2021 INFINITI QX50 vs 2017 INFINITI QX30

The 2017 INFINITI QX30, despite its Mercedes-Benz roots, managed to carve out its own identity with distinctive design elements. Its rakish headlights and bold grille were signature features of Infiniti's lineup, offering a contemporary and aggressive look that rivaled other luxury brands. The QX30's sculpted hood, sides, and rear end, along with a sloped windshield, gave it a dynamic appearance even when stationary. The differentiation between the FWD and AWD versions was evident in their ride heights and bumper designs, with the AWD model featuring more rugged cladding. Inside, the QX30 retained some Mercedes-Benz elements, but the seats and infotainment system were distinctly Infiniti, providing a unique value proposition.

In contrast, the 2021 INFINITI QX50 stood out in the luxury compact crossover segment with its engineering prowess, particularly its VC-Turbo engine. Its design was marked by a large honeycomb grille and a sporty, curved hood. The rear featured a unique chrome strip, adding character to the vehicle. The panoramic moonroof enhanced the cabin's airy feel, although visibility was slightly compromised by thick B-pillars and a short rear window. The Sensory AWD model boasted 20-inch alloy wheels and a well-appointed interior with soft-touch materials and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The QX50's cabin was spacious, offering ample legroom and headroom, even with the moonroof.

The 2017 INFINITI QX30 shared its powertrain with the Mercedes-Benz GLA, featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine producing 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Available in both FWD and AWD, the QX30 offered a surprisingly different driving experience compared to the GLA. While the GLA's acceleration was sluggish, the QX30 delivered a swell of acceleration once it got into its tall first gear. The suspension was well-tuned, providing strong cornering capabilities. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 24 mpg city, 33 highway, and 27 combined, while the AWD version achieved 21 mpg city, 30 highway, and 25 combined.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 featured a single powertrain option across its lineup: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, mated to a CVT with paddle shifters. The VC-Turbo engine offered a unique blend of power and efficiency by adjusting the compression ratio. The CVT, while not perfect, had been refined over the years to provide a smoother driving experience. The QX50's intelligent AWD system provided reassurance during challenging driving conditions, and the drive mode selector allowed for customization of engine and transmission settings. Sport mode enhanced responsiveness, while Eco mode prioritized fuel efficiency.

The 2017 INFINITI QX30, like many compact crossovers, struggled with utility and cargo space. It offered 19.2 cubic feet of trunk space, expanding to 34 cubic feet with the rear seats down, which was less than competitors like the Audi Q3 and BMW X1. The absence of a power liftgate was a notable drawback. The rear seats were tight, with the front row providing the most comfort, although footwells were somewhat cramped.

In contrast, the 2021 INFINITI QX50 felt spacious for a compact vehicle. It provided ample hip and shoulder room, with generous headroom even with the panoramic moonroof. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed 38.7 inches of legroom, and the sliding second-row seats allowed for flexibility between passenger and cargo space. The cargo area offered 31.1 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 64.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The optional Cargo package added practicality with cargo blocks and nets.

The 2017 INFINITI QX30 featured an Infiniti infotainment system with a single-screen touchscreen, offering a user-friendly experience compared to the dual-screen system in the Q50. The system included a basic controller but allowed for direct touchscreen interaction, a feature not available in some competitors. The voice-recognition software showed its age, but the touchscreen added significant value. The LED package enhanced the driving experience with ambient lighting and adaptive headlights.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 came equipped with the InTouch infotainment system, featuring dual display screens and a suite of connected services. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 16-speaker Bose audio system. The system was user-friendly, with seamless smartphone integration. The Around View Monitor and ProPilot Assist added convenience and safety, providing a glimpse into the future of autonomous driving.

The 2017 INFINITI QX30 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The optional Technology Package added advanced features like blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, and a surround-view monitor. The Intelligent Cruise Control system was particularly useful in stop-and-go traffic, maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 excelled in safety with standard features such as blind-spot warning, forward-collision warning, and lane-departure warning. The Easy-fill tire alert and traffic sign recognition added convenience. While the NHTSA had not tested the 2021 model, the structurally similar 2020 model received high ratings for crash protection. The IIHS also awarded the QX50 with Good ratings for crash protection and a Superior rating for front crash prevention.