2020 Ford Explorer 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 provided 31.4 cubic feet of space behind modular rear seats that both slid and reclined. Despite the increased cargo space, rear legroom remained ample, even for a 6’4” individual. However, the panoramic sunroof did bring the headliner uncomfortably close to taller passengers' heads. The redesigned interior was spacious, attractive, and filled with high-quality materials, including a new infotainment system. The cabin was notably quiet, thanks to a noise-canceling system, making highway conversations easy and enjoyable.

The 2020 Ford Explorer refined its upscale, utilitarian design by slimming down body panels and creating a lower, more athletic appearance. The widened headlights, extra-large grille, and italic "Explorer" lettering on the hood gave it a prominent and recognizable face. The ST version, with black 21-inch rims, blacked-out trim, red brake calipers, and quad exhaust pipes, was particularly striking. However, the interior was a letdown. Despite the high price tag, the materials felt cheap, with low-grade vinyl and hard plastics dominating the cabin. The all-black interior was monotonous, and the thick D-pillars created unnecessary blind spots. The fuzzy 360-degree cameras further detracted from the driving experience.

The 2019 INFINITI QX50 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, the world's first mass-produced variable-compression engine. This innovative engine could vary its compression ratio between 8:1 and 14:1, depending on whether it aimed for maximum power or efficiency. However, the engine's 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque were less impressive in practice, resulting in a 0-60 time of 6.4 seconds, about a second slower than the outgoing V6. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) was a significant drawback, struggling to manage the power effectively and producing unpleasant noises. The QX50's ride prioritized comfort over sportiness, but the Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS) system was inconsistent and difficult to get used to. The EPA-estimated fuel economy of 24 city and 31 highway miles per gallon was not particularly impressive, especially considering the real-world figure struggled to exceed 24 mpg.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered a range of powerful engines and a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) chassis, providing a more balanced weight distribution. The ST trim featured a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The ST's performance was impressive, with smooth power delivery and precise steering. The Explorer also offered a 2.3-liter turbo inline-four engine with 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, as well as a gas-electric hybrid option with a net 318 horsepower. The hybrid's fuel economy was not significantly better than the non-hybrid models, making it a less attractive option. The Explorer's towing capacity ranged from 5,000 to 5,600 pounds, depending on the engine and drivetrain. The vehicle also featured seven drive modes for various conditions, enhancing its versatility.

The 2019 INFINITI QX50's interior was a mixed bag. While the fit and finish were high quality, and the materials were pleasing, the cabin felt cluttered with too many controls and screens. The infotainment system was plagued by input delays, causing frustration when navigating through menus. The shifter's unconventional design, with a separate "PARK" button, created a potential safety concern. Despite these issues, the QX50 offered plenty of room and a generally pleasant interior environment.

The 2020 Ford Explorer excelled in interior space and functionality. On a road trip to Maine, the Explorer provided ample space for passengers and cargo, with air vents, USB ports, and a panoramic moonroof enhancing the second-row experience. The third row was more spacious than previous models, accommodating six-foot-tall adults for short journeys. The cargo area measured 18 cubic feet behind the third row, 48 cubic feet behind the second row, and 88 cubic feet with all seats folded, making it one of the largest in its class. The Explorer's dashboard featured physical knobs and switches for climate and stereo controls, avoiding the pitfalls of touch-sensitive interfaces. However, the thick D-pillars and fuzzy 360-degree cameras were notable drawbacks.

The 2019 INFINITI QX50 offered a range of advanced safety and technology features, but many were only available on the top-tier Essential trim. The $2,000 ProActive package included intelligent cruise control, blind-spot intervention, lane-departure warning, and ProPilot assist. However, the base model's $36,550 MSRP did not include these features, making the starting price for advanced safety tech $45,900. The infotainment system's input delays further detracted from the overall experience.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G WiFi. Factory navigation was standard on all models except the base XLT. Keyless entry, remote start, 3-zone climate control, and SiriusXM satellite radio were also standard. The Premium Technology Package for ST and Platinum models included a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. While the touchscreen was well-organized and high-resolution, the instrument panel felt unfinished, with wasted screen space and limited customization options. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ semi-automated driving system was not as effective as competitors' systems, requiring further software updates for improvement.

The 2019 INFINITI QX50's safety features were limited by trim level, with advanced systems like blind-spot monitoring unavailable on the base Pure trim. The QX50 had not been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), making it difficult to assess its overall safety performance.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with Ford Co-Pilot 360, which included forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, auto high beams, and lane-keep assist. The Assist+ option added adaptive cruise control with steering assist and reverse braking, though the latter occasionally activated falsely. A passenger front knee airbag was also standard. The Explorer had not been tested by the NHTSA, but the IIHS had rated it Acceptable in the small overlap test on the driver's side.