The 2023 Infiniti QX50 Sport AWD

Personal sized SUVs like the 2023 Infiniti QX50 Sport AWD are the perfect way to go these days. They offer a perfectly sized, easily parkable way to spend a weekend on the road, or to even bring home the bacon, chips, steaks and more from the local grocery store. You know you do it. Those of us at Napleton News do it, too, and think we should compare notes.

What makes the Infiniti QX50 Sport AWD so attractive?

For starters, in addition to the Pure, Luxe, Sensory and Autograph editions, add the new Sport edition to the lineup. New for the 2023 model year, it adds features like a black-accented grille, 20-inch black wheels and a Bose 12-speaker high-end audio system. All that and semi-aniline leather too.

Power for the new QX50 Sport AWD is delivered by a single package: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Known as the VC-Turbo, the engine features a variable compression (the VC) system. This alters the engine’s compression ratio according to the driver’s needs and the weight of their right foot. By the numbers, the 2.0-liter VC-Turbo delivers 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. That’s almost V6 power from an inline-four. It’s available standard in front-wheel drive or in the case of our Infiniti QX50 Sport, all-wheel drive.

The engine is mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). We found it pretending to be a standard six-speed automatic transmission with predetermined shift points. But we also found it wanted to play rough when we stood on the skinny pedal.

Another point of attraction: Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years, regardless of mileage.

How does this QX50 look?

The Infiniti “barrel” grille has always been bold and has only grown more so through the years. The two-box design avoids the, uh, boxy look and instead offers flowing lines that make it a standout in a somewhat staid segment. Oh, and it’s luxurious, too.

In the past, we have enjoyed the liberal use of chrome around the greenhouse of the QX50. The new Sport version uses a more subdued look that begins with blacked-out trim that is as understated as it is sinister looking.

Ordering anything above the entry-level Pure trim level will add features like a panoramic moonroof. The result is a wide open airy feeling that lifts this car a step above, at least visually.

The view inside.

The interior of our QX50 featured a two-tone red and black leather seating arrangement. Seating is comfortable for up to five people, although four would be even more comfortable! The driver’s position is well thought out, with a nicely designed cockpit. The twin screen display needs some refinement but it is a drastic improvement over the in-car entertainment controls of days gone by.

Heated and ventilated front seating offers a “be cool” or “heat it up” vibe, while a folding rear seat offers 65 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row. Behind the second row is 31 cubic feet of cargo space, which is still a good amount, all things considered.

Behind the wheel of the QX50 Sport.

The new 2023 Infiniti QX50 Sport AWD is one of the best examples of entry-luxury on the market today. A sense of solidity is clear when you first get inside and reinforces itself when you press the starter button.

Push the gearshift lock on the side of the lever to pull into drive, then release. And we’re off. Acceleration is as expected with no lurching or untoward sounds or grunts from under the hood.

We left the pavement to see how it felt to get sand between the toes (treads) of the 20-inch tires on our QX. Exercising proper technique found us able to maneuver regardless of how fine the sand was. Back on the street, the steering wheel offered a well-weighted feel that gave us great feedback as to our current road conditions. Acceleration from a standing start provided confidence that we wouldn’t become another vehicle’s hood ornament.

We think the Infiniti QX50 Sport AWD offered a satisfying way to break into the entry luxury crossover segment for not a lot of money. We hope that Infiniti can keep pace with its competition, because it’s a rapid moving segment.

Infiniti QX50 Sport AWD

	2023 Infiniti QX50 Sport AWD
Popular Powertrains
Engine Type	2.0-liter variable compression turbo inline-4
Horsepower	268 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm
Transmission	1-speed CVT w/AWD
Fuel Economy	25 mpg (22 city/28 hwy)
Suspension	McPherson Strut / Multilink
Turning Circle	36.4 ft.
Also Available	Various trim levels, FWD
Specs
Warranty	4 years/60,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	6 years/70,000 miles
NHTSA Safety Rating	5-star
Max Seating Capacity	5
Wheelbase	110.2 inches
Overall Length	184.7 inches
Width	74.9 inches
Height	66.0 inches
Cargo Room (Behind 2,1 row)	31.1/64.4 Cubic Feet
Headroom, Front	40.0 inches
Headroom, 2nd	38.4 inches
Legroom, Front	39.6 inches
Legroom, 2nd	38.7 inches
Shoulder, Front	57.9 inches
Shoulder, 2nd	59.7 inches