What To Know
- While the CVT may not offer the same level of engagement as a traditional automatic transmission, it contributes to the QX50’s impressive fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
- The Tucson has earned a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
- The QX50 has also earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS.
In the realm of compact SUVs, two formidable contenders emerge: the Hyundai Tucson and the Infiniti QX50. Both vehicles boast impressive features, sleek designs, and a commitment to delivering a premium driving experience. However, discerning buyers often find themselves torn between these two exceptional offerings. To help you make an informed decision, this comprehensive comparison delves into the intricacies of each SUV, evaluating their strengths, weaknesses, and unique characteristics. From performance and fuel efficiency to interior comfort and safety features, no stone will be left unturned in our quest to determine which SUV reigns supreme.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency: A Tale of Two Powertrains
1. Hyundai Tucson: The Hyundai Tucson offers a diverse range of powertrain options, catering to various driving preferences and needs. The base model features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. For those seeking more exhilaration, the Tucson also offers a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 232 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Both engines deliver a smooth and responsive driving experience, with the turbocharged option providing an extra boost of power when needed.
2. Infiniti QX50: The Infiniti QX50, on the other hand, takes a different approach to performance. It exclusively features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While the CVT may not offer the same level of engagement as a traditional automatic transmission, it contributes to the QX50’s impressive fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
Interior Comfort and Convenience: A Battle of Amenities
1. Hyundai Tucson: The Hyundai Tucson’s interior exudes a sense of refinement and comfort. The cabin is adorned with high-quality materials, and the seats provide ample support and cushioning. Standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a six-speaker audio system, and a rearview camera. Higher trim levels offer additional amenities such as a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, and a premium audio system.
2. Infiniti QX50: The Infiniti QX50’s interior is a testament to Japanese craftsmanship. The cabin is meticulously designed, with soft-touch surfaces and elegant accents. The front seats are supremely comfortable, offering excellent support and adjustability. Standard features include a dual-screen infotainment system, a Bose premium audio system, and a 360-degree camera system. Higher trim levels add features such as a head-up display, a heated steering wheel, and massaging front seats.
Safety Features: A Commitment to Protection
1. Hyundai Tucson: The Hyundai Tucson comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trim levels add features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. The Tucson has earned a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
2. Infiniti QX50: The Infiniti QX50 matches the Hyundai Tucson in terms of safety features, offering a similar array of advanced driver assistance systems. Standard features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trim levels add features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. The QX50 has also earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS.
Cargo Space and Practicality: Versatility at Your Fingertips
1. Hyundai Tucson: The Hyundai Tucson offers a spacious cargo area, with 38.7 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 74.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The Tucson also features a hands-free liftgate, making it easy to load and unload cargo.
2. Infiniti QX50: The Infiniti QX50 offers slightly less cargo space than the Hyundai Tucson, with 31.1 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 65.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. However, the QX50’s cargo area is well-shaped and easy to access, with a low load floor and a wide opening.
Price and Value: Striking a Balance
1. Hyundai Tucson: The Hyundai Tucson offers a compelling value proposition, with a starting price of $24,950. The base model comes well-equipped with a generous list of standard features, and higher trim levels offer a wide range of desirable amenities.
2. Infiniti QX50: The Infiniti QX50 starts at a higher price point of $38,000. However, it comes standard with a more powerful engine and a more comprehensive list of features than the Hyundai Tucson. Higher trim levels offer even more luxury and technology features, but they can quickly push the price beyond $50,000.
Final Thoughts: A Matter of Preference and Priorities
The Hyundai Tucson and the Infiniti QX50 are both excellent compact SUVs that offer a compelling blend of performance, comfort, and safety. The Hyundai Tucson is the more affordable option, with a lower starting price and a more generous list of standard features. It also offers more cargo space and a more diverse range of powertrain options. On the other hand, the Infiniti QX50 offers a more refined interior, a more powerful engine, and a more comprehensive suite of safety features. Ultimately, the best choice between the two depends on your individual preferences and priorities.
What You Need to Learn
1. Which SUV has better fuel efficiency, the Hyundai Tucson or the Infiniti QX50?
The Infiniti QX50 has better fuel efficiency than the Hyundai Tucson, achieving an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway compared to the Tucson’s 23 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
2. Which SUV has a more spacious cargo area, the Hyundai Tucson or the Infiniti QX50?
The Hyundai Tucson has a more spacious cargo area than the Infiniti QX50, offering 38.7 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 74.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down compared to the QX50’s 31.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 65.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
3. Which SUV has a lower starting price, the Hyundai Tucson or the Infiniti QX50?
The Hyundai Tucson has a lower starting price than the Infiniti QX50, with a base price of $24,950 compared to the QX50’s starting price of $38,000.