2019 Infiniti QX50 vs. 2019 Audi Q5: Which is Best?

2019 INFINITI QX50 front three quarter ・ Photo by Infiniti

The Infiniti QX50 is all-new for 2019, with a new look and an advanced powertrain, while the Audi Q5 is just a little older, having been updated for the 2018 model year. But which is best?

If you’re looking for a small SUV, both of these vehicles probably have made their way onto your radar. To help you decide which is the better of the two, the expert editors at Autobytel have compared them in several categories and used the results to come up with an overall winner. Read on to see how we think the Infiniti QX50 and Audi Q5 stack up against each other, and see if you agree with our conclusions.

Engines and Transmissions

All models of the Audi Q5 (other than the high-performance SQ5 with its 354-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter V6) are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 252 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, with that power being sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The QX50 also makes use of a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, but it’s the world’s first variable compression turbo engine, able to change its compression ratio from 8:1 to 14:1 to improve performance or efficiency as required. It generates an impressive 268 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque that is sent to either the front or all four wheels via a continuously variable transmission.

Winner: Infiniti QX50

Photo by Infiniti

Performance and Fuel Economy

With its variable compression turbo engine and CVT, the Infiniti QX50 can reach 60 miles per hour in around six and a half seconds. Probably thanks to its seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the slightly heavier and less powerful Audi Q5 can hit the same mark in under six seconds.

The 2018 Q5’s drivetrain was rated at 23 mpg city and 27 mpg highway for a combined 25 mpg (and we expect 2019 models to be the same), while the QX50’s advanced engine helps it earn a slightly better rating of 24 mpg city and 31 mpg highway for a combined 27 mpg in front-wheel drive trim, and 24 mpg city, 30 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined in all-wheel drive configuration.

Winner: Audi Q5

Photo by Audi

Ride and Handling

Neither the Audi Q5 nor the Infiniti QX50 are particularly sporty, but the Q5 is the better vehicle for those who like to drive quickly thanks to its more enthusiastic handling and extra grip. The Infiniti is stable and easily controlled and will be fine to drive for most drivers, but it has less grip, its CVT isn’t particularly fun to use, and enthusiasts may find the QX50’s steer-by-wire system a bit unnatural (at least at first).

Both the Audi and the Infiniti have excellent ride quality, with the Infiniti being just a bit more comfortable on the worst roads (but we think the extra fun the Audi brings to table is worth that tiny tradeoff).

Winner: Audi Q5

Photo by Audi

Exterior Design

Both of these models were recently redesigned, so as you’d expect they both feature modern styling, with the Audi Q5 being slightly more conservative (and not all that dissimilar looking to the previous generation) than the more angular Infiniti QX50. Both are attractive enough and both do a good job carrying their respective brand’s corporate front end, but the QX50 does a better job of standing out in a crowd (which may or may not be a plus for people shopping in this segment).

As always, exterior design is largely subjective, and either one would look good sitting in front of your house or in your garage (and if looks are your main selling point, you probably already know which one you want).

Winner: Tie

Photo by Infiniti

Interior Design

Like other Audi models, the Q5 has a very nice interior with a clean layout and good materials, and it’s pleasantly quiet inside as well. The highest trim level includes Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, which replaces the traditional gauge cluster with a crisp and clear high-resolution screen that can keep you apprised of just about anything going on in or around the car.

The Infiniti QX50 also features a simple and clean interior design with nice materials. But unlike the Audi, it doesn’t offer anything special or truly noteworthy, other than the impressive interior on the high-end Essential model with the $2,000 Autograph Package, which includes quilted semi-aniline leather seats and Ultrasuede interior accents.

Winner: Audi Q5

Photo by Audi

Passenger and Cargo Space

When it comes to the passenger compartment, the Audi Q5 and the Infiniti QX50 are quite comparable, though the QX50 is a little bit wider. The Audi has a bit more front head and leg room, but the rear seat dimensions are similar for both models, with the QX50 having just a little more rear legroom.

When it comes to cargo-hauling ability on the other hand, the Infiniti QX50 is the clear leader, with around an extra 5 cubic feet of space both with the rear seat up and with it folded down. Though most won’t be towing with their small SUVs, the Audi Q5 is rated to tow a respectable 4,400 lbs, while the Infiniti QX50 is rated at 3,000 lbs.

Winner: Infiniti QX50

Photo by Infiniti

Pricing

The 2018 Audi Q5 had a starting price of $41,500 for an entry-level all-wheel drive Premium trim level version (all models come standard with all-wheel drive, no other drivetrains are available), while top-of-the-line Prestige versions started at $50,800, and we expect 2019 pricing to be similar.

On the other hand, the Infiniti QX50 starts at $36,550, though that’s for a front-wheel drive version, with all-wheel drive versions costing at least $38,350. A top-of-the-line all-wheel drive Essential version starts at $45,150. Both the Q5 and QX50 offer comparable features on each of their three trim levels, with the Infiniti consistently being several thousand dollars cheaper.

Winner: Infiniti QX50

Photo by Infiniti

Infotainment

The Infiniti QX50’s infotainment system uses two screens, one for navigation and one for just about everything else. This might be appreciated by frequent nav users, but otherwise the two separate screens don’t seem as well-utilized or integrated with each other as they could be, though the systems do work well enough. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto currently are not available.

Audi’s infotainment system is among the best on the market, and the system in the Q5 is no exception. It comes with everything you’d expect, including a single good-sized touchscreen (and when equipped with Virtual Cockpit, another large screen where the instrument cluster would be), Bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and even a WiFi hotspot.

Winner: Audi Q5

Photo by Audi

Safety

When it comes to crash testing, the Audi Q5 is rated five stars in every test by NHTSA other than the rollover test, where it earned four stars. In IIHS testing, it earned a good rating in every category except for its headlights, which were scored marginal. It also offers Audi pre sense city to avoid low-speed impacts, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, Audi active lane assist, high beam assistant and traffic sign recognition.

The 2019 Infiniti QX50 has yet to be rated by either agency, but also offers active safety features such as emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and prevention, steering assist, distance control assist, advanced intelligent cruise control, and a head-up display.

Winner: Tie

Photo by Audi

Conclusion

The Infiniti QX50 held its own, winning three out of the nine categories (it came out on top in Engines and Transmissions, Interior and Cargo Space, and Pricing) while tying in two others (Exterior Design and Safety).

However, the Audi Q5 came out on top thanks to its four wins (in Performance and Fuel Economy, Ride and Handling, Interior Design, and Infotainment). Both of these small SUVs would make most owners happy, but we think the Audi’s better handling and nicer interior are more than worth it if you can afford the extra few thousand dollars, and if you can sacrifice a little bit of interior room and fuel economy.

Overall Winner: Audi Q5

Photo by Audi