2020 Honda CR-V 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 brought the headliner uncomfortably close to taller passengers' heads. The redesigned interior was spacious, attractive, and filled with high-quality materials, featuring a new infotainment system. The cabin was exceptionally quiet, thanks to a noise-canceling system, making highway conversations easy and enjoyable.

The 2020 Honda CR-V, in its fifth generation, maintained a familiar and fun design. Its exterior had a soft, curvy, car-like appearance, resembling Honda’s sedan lineup. Inside, the CR-V’s interior was a mix of textures and materials. While pricier models featured wood-look trim and leather upholstery, these upscale touches clashed with low-quality plastics, reminding drivers that the CR-V was an upgraded commodity car rather than a premium product. The base CR-V started at an MSRP of $26,270, with four trim levels available. All-wheel drive was a $1,500 option across all trims. The CR-V’s interior was spacious, with good head- and legroom, and clever storage solutions, making it easy to live with.

The 2019 INFINITI QX50 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, the world’s first mass-produced variable-compression engine. This engine could vary its compression between 8:1 and 14:1, aiming for either maximum power or efficiency. It produced 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 0-60 time of 6.4 seconds. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was problematic, causing bogging, surging, and wheelspin from a stop. The QX50’s EPA-estimated fuel economy was 24 city and 31 highway mpg, with a combined rating of 27 mpg. The ride prioritized comfort over sportiness, but the Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS) system was inconsistent and difficult to get used to.

The 2020 Honda CR-V simplified its lineup by replacing the previous 2.4-liter engine with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a CVT, which performed well, especially in Sport mode. The CR-V’s road manners were excellent, with a car-like demeanor, nimble handling, and minimal body roll. Its low curb weight of 3,337 pounds for the FWD LX model contributed to its agility and fuel efficiency. FWD models achieved 30 mpg combined, while AWD models managed 29 mpg. The CR-V was among the lightest in its class, aiding both performance and fuel economy.

The 2019 INFINITI QX50’s interior was high-quality, with pleasing materials and ample space. However, the abundance of tech made the dash look cluttered and confusing. The infotainment system had input delays, causing frustration, especially with the navigation system. The shifter’s design, with a separate “PARK” button, was a safety concern, as it could lead to accidental shifts into Reverse.

The 2020 Honda CR-V excelled in packaging, offering a roomy cabin with excellent head- and legroom. The center console featured a deep well with a sliding cover, influenced by the Odyssey minivan. The rear had a two-position load floor, allowing for 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded. The door pockets were large, providing extra storage space. The CR-V’s smart design made it easy to live with, accommodating various storage needs.

The 2019 INFINITI QX50 offered advanced tech, especially in the $2,000 ProActive package, which included intelligent cruise, blind-spot intervention, and lane-departure warning and intervention, plus ProPilot assist. However, these features were only available on the top-tier Essential trim, starting at $45,900. The base QX50 was well-equipped, but the infotainment system’s frustrations detracted from the overall experience.

The 2020 Honda CR-V’s infotainment system showed its age. The base LX trim had a 5-inch screen with limited features, while higher trims had a 7-inch touchscreen, which felt small compared to competitors. The system lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available only with the larger screen, and the navigation system was exclusive to the Touring trim. However, the CR-V had plenty of USB ports in the EX trim and above, and the Touring trim featured a wireless phone charger.

The 2019 INFINITI QX50’s safety tech was limited to higher trims, with features like blind-spot monitoring unavailable on the base Pure trim. The QX50 had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2020 Honda CR-V included the “Honda Sensing” system as standard, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, road-departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist. EX trims and above had blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic monitoring. The CR-V earned five stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with the Touring trim’s LED headlights improving nighttime visibility.