The Infiniti QX50 Sport Only Needs 3 Improvements
If you need to drive the Infiniti QX50 to believe it, then what are you waiting for? This compact luxury SUV is loaded at an affordable price. The 2023 Infiniti QX50 Sport spices things up with irresistible upgrades too! However, the QX50 isn’t perfect, and three things could be improved.
What is the 2023 Infiniti QX50 Sport?
The 2023 Infiniti QX50 Sport is a new trim level that replaced the mid-range Essential model. While the QX50 starts at $40,300, the Sport trim increases the price to $48,500.
Experts agree it’s the best model in the lineup because it adds attractive exterior features and luxurious upgrades while staying under $50,000.
The QX50 Sport model adds 20-inch dark wheels, a black grille, black exterior accents, black roof rails, LED headlights, premium leather upholstery, upgraded interior ambient lighting, ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, built-in navigation with traffic data, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, front parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system, and traffic sign recognition.
While the Sport is more comfortable and has a more confident look than other options, there are still three drawbacks to consider.
1. The 2023 QX50 has a clumsy CVT
The 2023 Infiniti QX50 has a continuously variable transmission, and critics from Edmunds agree that it provides an inconsistent power delivery. While it does have a peppy acceleration, it can miss gear changes and be slow to upshift.
Using the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters can make the CVT stumble. It doesn’t provide the precise, refined control that rivals such as the Genesis GV70 do. It’s almost best to ignore the driving modes and only use the pedals.
However, the standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 268 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque is pretty engaging. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.4 seconds. There’s no delay when merging into traffic or passing others on the highway.
2. The Infiniti QX50 engine is a little loud
For the most part, the 2023 Infiniti QX50 delivers a quiet and peaceful interior. Wind and road noise are kept at bay, and the premium Bose audio system can cover distractions. However, the engine is a little loud.
During hard accelerations or while climbing hills, you notice the engine wheezing and droning on. It just doesn’t have the most attractive roar because it’s a little high-pitched. The confident look of the QX50 makes you expect a deeper roar to match its personality.
The engine noise is the only intrusion while regarding comfort. The seats are plush and well-padded, the climate control system is effective, and the ride is smooth with hardly any body lean around sharp curves.
3. The QX50 could use updated tech
The tech in the 2023 Infiniti QX50 has a dated feel. The dash has an 8.0-inch infotainment screen above a 7.0-inch screen for the climate controls. Both units are touchscreens, but the systems can also be controlled with a rotary dial.
The layout seems busy. Also, the resolution is a little blurry. The backup camera and 360-degree display might require you to squint. The graphics seem a little older as well.
Plus, the system is prone to freezing while connecting phones and navigating.
Sometimes one screen prompts you to use the other one, and it’s a little confusing. But modern amenities such as the digital gauge cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, the wireless charging pad, and a long list of standard safety features have a modern feel.
Overall, the Infiniti QX50 Sport is comfortable, fun, and convenient. It’s surprisingly sporty, spacious, and smart. But the CVT can be clumsy, the engine is loud, and it’s time for an infotainment update.
