A pair of clutches link the engine and motor with a CVT that can be shifted manually; it also features a Sport setting that offers stepped gears. (We fail to understand the appeal of making a CVT that doesn’t act like a CVT. Sure, we generally don’t like those types of transmissions, but why give it programming that saps it of its efficiency advantage? And why does an Infiniti have a CVT in the first place?) There are also Standard, Snow, Eco settings, and all modes adjust throttle response and transmission mapping. Regenerative braking helps recharge the Lithium-ion battery, which is located under the third-row seat. That location helps retain a flat rear cargo floor and flexible rear-seat passenger room, which already is aided by six inches of fore and aft travel for the second row seat. Needless to say, the dashboard info screen will tell you when and where power is being routed.
