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Infiniti QX50

Infiniti

Infiniti QX50: Compact luxury crossover. Second generation (2019+) uses the VC-Turbo variable compression engine.
Photo: Kevauto / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

Compact luxury crossover. Second generation (2019+) uses the VC-Turbo variable compression engine.

The Infiniti QX50 is a compact luxury crossover. The first generation was a rebadged EX with a rear-drive-based platform and VQ V6. The second generation, launched for 2019, switched to a front-drive-based platform and introduced the VC-Turbo, the world first production variable compression ratio engine. The VC-Turbo 2.0 liter four adjusts its compression ratio on the fly to balance power and efficiency. On WhipJury, the QX50 appears as a tech-forward family crossover rather than an enthusiast car, notable mainly for that engine.

QX50 specifications

Second generation: VC-Turbo 2.0 liter variable compression four, around 268 horsepower, CVT, front- or all-wheel drive. First generation: VQ V6, rear-drive based.

Frequently asked questions about Infiniti QX50

What is the VC-Turbo engine?
It is the world first production variable compression ratio engine, a 2.0 liter turbo four that mechanically changes its compression ratio to balance power and efficiency depending on load. The QX50 was the first car to use it.
Is the QX50 rear-wheel drive?
The first generation was rear-drive based. The second generation (2019+) switched to a front-drive-based platform with available all-wheel drive.
Does the QX50 use a CVT?
Yes, the second-generation QX50 pairs the VC-Turbo engine with a CVT, which is part of its efficiency focus but draws mixed reactions from drivers.
Is the QX50 reliable?
Broadly yes, though the VC-Turbo is a complex engine and the CVT is a long-term question mark. Keeping to maintenance intervals is important.
What is the difference between QX50 and QX55?
The QX55 is a coupe-styled version of the QX50 with a sloping roofline, sharing the same VC-Turbo drivetrain.

Other Infiniti models

EX35FX35FX45G35G37I30I35J30JX35M35M37M56
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