Infiniti QX50
!
The Infiniti QX50 is
powered by a 268-hp,
2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder
engine 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-$55,850
RELIABILITY
3
SATISFACTION
2
ROAD-TEST SCORE 77 MPG 22
Infiniti QX60
!
The midsized QX60 is
spacious, quiet, and well-
finished, with room for seven
but without the bulk of a
full-sized SUV. It is based
on 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-$48,150
RELIABILITY
4
SATISFACTION
1
ROAD-TEST SCORE 79 MPG 19
Infiniti QX80
The QX80 large SUV has a
plush, luxurious, and quiet
interior. We liked the supple
ride but found this big
barge to be ungainly, with
cumbersome 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-$91,450
RELIABILITY
3
SATISFACTION
2
ROAD-TEST SCORE 68 MPG 15
Jaguar E-Pace
The small E-Pace is stylish
and nimble. All versions
are powered by a 2.0-liter
turbo four-cylinder engine,
mated to a nine-speed
automatic 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-$52,950
RELIABILITY
2
SATISFACTION
2
ROAD-TEST SCORE 69 MPG 21
Jaguar F-Pace
Jaguar's compact SUV
shares its rear-wheel-drive
platform with the XE
and XF. The F-Pace
is quick, thanks to its
380-hp supercharged 3.0-liter V6,
but the omnipresent engine drone
quickly becomes tiring. A 2.0-liter
turbo is now the base engine. A
smooth eight-speed automatic
and all-wheel drive are standard. The taut and nimble F-Pace is one of the
best-handling SUVs, contributing to the lively driving experience. However,
the ride is stiff and choppy. The seats are comfortable, but interior quality
doesn't match that of most competitors. The infotainment system is behind
the times, utilizing a slow and fussy touch screen. The A/C system isn't always
up to the task. Standard equipment includes forward collision warning and
automatic emergency braking.
OVERALL
SCORE
54
$45,200-$80,600
RELIABILITY
2
SATISFACTION
2
ROAD-TEST SCORE 72 MPG 20
Jaguar F-Type
Jaguar's two-seat F-Type
coupe and convertible are
quick, sporty, and capable,
with a distinct exhaust
bark emanating from the
supercharged V8. A supercharged
V6 and a turbo four-cylinder are also
available. Rear- and all-wheel-drive
versions are offered. A smooth
eight-speed automatic is standard.
The F-Type is agile in the corners and steers with precision, making it a
delight 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 more
luxury-oriented car. All 2020 models get standard Android Auto and Apple
CarPlay compatibility.
OVERALL
SCORE
NA
$61,600-$126,700
RELIABILITY
2
SATISFACTION
4
ROAD-TEST SCORE NA MPG NA
Jaguar I-Pace
The Jaguar I-Pace all-
electric crossover seats
five, has an EPA-estimated
range of 234 miles, and is
a quick and quiet car that
handles nimbly and doesn't consume
a drop of gas. The ride is firm, yet
comfortable. The interior is luxurious,
with an attractive combination
of charm and high-tech features,
including dual screens for the infotainment system and a fussy push-button
gear selector. The ability to raise the ride height allows the I-Pace to traverse
moderately rough terrain. The I-Pace can be an alternative to the Audi E-Tron
SUV 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 empty
through a 240-volt connection. Jaguar says that on a DC fast-charger, the
I-Pace can be charged to 80 percent in 40 minutes.
OVERALL
SCORE
61
$69,850-$80,900
RELIABILITY
2
SATISFACTION
5
ROAD-TEST SCORE 76 MPGe 76
Jaguar XE
The XE is an athletic
compact luxury sports
sedan that's fun to drive,
thanks to its quick,
communicative steering
and tight body control. As is common
in 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 turbo
four-cylinder engine is responsive but
a 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 yet
comfortable. Interior quality, however, is not befitting the class or price, with
some cheap touches and sharp edges. The rear seat is extremely tight, and the
infotainment system can be distracting. Forward collision warning and auto-
matic emergency braking are standard. Updates for the 2020 XE include a
new gear selector and infotainment system. Diesel and V6 engines are dropped.
OVERALL
SCORE
55
$39,900-$46,295
RELIABILITY
2
SATISFACTION
2
ROAD-TEST SCORE 69 MPG 25
64 CR.ORG APRIL 2020
NEW CAR PROFILES INFINITI — KIA