Infiniti QX50
!
The Infiniti QX50 ispowered by a 268-hp,2.0-liter turbo four-cylinderengine mated to a continu-ously variable transmission.Although the engine is supposed to
deliver the power of a V6 and the
fuel economy of a four-cylinder, and
acceleration is competitive, we got
just 22 mpg overall in our AWD test
car. This trails most competitors. Interior fit and finish is impressive, and the
cabin is quiet and roomy. The QX50 has lackluster, but secure, handling. We
found the ride to be mostly calm, but some impacts are stiffer than expected.
The convoluted controls are very confusing and distracting. Infiniti's optional
ProPilot Assist feature can keep the QX in its lane, and can maintain and adjust
speed according to traffic. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency
braking, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic warning are all standard.
OVERALL
SCORE
75
$37,250-$55,850RELIABILITY3SATISFACTION2ROAD-TEST SCORE 77 MPG 22Infiniti QX60
!
The midsized QX60 isspacious, quiet, and well-finished, with room for sevenbut without the bulk of afull-sized SUV. It is basedon the Nissan Pathfinder and has a
comfortable ride, but handling lacks
agility, making the QX feel rather soft
and hesitant when taking corners.
The Infiniti's 3.5-liter V6 and continu-
ously variable transmission delivered adequate acceleration and returned an
unimpressive 19 mpg overall on premium fuel. A family-friendly feature allows
access to the third row even with a child seat installed in the second row. But the
second-row seat cushion is very low, compromising thigh support and forcing
passengers to sit with their knees high in the air. A recent freshening included a
bump in power and an increase in towing capacity. Forward collision warning,
automatic emergency braking, and blind spot warning are now standard.
OVERALL
SCORE
78
$44,350-$48,150RELIABILITY4SATISFACTION1ROAD-TEST SCORE 79 MPG 19Infiniti QX80
The QX80 large SUV has aplush, luxurious, and quietinterior. We liked the suppleride but found this bigbarge to be ungainly, withcumbersome handling in everyday
driving, though it was ultimately secure
in emergency maneuvers. The seven-
speed automatic and 400-hp, 5.6-liter
V8 provide smooth and strong per-
formance, but it chugs premium fuel and returned just 15 mpg overall. The tall
step-up to the cabin makes climbing in or out an ungracious affair. Cargo volume
is plentiful, and the small, power-folding third-row seat comes in handy to carry
two kids. The Nissan Armada is essentially the same vehicle but costs less.
Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking are standard. A
rear-seat reminder system, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, and rear
cross traffic warning are now standard on all trim lines for the 2020 model year.
OVERALL
SCORE
67
$66,750-$91,450RELIABILITY3SATISFACTION2ROAD-TEST SCORE 68 MPG 15Jaguar E-Pace
The small E-Pace is stylishand nimble. All versionsare powered by a 2.0-literturbo four-cylinder engine,mated to a nine-speedautomatic transmission and all-wheel
drive. Power delivery is uneven: It's
either lethargic or overly gushing.
Fuel economy of 21 mpg overall is not
stellar. Handling is agile, with sharp
steering, making the little Jag fun to drive. The ride, however, is stiff and nervous.
Controls, including the touch-screen infotainment system, are a bit cumbersome
but manageable. Visibility is wanting. Interior ambience is too ordinary and not
befitting a car in this class. All 2020 models get standard Android Auto and Apple
CarPlay compatibility. Forward collision warning, city-speed automatic emer-
gency braking, and lane keeping assistance come standard. Driver assistance
features, including adaptive cruise control and blind spot warning, are optional.
OVERALL
SCORE
55
$39,950-$52,950RELIABILITY2SATISFACTION2ROAD-TEST SCORE 69 MPG 21Jaguar F-Pace
Jaguar's compact SUVshares its rear-wheel-driveplatform with the XEand XF. The F-Paceis quick, thanks to its380-hp supercharged 3.0-liter V6,but the omnipresent engine dronequickly becomes tiring. A 2.0-literturbo is now the base engine. Asmooth eight-speed automaticand all-wheel drive are standard. The taut and nimble F-Pace is one of thebest-handling SUVs, contributing to the lively driving experience. However,the ride is stiff and choppy. The seats are comfortable, but interior qualitydoesn't match that of most competitors. The infotainment system is behindthe times, utilizing a slow and fussy touch screen. The A/C system isn't alwaysup to the task. Standard equipment includes forward collision warning andautomatic emergency braking.OVERALLSCORE54
$45,200-$80,600RELIABILITY2SATISFACTION2ROAD-TEST SCORE 72 MPG 20Jaguar F-Type
Jaguar's two-seat F-Typecoupe and convertible arequick, sporty, and capable,with a distinct exhaustbark emanating from thesupercharged V8. A superchargedV6 and a turbo four-cylinder are alsoavailable. Rear- and all-wheel-driveversions are offered. A smootheight-speed automatic is standard.The F-Type is agile in the corners and steers with precision, making it adelight to drive. The ride is very firm but not overly punishing, given the breed.But don't expect tranquility in the mold of the old XK, which was a moreluxury-oriented car. All 2020 models get standard Android Auto and AppleCarPlay compatibility.OVERALLSCORENA
$61,600-$126,700RELIABILITY2SATISFACTION4ROAD-TEST SCORE NA MPG NAJaguar I-Pace
The Jaguar I-Pace all-electric crossover seatsfive, has an EPA-estimatedrange of 234 miles, and isa quick and quiet car thathandles nimbly and doesn't consumea drop of gas. The ride is firm, yetcomfortable. The interior is luxurious,with an attractive combinationof charm and high-tech features,including dual screens for the infotainment system and a fussy push-buttongear selector. The ability to raise the ride height allows the I-Pace to traversemoderately rough terrain. The I-Pace can be an alternative to the Audi E-TronSUV or the Tesla Model X. But we found that it takes quite a while to charge,about 13 hours to charge the 90-kilowatt-hour battery from almost emptythrough a 240-volt connection. Jaguar says that on a DC fast-charger, theI-Pace can be charged to 80 percent in 40 minutes.OVERALLSCORE61
$69,850-$80,900RELIABILITY2SATISFACTION5ROAD-TEST SCORE 76 MPGe 76Jaguar XE
The XE is an athleticcompact luxury sportssedan that's fun to drive,thanks to its quick,communicative steeringand tight body control. As is commonin this class, it's a rear-wheel-drive car,but an all-wheel-drive version is avail-able as well. The 247-hp, 2.0-liter turbofour-cylinder engine is responsive buta bit raspy sounding; it gets 25 mpg overall when coupled with all-wheel-drive.The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. The ride is steady yetcomfortable. Interior quality, however, is not befitting the class or price, withsome cheap touches and sharp edges. The rear seat is extremely tight, and theinfotainment system can be distracting. Forward collision warning and auto-matic emergency braking are standard. Updates for the 2020 XE include anew gear selector and infotainment system. Diesel and V6 engines are dropped.OVERALLSCORE55
$39,900-$46,295RELIABILITY2SATISFACTION2ROAD-TEST SCORE 69 MPG 2564 CR.ORG APRIL 2020
NEW CAR PROFILES INFINITI — KIA