2020 Infiniti QX50

The price range of the 2020 QX50 stretches over five trim levels, two drivetrains, and a price range of $18,600, so there are a ton of configurations, and potential buyers shouldn't have any trouble finding the perfect package. The base model starts off with an MSRP of $37,250, which places it right next to the $37,600 Acura RDX, while the German Q5 will cost you a whole $6,050 more at $43,300. Going for the AWD version will add another $2,000 to the asking price. Next in line is the Luxe, which sells for $40,250, followed by the Essential, which will set you back $44,100. Second from the top sits the Sensory, which goes for $48,900, and finally, you get the Autograph, which retails at $53,850 in FWD guise. It's clear to see that the QX50 gets pricey as you climb up the trim ladder and outprices both the Acura and Audi. Fully loaded, the AWD QX50 Autograph will cost you nearly $67,000. The prices mentioned above exclude tax, title, licensing, and options.

Comfort and luxury take top priority when it comes to the handling and driving experience of the 2020 QX50. Around town, the ride is compliant and comfortable, and the QX50 shakes off rough road surfaces without breaking a sweat. The same goes for highway cruising; the ride is smooth and controlled, and the steering feels well-weighted, which inspires confidence when you're traveling at 60 and above. The selectable Dynamic and Dynamic Plus modes weigh it up even further, but it's best left in standard mode. As with the majority of modern SUVs, especially in the compact segment, steering feedback is minimal, but the QX50 will plow its head into corners with believable eagerness, even if its weight starts to show mid-corner. The QX50's soft brake pedal feel can lead to inconsistent and jerky braking at lower speeds, which becomes annoying, especially for passengers, but the overall braking performance was good. The QX50's handling has a distinct luxury bias, which will appeal to a more mature crowd of shoppers.

Infiniti builds good looking cars, and the QX50 is no different. Compared to rivals such as the Audi Q5, the QX50 looks more emotive and exudes premium presence. The 2020 model car has received two new trim levels, namely the Sensory and Autograph, and the entire range now enjoys standard active driver assistance features such as forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, predictive forward collision warning, lane departure warning and advanced cruise control, with stop and start function on higher-spec models. Infiniti has made a big deal about their variable compression ratio engine, which can step up or scale down the pressure inside the combustion chamber for increased performance or economy. It's an impressive trick, but it doesn't blow you over, and most owners won't have the slightest clue what it means or does. That being said, the QX50 is decently quick and will prove to be fast enough for the average Joe or Karen. What we love most about this compact SUV is its smooth handling and driving experience, and its plush interior that's not only well put together, but packed with modern tech. Passenger and trunk space is excellent, and the QX50 should prove to be the perfect companion for young and active families who enjoy some of the finer things in life.

The model lineup for 2020 has been segmented in a way that gives new buyers a wide range of options in terms of spec level, tech, and practicality, but it comes at a price: the price difference between the base model and top tier car is over $16,000, which is a lot in this price range. The base model already offers so much, that most drivers will be happy with settling, but there are some seriously good features that become available higher up in the range, such as adaptive cruise control, navigation, and even direct active steering. The Luxe model, one step above the Pure, adds a few handy features such as an auto-dimming rearview mirror, LED foglights, and a power-sliding moonroof, but it's mostly superficial. For the best balance between price and goodies, look at the Essential, which adds heated front seats, navigation, 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity, a front sonar system as well as a surround-view camera system. The Essential can also be equipped with the ProASSIST Package, which adds adaptive cruise control and lane departure prevention, among other featurea.

The Acura RDX closely matches the offering made by the Infiniti QX50 but takes a slightly different route. At first glance, the RDX has a more rugged-looking exterior and doesn't match the QX50's sleek and premium-looking body styling, which is neither a good or bad thing. Power is provided by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine, which produces 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, which is slightly more than the QX50 despite its fancy variable compression technology. The RDX will consume slightly more fuel though, with estimates of 22/28/24 mpg. Both cars offer good interior space and are closely matched in terms of legroom, but the RDX can't match the Infiniti in terms of cargo space, and its interior also feels less refined. Tech such as Android Auto and Amazon in-car delivery keep it at the forefront, and the AcuraWatch safety system includes similar features to the QX50, such as lane keep assist, road departure mitigation, and more. A fully kitted RDX goes for Around $47,000, which makes it mighty appealing, but the QX50 is the better car overall.

The conservatively-styled Audi Q5 has been a class-favorite for a while now and is even better now after it received a good number of updates for 2020. The Q5 is powered by a typical turbocharged 2.0-liter four-pot, which produces a rather disappointing 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. With a weight disadvantage of nearly 200 pounds, the Q5 will still manage a reasonable 22/28/24 mpg. The interior space of the Q5 is similar to that of the QX50, but the Audi manages to feel even more premium (premium interiors are Audi's game after all), but the Infiniti offers more standard features and a larger trunk. Out on the road, the Audi is more fun to drive, despite its power disadvantage, and makes the QX50 feel disconnected by comparison. The Q5 then is a solid contender and is only let down by its limited standard features and high asking price. Get the QX50.