Overview
The 2024 Infiniti QX50 competes in the crowded compact luxury SUV segment, facing off against stalwarts such as the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-class and well-rounded newcomers including the Genesis GV70. The QX50 pairs a stylish, sleek exterior design with a luxurious and spacious cabin, but the Infiniti crossover is held back by its overcomplicated powertrain. The novel variable-compression turbocharged four-cylinder engine promised both strong performance and frugal fuel economy, but real-world testing reveals that the QX50 lags behind the competition with slower acceleration and disappointing fuel mileage. And while the ride is soft and coddling, the continuously variable automatic transmission accentuates the loud engine noise. The QX50’s attractive styling and interior may entice luxury shoppers, but the powertrain’s shortcomings mean it can’t quite match the upscale experience offered by numerous rivals.
What’s New for 2024?
The Infiniti QX50 enters 2024 almost entirely unchanged. The only update to the compact SUV is the addition of a new paint color, called Black Obsidian, that will only be offered on the Sensory and Autograph trims.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We think the mid-level Sport is the best choice among the QX50’s many trims as it comes with a decent amount of standard equipment, including a 360-degree camera system, heated and cooled front seats, in-dash navigation, interior ambient lighting, and more. Those who want all-wheel drive should expect to dole out another $2000.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Since its redesign for the 2019 model year, every QX50 has been powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that uses variable compression—called VC-Turbo. The engine makes 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque and pairs with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that directs power to either the front or all four wheels. The engine seamlessly swaps between high compression during steady cruising and low compression during hard acceleration. While it never exhilarates when the pedal hits the metal, only those seeking a seriously quick crossover will be disappointed. Unfortunately, the engine is loud under heavy throttle, and the CVT makes this worse, especially around town. The Infiniti prioritizes comfort and luxury, with a compliant ride that is composed on rough roads and smooth on the highway. While the steering wheel provides little communication with the road surface, it has accurate reactions and light effort. Unfortunately, the Infiniti’s soft brake pedal operates inconsistently. This leads to more than one shoddy stop in rush-hour traffic where the QX50’s nose dives forward under heavy braking. Still, it only needed a competitive 164 feet to stop from 70 mph in our emergency-braking test.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Despite a so-called revolutionary engine touted as maximizing both power and fuel economy, our test vehicle was less efficient than advertised during real-world testing. The front-wheel-drive QX50 is rated at 23 mpg city and 29 highway while the all-wheel-drive version has estimates of 22 mpg city and 28 highway. All these estimates align with the similarly equipped BMW X3 and Volvo XC60, but that’s disappointing when you consider the VC-Turbo engine is intended to be more efficient than traditional alternatives. The last all-wheel-drive QX50 we tested on our 75-mph fuel-economy route—part of our extensive testing regimen—fell short of its highway estimate and returned 27 mpg in the real world. For more information about the QX50’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the QX50 can be fitted with quilted leather seats, wood interior trim, and a faux-suede headliner. However, these upscale appointments are available only on the most expensive model. Still, every QX50 has a comfortable and quiet cabin that includes a spacious rear seat with reclining seatbacks that proved to be a highlight of the 2019 QX50 that we had in our long-term test fleet. The QX50 has 31 cubic feet behind the back seat and up to 65 cubes with the 60/40 split-folding rear bench folded flat. We managed to fit nine carry-on suitcases with the seats up and 22 with them down. Both results were two more than the X3 held. While our top-of-the-line test vehicle had the motion-activated power liftgate, none of the lower trims has this useful feature.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The dual-touchscreen infotainment system will bother some more than others. We also were annoyed that the heated steering wheel and custom drive-mode settings are only accessible through this interface. While we appreciated the familiar volume knob, the rotary controller on the center console only operates the top screen. Every model has Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot. Both 12- and 16-speaker Bose stereo systems are available as is mobile WI-Fi hotspot. Our test vehicle did have several power points, with three USB ports up front and multiple 12-volt outlets, including one in the cargo area.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA): 5 stars
Every QX50 has a host of standard driver-assistance technology that includes lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist. For more information about the QX50’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Standard adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Although many luxury brands offer complimentary scheduled maintenance, Infiniti does not. It does provide competitive limited and powertrain warranties, along with four years of roadside assistance.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 60,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers six years or 70,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for 3 years, regardless of vehicle mileage.
Specifications
Specifications
2019 Infiniti QX50 Essential AWD
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE AS TESTED
$59,085 (base price: $46,145)
ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, port and direct fuel injection
Displacement
120–122 in3, 1971–1997 cm3
Power
268 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque
280 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
TRANSMISSION
continuously variable automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): struts/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 13.0-in vented disc/12.1-in vented disc
Tires: Bridgestone Ecopia H/L 422 Plus RFT, P255/45RF-20 101V M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 110.2 in
Length: 184.7 in
Width: 74.9 in
Height: 66.0 in
Passenger volume: 102 ft3
Cargo volume: 31 cu ft3
Curb weight: 4164 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS:
Rollout, 1 ft: 0.3 sec
60 mph: 6.4 sec
100 mph: 17.3 sec
130 mph: 41.6 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 7.3 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.9 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 4.7 sec
¼-mile: 15.0 sec @ 94 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 137 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 173 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.84 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 22 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 26/24/30 mpg
