2019 INFINITI QX80 vs 2019 INFINITI QX50

The 2019 INFINITI QX50 underwent a significant transformation. This iteration was wider and taller than its predecessor, offering two extra inches of ground clearance and a more spacious interior. The trunk expanded to deliver 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space, thanks to the modular rear seats that could slide and recline. Rear legroom remained ample, ensuring comfort even for taller passengers. However, the close proximity of the headliner to the head due to the panoramic sunroof might have been an issue for some.

The redesigned interior of the QX50 was spacious, attractive, and incorporated high-quality materials along with a new infotainment system. Notably, the cabin's quietness, enhanced by a noise-canceling system, ensured that conversations at highway speeds were clear and enjoyable.

Starting at $36,550, the base “Pure” trim of the QX50 offered excellent value with standard features such as LED headlights, a hands-free liftgate, keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone auto climate controls, power front seats, and forward-collision warning and mitigation with auto emergency braking. The mid-level “Luxe” trim, priced at $39,400, added LED fog lights, a panoramic sunroof, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and blind-spot monitoring. The top-tier “Essential” trim, at $43,350, justified its price with technological upgrades like navigation, three-zone climate controls, auto wipers, parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, heated side mirrors, and real leather seats.

Additional packages could further enhance the QX50. The $7,500 Sensory package included heated and cooled seats, a Bose stereo, advanced climate controls, adaptive LED headlights, a memory system, and aesthetic upgrades like 20-inch wheels and open-pore wood and metallic trim. Safety packages introduced semi-autonomous driving features, while a tow package increased the rating to 3,000 pounds. The Premium Heat package added more comfort features, and all-wheel drive was available for an additional $1,800.

My test QX50 came loaded with several packages and options, bringing its total cost to $55,285.

In contrast, the 2019 INFINITI QX80 was restyled in 2018 to align with the modern aesthetics found in models like the QX50 and Q60. As INFINITI’s flagship, the QX80 boasted an elegant front end with slim, slanted LED headlights flanking a curved rectangular grille set in a crosshatch pattern. The hood and front bumper featured sensuous curves that contrasted with the boxy profile. The sophisticated rear-quarter glass and LED taillights, connected by a thin chrome strip, helped break up the vehicle's chunky appearance. Despite its size, the QX80 embraced its big-rig persona with standard 20-inch wheels, tall side mirrors, and a towering roof.

I tested the Limited trim of the QX80, which introduced unique two-tone 22-inch rims, grey metallic paint, stainless steel running boards, and a special black-and-white interior. The interior featured a blend of black and white leather surfaces with microsuede inserts and wavy stitching adorning the seats. Soft leather covered the steering wheel, doors, dash, and grab handles, further enhanced by microsuede roof lining, contrast stitching, and ash wood trim. However, the quality of the QX80’s doors disappointed, as they leaked cold air in freezing conditions and sounded thin.

The innovative engine of the 2019 INFINITI QX50 drew significant attention due to its status as the world's first mass-produced, variable-compression engine. This turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine could adjust its compression ratio between 8:1 and 14:1, optimizing either power or efficiency. It produced 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 0-60 mph time of 6.4 seconds. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was a notable downside. It struggled to manage the power effectively, often causing lag, surges, and wheelspin when accelerating from a stop. Its performance was more predictable on the highway, but the overall driving experience in town remained inconsistent.

Fuel efficiency was another area where the QX50 fell short, despite its innovative engine. The EPA-estimated ratings were 24 mpg city and 31 mpg highway for a combined 27 mpg, which barely outperformed traditional turbo-4 engines. Real-world tests often showed lower figures, around 24 mpg, and adding all-wheel drive reduced these numbers further.

Regarding ride and handling, the QX50 prioritized comfort over sportiness. It handled corners and road imperfections well but was let down by the Direct Adaptive Steering system. This system, lacking a mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the tires, felt inconsistent and unnatural, particularly at low speeds.

The 2019 INFINITI QX80, built on a body-on-frame chassis, excelled in towing capabilities with an impressive 8,500-pound rating. Its naturally aspirated 5.6-liter V8 engine delivered 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission. This setup provided strong performance and quick shifts, even without a Sport mode or paddle shifters. Steering was light yet stable, and the QX80's handling was remarkably easy to control, thanks to its fully independent suspension aided by Hydraulic Body Motion Control. Despite this, the QX80 retained challenges associated with its size, such as a high center of gravity and a tendency to shake over rough patches.

Fuel economy was the QX80's Achilles' heel, with an EPA rating of 13 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and 15 mpg combined for the 4WD model. Real-world testing confirmed these dismal figures.

The QX50 excelled in providing a luxurious interior with high-quality materials and ample space. However, the abundance of technology and controls often led to a cluttered and confusing dashboard. The infotainment system suffered from input delays and a less-than-ideal interface. The unconventional shifter design, with a separate "PARK" button, could also pose a safety concern. Despite these issues, the QX50 offered a spacious and comfortable cabin with well-appointed features.

The QX80, designed to accommodate seven passengers with standard second-row captain's chairs, could be configured to seat eight with an optional second-row bench. The captain's chairs, luxurious and comfortable, allowed easy access to the third row. The QX80 offered substantial cargo capacity, with 95.1 cubic feet available with all seats folded flat, and 16.6 cubic feet with all seats upright. The cabin was roomy and luxurious, featuring wide twin central armrests and ample storage space. However, the heating system was less effective, and the QX80 lacked features like a cooled drink bin and four-zone climate control.

The QX50 was equipped with a range of advanced tech features, especially with the ProActive package, which included intelligent cruise control, blind-spot intervention, and lane-departure warning and intervention. However, accessing these features required opting for the top-tier Essential trim, significantly increasing the starting price. The base QX50 offered a good set of standard tech features, but the frustrating infotainment system detracted from the overall experience.

In contrast, the QX80's dashboard featured large knobs and well-marked buttons for ease of use on the go. However, it struggled in cold conditions, with unresponsive screens, knobs, and buttons until the interior warmed up. The instrument panel's outdated monochrome display compared poorly with modern systems, offering limited functionality. Important tech features were missing, such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a head-up display, panoramic moonroof, and massaging seats. The QX80’s saving grace was its rear-view mirror with a live camera feed and its rear entertainment system with USB and HDMI inputs.

The QX50's safety equipment included standard features like forward-collision warning and mitigation, with optional upgrades available in higher trims. However, safety testing results from NHTSA and IIHS were not available at the time.

The QX80 offered a suite of optional safety features, including forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and rear emergency braking. However, its performance in the NHTSA's frontal crash tests was subpar, scoring only 2 stars for the driver and 3 stars for the passenger, while side-impact tests yielded a 5-star rating. The overall rating was 4 stars, but the QX80 had not been tested by IIHS.