If you’re in the market for a luxury crossover, you have more options available than ever before. However, while the current-gen Infiniti QX50 arrived in 2019 to take the market by storm, sales figures haven’t reflected that. Additionally, Infiniti as a brand continues to struggle in the U.S. market.

In a new review posted by Redline Reviews, we get an in-depth look at the crossover and all of its short comings. Thanks to a few key drawbacks, this QX50 comes across as a bit of a confused crossover.

What does the 2021 Infiniti QX50 get right?

Upon first impressions, there is a lot to like about the way the 2021 Infiniti QX50 looks. In a segment where most contenders are hard to tell apart, the QX50’s massive front grille and sharp styling give it a distinct aesthetic. Those tasteful design elements carry throughout the crossover’s entire exterior and meet in the rear hatch with a classy set of taillights. As a result, the QX50 certainly has the right looks to compete.

According to Car and Driver, the 2021 Infiniti QX50 gets better when you’re on the road thanks to its compliant yet capable suspension. Even the turbocharged four-cylinder engine with its 268-hp output delivered reasonable performance, says Car and Driver.

The QX50’s interior was also reported as a strong point, remaining quiet and comfortable in daily driving scenarios. Additionally, Car and Driver report fitting 22 carry-on suitcases in the rear end with the seats folded down, besting the space offered by the BMW X3.

Where can this crossover improve?

While the 2021 Infiniti QX50 certainly has some strong points, it also has some major drawbacks. According to Redline Reviews, it all starts to go downhill once you step inside. Despite being marketed as a luxury crossover, the Infiniti features a fairly simple and slightly outdated gauge cluster.

You’ll find two screens in the center of the dashboard, an eight-inch on top and a smaller seven-inch on the bottom. As you might expect, the top one is used to display media such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the lower screen is what you utilize exclusively to control various parameters, such as the heated steering wheel or drive modes. As a result, Car and Driver reported that the layout itself was annoying to deal with at times.

While the 2021 Infiniti QX50’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers a solid 286-hp output, it does so via a continuously variable transmission. Given that this SUV starts at $37,950 and goes all the way to $56,850, it should have a normal automatic transmission. During testing, Car and Driver noted that the CVT generated excessive noise and didn’t deliver even a remotely sporty experience.

Given the 2021 Infiniti QX50’s status as a luxury crossover, it is a bit confusing to see a CVT like we’d expect to see in cheaper crossovers.

Should you buy one?

If you’re considering parking a brand-new 2021 Infiniti QX50 on your driveway, here is what you need to know. Consumer Reports tested the QX50 and found that it excelled in the road test portion, just like Car and Driver observed.

However, surveying actual owners found some serious problems with the model. For starters, Consumer Reports gave the 2021 Infiniti QX50 a poor predicted reliability rating. This rating includes reported issues with the crossover’s body integrity, body hardware, power equipment, and in-car electronics. As a result, the Infiniti flunked the ownership satisfaction rating as well.

If you’re in the market for a brand-new luxury crossover, you’ll want to give Consumer Reports’ favorite options a look. This includes the 2021 Lexus NX, 2021 Audi Q5, and the 2021 Porsche Macan.