2020 Audi Q7 vs 2019 INFINITI QX50

The 2019 INFINITI QX50 was wider and taller than its predecessor, offering two extra inches of ground clearance and more interior space. The trunk expanded to 31.4 cubic feet, thanks to modular rear seats that both slid and reclined. Despite these changes, rear legroom remained ample, even for a 6’4” individual, although the panoramic sunroof slightly compromised headroom. The redesigned interior was spacious, attractive, and filled with high-quality materials, featuring a new infotainment system and a noise-cancelling setup that made highway conversations easy and enjoyable.

The base “Pure” trim of the QX50 started at $36,550 and included features like LED headlights, a hands-free liftgate, and a forward-collision warning system. The “Luxe” trim, priced at $39,400, added LED fog lights, a panoramic sunroof, and a blind-spot monitoring system. The top-tier “Essential” trim, at $43,350, offered navigation, 3-zone climate controls, and leather seats. Optional packages like the $7,500 Sensory package added luxury and tech features, while safety packages included ProPilot assist for semi-autonomous driving.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI, starting at $60,800, featured a new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine with 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The test vehicle, equipped with the Prestige trim, Navarra Blue metallic paint, a Cold Weather Package, and a Towing Package, totaled $74,290. Design updates improved the Q7’s aesthetics, aligning it with the flagship Q8 model. The interior adopted the high-tech dashboard and instrumentation from the Q8, replacing most physical controls with three digital displays. The cabin, decked out in Okapi Brown leather and Gray/Brown Fine Grain Ash wood inlays, was upscale and high-tech, with multi-color ambient lighting adding a soothing vibe at night.

The 2019 INFINITI QX50 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, the world’s first mass-produced variable-compression engine. It produced 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 time of 6.4 seconds. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was problematic, causing inconsistent acceleration and an unpleasant driving experience. The QX50’s EPA-estimated fuel economy was 24 city and 31 highway mpg, with a combined rating of 27 mpg. Real-world testing yielded only 24 mpg. The ride prioritized comfort over sportiness, but the Direct Adaptive Steering system was inconsistent and difficult to get used to.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI introduced a new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine with 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. Audi Drive Select offered multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, Individual, and Allroad. The Q7 accelerated from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds and had a maximum tow rating of 7,700 pounds. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 18 mpg, with real-world testing averaging 21 mpg. The adaptive air suspension and various drive modes provided a comfortable and agile driving experience, with the mild-hybrid technology operating seamlessly.

The 2019 INFINITI QX50’s interior was high-quality and spacious, but the abundance of tech made the dashboard cluttered and confusing. The infotainment system had input delays, causing frustration, especially with the navigation system. The shifter’s unconventional design, with a separate “PARK” button, was a safety concern.

The 2020 Audi Q7, with three rows of seats, was best used as a five-passenger vehicle. The third-row seat was suitable only for young children and reduced cargo space to 14.2 cubic feet. With the third row folded, cargo capacity increased to 35.7 cubic feet, and with both rows folded, it reached 69.6 cubic feet. The Prestige trim’s eight-way power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats were comfortable for long trips. The second-row seats provided ample legroom and thigh support, with four-zone climate control and heated rear cushions ensuring passenger comfort. However, interior storage was limited, with the center console and dashboard screen taking up most of the space.

The 2019 INFINITI QX50 offered advanced safety tech in the $2,000 ProActive package, including intelligent cruise, blind-spot intervention, and lane-departure warning. However, these features were only available on the top-tier Essential trim, making the starting price for these systems $45,900. The base QX50 was well-equipped with technology, but the infotainment system’s frustrations detracted from the overall experience.

The 2020 Audi Q7 featured the new Multi-Media Interface (MMI) Touch Response technology, combining a 10.1-inch touchscreen with an 8.6-inch touchscreen. The system included natural voice recognition, handwriting recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation with Google Earth imagery, and Audi Connect subscription services. While the system was generally intuitive, dry fingertips often made the virtual buttons unresponsive. The Prestige trim included a full-color head-up display and a Bose premium sound system, though the head-up display was invisible with polarized sunglasses.

The 2019 INFINITI QX50’s safety tech was limited to higher trims, with features like blind-spot monitoring unavailable on the base trim. The QX50 had not been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The 2020 Audi Q7’s HD Matrix LED headlights provided excellent illumination, though the IIHS rated them as "poor" due to excessive glare. The Q7 included numerous advanced driving-assistance systems, with upgrades available in the Executive Package or Prestige trim. Features like Emergency Assist and Turn Assist were useful, but Adaptive Cruise Assist and Active Lane Assist had issues with traffic-sign recognition and lane-centering. The IIHS gave the Q7 the highest ratings for collision protection, except for the headlights.