding Style and Rewarding Driving

When the Infiniti QX50 was originally introduced (as the Infiniti EX35), it was one of the first personal crossovers, foreshadowing what has become the hottest segment in the auto industry. It offered a choice of rear-wheel or Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, one of the most powerful engines in its class and a full-feature interior. It was also the first vehicle to offer technology features such as Infiniti’s innovative Around View® Monitor.

Today, the QX50 remains one of the most powerful and versatile personal crossovers in the segment. But much has changed for the 2016 model year – starting with the addition of 3.2 inches to the wheelbase and a revised exterior that brings its design closer in look and feel to other Infiniti models such as the sporty Q50 sedan. Standard content has also been increased, including the addition of a moonroof for all grade levels. Additionally, a new Hagane Blue exterior color is now offered.

“Even as Infiniti is getting ready to significantly expand its product portfolio in the next few years – including production models based on the Q30, Q60 and QX30 Concepts – we’re also making significant enhancements to our current lineup,” said Randy Parker, vice president, Infiniti Americas. “Following the 2015 introductions of the updated Infiniti Q70 and the addition of the Q70L long-wheelbase version and new range-topping QX80 Limited full-size SUV, we’re kicking off model year 2016 with the updated QX50.”

A New, Fluid Appearance with Unique Personality

The 2016 Infiniti QX50 luxury crossover once provides a unique combination of a right-sized exterior with a luxurious interior environment and suite of advanced technology features.

The QX50’s coupe-inspired luxury crossover design – a fusion of coupe and sport utility vehicle – has been enhanced for 2016 with a new front bumper and lower front fascia, new LED Daytime Running Lights, new signature Infiniti-style double-arch front grille, new side mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, updated side sill styling, and new rear bumper and lower fascia. New 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels are added as part of the Deluxe Touring Package.

The wheelbase is now 3.2 inches longer (113.4 inches versus previous 110.2 inches) and overall length has increased 4.5 inches (186.8 inches versus previous 182.3 inches). The result is an 8.3 cubic feet increase in interior volume (115.4 cubic feet total volume versus the previous 107.1 cubic feet). Most of the increase in interior space can be felt in the 2nd row – rear legroom grows by 4.3 inches and rear knee room is boosted by 3.9 inches. In addition, ground clearance has been raised 0.8 inches – giving drivers a higher vantage point for improved visibility.

As in previous years, the QX50’s wide rear hatch and low load floor make the QX50 a versatile vehicle for both everyday and weekend use. The exterior includes many signature Infiniti touches, including large L-shaped headlights with new LED Daytime Running Lights, available xenon auto-leveling headlights with Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS), integrated LED fog lights, distinctive LED taillights and “dynamic arch” profile.

Other exterior features include a high-mounted rear hatchback spoiler with integrated brake light, chrome-finished dual exhaust tips, standard power sliding tinted glass moonroof with tilt feature, sliding sunshade and one-touch open/close and available roof rails. The QX50 also features a standard courtesy light integrated in the driver’s outside mirror, which welcomes the driver to the vehicle.

Seven exterior colors are offered for 2016: Malbec Black, Midnight Garnet, Graphite Shadow, Liquid Platinum, Black Obsidian, Moonlight White and new Hagane Blue.

A Versatile Interior Designed for Personal Use

The 2016 QX50’s dramatic interior again offers an invigorating and engaging environment, one that is both indulgent and inspiring. The driver-focused cabin layout features an Infiniti signature “double-wave” instrument panel, easy-to-read high-contrast gauges, hospitality lighting with a pin LED light mounted over the center console and Infiniti signature analog clock.

The instrument panel also features a 7-inch color display with Infiniti controller for the trip computer and additional vehicle information. The available Infiniti Navigation System includes a color touch-screen display, Lane Guidance and 3-D building graphics, NavTraffic® with Real-Time Traffic Information, NavWeather™ with Real-Time Weather Information and 3-day forecast (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), Infiniti Voice Recognition for audio and navigation, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth® wireless technology. Other technology systems include Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition and SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately).

Comfortable seating is provided by an 8-way power driver’s seat and a 4-way power passenger’s seat. Heated front seats are now standard on both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive models.
Also available are driver’s seat memory system, an 8-way power front passenger’s seat and a power remote up-folding feature with dual controls (operated from the front or the hatch area) for the 2nd row 60/40 split seat. There is also a leather-wrapped shift knob, and leather-wrapped steering wheel, which includes controls for audio and cruise control.

All models feature aluminum interior accents, with available maple interior accents. The available Bose® Premium Audio System includes 11 speakers (including 2 subwoofers), AM/FM/CD in-dash changer and USB connection port for iPod® and other compatible devices.

The advanced Around View® Monitor (AVM), available with the new Premium Plus Package, utilizes four small cameras located front, side and rear to give the driver a virtual 360° view of the outside of the vehicle and help aid when parking. The AVM system includes Front and Rear Sonar.

The interior is offered with standard premium leather-appointed seating surfaces, available in three colors – Graphite, Wheat and Chestnut.

Offered at no charge for the first four years of ownership is the Infiniti Personal Assistantä, which provides new Infiniti owners access to a team of professional personal assistants from a registered phone. Information and service requests range from directory assistance and weather forecasts to arranging tasks such as hotel or dinner reservations on the caller’s behalf.

Advanced Platform and Powertrain

Under the QX50’s dramatic body is an equally advanced platform and powertrain. The FM (Front Midship) platform helps provide high levels of handling performance. Every 2016 Infiniti QX50 comes with a VQ37VHR 3.7-liter V6 engine rated at 325 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque.

The engine is matched with a 7-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, DS mode with Downshift Rev Matching (DRM) and Adaptive Shift Control. QX50 fuel economy is rated at 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway for rear-wheel drive models and all-wheel drive models.

Superb handling is provided by a subframe-mounted independent front double-wishbone suspension with aluminum-alloy upper and lower links, twin-tube shock absorbers and stabilizer bar. The rear suspension is an independent multi-link design with aluminum-alloy upper and lower links and axle housing, twin-tube shock absorbers and stabilizer bar.

Steering is provided by a vehicle speed-sensitive power-assisted steering system. The QX50’s standard braking system includes power-assisted front and rear discs (vented front) and standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Also standard is Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS), while an advanced Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range) is optionally available.

Available wheel and tire combinations include standard 18-inch 8-spoke metallic finish aluminum-alloy wheels with 225/55R18 all-season tires or new 19-inch split 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with 245/45R19 all-season tires, which are offered as part of the Deluxe Touring Package.

Infiniti QX50 AWD models feature Infiniti’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system, which utilizes an active torque distribution management system with an active center clutch. The electromagnetic AWD system responds quickly, helping to minimize wheel slip in adverse conditions.

Standard safety equipment includes an Infiniti Advanced Air Bag System (AABS); driver and front passenger seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags; roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for outboard occupant head protection; and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Also standard are 3-point ALR/ELR seat belts (driver ELR only) and front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters and adjustable upper anchors, front seat Active Head Restraints and the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system for the rear outboard seating positions.

The QX50 also features advanced Zone Body Construction with front and rear crumple zones to help disperse crash energy around the passenger compartment.

Available as part of the Technology Package is the Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system. BSW illuminates an indicator light if another vehicle is detected in the blind spot area. If the driver then uses the turn signal, the indicator flashes and an audible warning sound.

Models and Packages

The 2016 Infiniti QX50 is available in two models: QX50 and QX50 AWD, with four option packages available. The Premium Package includes Bose® Premium Audio System with 11 speakers, including 2 subwoofers, Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with Plasmacluster® air purifier, dual occupant memory system for driver’s seat, outside mirrors and steering wheel, entry/exit assist for driver’s seat and steering wheel, outside mirrors with reverse tilt-down feature, auto-dimming inside mirror with HomeLink® Universal Transceiver Maple interior accents, power tilt and telescopic steering column and aluminum roof rails.

The new Premium Plus Package adds the Infiniti Navigation, Around View® Monitor (AVM), and Front and Rear Sonar System.

The Deluxe Touring Package features 19-inch split 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with 245/45R19 all-season performance tires, High Intensity Discharge (HID) xenon headlights, Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) with auto-leveling headlights, 2-way power driver’s seat lumbar support, coat hanger on driver’s seat head restraint, 8-way power passenger’s seat, power up-folding 2nd row seats, meter hood with premium stitching.

The Technology Package features Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range), Distance Control Assist (DCA), Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Blind Spot Warning (BSW).

“The enhanced 2016 Infiniti QX50 delivers a rewarding experience for both driver and passengers,” said Parker. “With its standard 325-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 and range of advanced safety, driving and parking aids such as Around View® Monitor, driving is a pleasure. And with the added rear seat roominess and cargo flexibility, passengers will enjoy riding in an QX50 more than ever before.”

2016 Infiniti QX50 Pricing

2016 Infiniti QX50 Technical Specifications, Features and Options