The biggest news surrounding the new-gen 2019 Infiniti QX50 is the introduction of the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder variable-compression engine, or VC-T for short. It is a breakthrough in gasoline propulsion technology that Infiniti hopes will offer an appealing, efficient alternative to those who are still resisting the electrification surge. The EPA mileage ratings have just gone official: The front-wheel-drive QX50 is rated at 24 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, and 27 mpg combined. All-wheel-drive models are at 24 mpg city, 30 highway, and 26 combined.
The outgoing 2017 QX50, which has rear-wheel drive and is offered only with a 3.7-liter V-6, is rated at 17 mpg city, 24 highway, and 20 combined. For comparison, the EPA rates the Audi Q5 at 23/27/25; the BMW X3 xDrive30i at 22/29/25; the Jaguar F-Pace 25t at 22/27/24; and the Mercedes-Benz GLC300 at 22/28/24. (All four of those models have turbocharged four-cylinder engines.)
We have previously discussed the features and science behind the new 2019 model’s engine in depth. We’ve also had a brief experience of what it’s like to drive a prototype equipped with the VC-T.
Infiniti used a turbocharger, which has a peak boost pressure of 23.2 psi, to help offset the power difference of a smaller engine. The VC-T offers 268 horsepower at 5600 rpm, and its torque swells to 28o lb-ft at 4400 rpm. The current QX50 offers 325 horsepower at 7000 rpm and 267 lb-ft at 5200 rpm.

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