2016 Infiniti QX50

In answer to the obvious question about the Infiniti QX50, yes, they still make it. Formerly known as the EX35, it was really one of the first luxury crossovers—it debuted back in 2008—but despite the soaring popularity of the category, the EX35-cum-QX50 has been all but invisible on American roads.

Maybe the QX50 is too much of a hatchback and not enough of an SUV. Or maybe the anemic sales (which are bouncing along at around 200 units per month) are due to the QX50’s cramped rear quarters.


Infiniti must be hoping it’s the latter, because it is adding 3.2 inches to the wheelbase of the QX50. Actually, the surgery has already been done—on the Chinese-market version, which has been out for the past six months or so. The new, longer QX won’t arrive here until this fall, as a 2016 model.

The wheelbase stretch adds a claimed four inches of additional rear legroom and a bit more cargo space, as well. Interestingly, it has little evident affect on the car’s styling, which appears hardly changed from the current model.

Nor are any significant mechanical changes part of the 2016 update. Which means the same 325-hp 3.7-liter V-6 and seven-speed automatic should continue, with a choice of rear- or four-wheel drive.

In the absence of any other changes, will the extra inches be enough to raise this model’s stature? Frankly, that seems like a pretty tall order.