2017 INFINITI QX50 Review

Name: 2017 INFINITI QX50 Review
Brand: INFINITI
Price: 13800 USD
Rating: 4.7 (29 reviews)

+86

Used QX50 for sale

$13,800 - $22,998

19 listings

See Cars for Online Purchase See All for Sale

Appraise This Car

INFINITI QX50 model years

INFINITI QX50 for Sale

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

See pricing history

Edmunds' Expert Review

byJames Riswick^{Edmunds Contributor
James Riswick is an automotive journalist at Edmunds.}

Pros

Powerful standard V6 engine
Rresponsive handling more akin to a sport sedan than a sport-utility

Cons

Limited cargo space
That standard V6 engine is pretty thirsty
All-or-nothing option packages mean you'll probably pay for things you don't want
Dated interior controls

What’s new

The QX50's optional 19-inch wheels are now available separately for 2017.

Vehicle overview

Originally known as the EX35, the Infiniti QX50 was ahead of its time when it debuted in 2008. Here was a vehicle that offered the raised ride height and all-wheel drive of an SUV but with smaller, more manageable proportions and a lower price tag than more traditional SUVs. These days, most luxury automakers have followed Infiniti's lead and joined the small luxury crossover bandwagon. The issue you might find, though, is that the 2017 Infiniti QX50 is still a lot like that 2008 EX35.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2017 INFINITI QX50 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 7A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$276/mo

$201/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

On the upside, the QX50 boasts a sharp driving experience more like a sport sedan than a small utility vehicle. That includes a standard V6 engine that pumps out massively more power than anything in its price range. Though that V6 might be powerful, it's also far thirstier than the turbocharged four-cylinder engines in rival crossovers. The QX50 also suffers from a small cargo area, a ride height that isn't really all that elevated and Infiniti's older infotainment interface. The way Infiniti structures the QX50's all-or-nothing options packages is another possible turnoff, at least for new-vehicle shoppers.

In our opinion, it's probably best to focus on the 2017 QX50's rivals, including the well-rounded BMW X1, the value-rich and spacious Acura RDX, and the well-made, distinctive Lexus NX 200t. They deliver a better mix of size, price and performance than this aging, onetime-trendsetting Infiniti.

The Infiniti QX50 comes standard with antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and a rearview camera. The optional Technology package, which requires you to specify all other options packages, includes a forward collision warning and automatic braking system, lane departure warning and intervention, and a blind-spot monitoring system.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the QX50 the best possible rating of Good in its side-impact and moderate-overlap front-impact crash tests.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Driving

The 2017 Infiniti QX50 drives more like a sport sedan than a sport-utility. It's taut and composed when you're driving around turns, and you'll like the precise and responsive steering. The QX50 definitely feels sportier than the typical small SUV. Backing that up further is the non-turbocharged 325-hp V6 that quite simply blows away competitors' turbocharged four-cylinder engines that typically offer about 100 fewer horses. Then again, that engine is getting on in age, and it exhibits a rather rough character with excessive vibrations. The QX50 also isn't that high off the ground. Not only is there less clearance, but you won't get the same commanding view of the road offered by most rivals.

Interior

The Infiniti QX50's cabin has an upscale feel throughout. Materials quality is generally good, with standard leather upholstery accented by available maple trim. The overall design has begun to look rather dated compared to more modern crossovers, however. That impression is backed up by the relatively small 7-inch central display screen and the lack of certain features such as multiple USB ports. Plus, Bluetooth audio isn't standard, and you have to pony up for a pair of pricey packages to get it.

The QX50's front seats are adequately comfortable on long trips, though the steering wheel could telescope out another inch or two for long-legged drivers. The rear compartment's 4.3 inches of additional legroom introduced last year don't exactly turn it into a limousine, but the result is appreciably more spacious seating that can accommodate even taller adults without issue. The rear seat cushion is notable for its generous height, enhancing under-thigh support and giving rear passengers a nice view of the scenery.

Cargo volume remains a major issue, however, even as that extra wheelbase swelled maximum space to 50.1 cubic feet. That's still pretty limited, trailing every compact luxury SUV (BMW X3, Audi Q5, etc.), and barely topping smaller models such as the Audi Q3. With the backseat raised, this problem gets even worse, with a paltry 18.6 cubic feet of space that's barely better than a sedan's trunk.

2017 INFINITI QX50 models

The 2017 Infiniti QX50 is a compact luxury SUV that seats five people. There is a single trim level.

Standard features include 18-inch wheels, automatic headlights, foglights, a sunroof, heated mirrors, keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated power front seats (eight-way-adjustable driver, four-way passenger), leather upholstery, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone connectivity, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio and a USB port.

There are multiple option packages, but as you read the descriptions, keep in mind that they have to be ordered along with those that were previously described. There's no picking and choosing.

The Premium package adds driver memory settings, a power-adjustable steering wheel, an air purifier, roof rails, an auto-dimming interior mirror and an 11-speaker Bose sound system. The Premium Plus package can be added to that, and it includes Bluetooth streaming audio, a navigation system, voice controls, front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree parking camera system. To those packages, the Deluxe Touring package can be added. It includes 19-inch wheels (available separately), adaptive xenon headlights, an eight-way power passenger seat, two-way power driver-seat lumbar adjustment, and a power-folding backseat. And finally, to all of that, you can add the Technology package. It includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and intervention, forward collision warning and automatic braking, and a blind-spot monitoring system.

There is only one engine option in the 2017 Infiniti QX50: a 3.7-liter V6 that produces 325 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive are standard, and all-wheel drive is an option.

All of that power means the QX50 is quick to accelerate, but it does come with a fuel economy penalty. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 20 mpg combined (17 city/24 highway) regardless of whether you get rear- or all-wheel drive. For comparison, the BMW X1 is substantially more fuel-efficient at 26 mpg combined, while Infiniti's new QX30 is good for 27 mpg combined.

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4/5Excellent

#6 out of 18 among Luxury Compact SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the INFINITI QX50 from 2008-2022.}

$492/yr

vs. $559/yr
for Average Luxury Compact SUV

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.84x/yr

vs. 1.23x/yr
for Average Luxury Compact SUV

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

8.6%

vs. 8.6%
for Average Luxury Compact SUV

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2017 INFINITI QX50.

5 (83%)

4 (6%)

3 (8%)

2 (0%)

1 (3%)

4.7

29 reviews

Write a vehicle review See all 29 reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Almost the perfect all-around vehicle

Doobster6, 12/29/2020

2017 INFINITI QX50 4dr SUV AWD (3.7L 6cyl 7A)

I had suffered for years with the exceedingly high annual operating costs of off-warranty European cars, especially BMWs, which are the worst. Being newly retired I wanted a vehicle that was satisfying to drive but wouldn’t cost arms and legs to keep on the road. With one glaring exception, this specific model-year compact SUV is that car. THE BAD: Gas mileage is mediocre at best. I see … 18 in non-highway driving and no better than 29 highway, and these figures are achieved only under a somewhat sedate driving style. Anyone pressing the right pedal hard enough to enjoy the awesome 325 hp V6 engine will see that drop, and by a lot! These days mid-sized SUVs get better mileage than that, although they can’t boast the power this car has. Mixed Tech. While its NAV system is still useful (it was WAY ahead of its time when first introduced in 2007) it is not WAZE, which I still use. But it lacks Apple car-play or Android integration, so you’re stuck having to use the smartphone when modern cars would display WAZE on the car’s own screen. THE GOOD: This is a much longer list!! First of all, this was the last year for this model built on its original RWD architecture and the car’s handling match my 2008 BMW 335xi. This is abetted in my specific car which is a ‘fully loaded’ model that has the optional 19” wheels. But unlike that BMW, ride quality is also superb, matching the larger BMW 530xi I also once owned. I’m not sure how Infiniti blended both handling and ride into one car but they did. I prize chassis dynamics above all else and this car does it all! The engine is awesome!! No turbo-lag in this naturally aspirated engine! It does have variable valve timing and lift and so it can re-tune itself to be anything you need it to be. It produces 325 relentless horsepower that pull like a freight train, falling just a smidgen behind that aforementioned 335xi. It’s fierce acceleration is surprising and almost frightening as it seems to accelerate harder the higher the revs rise. And it has no turbocharger(s) that will eventually fail and be very expensive to later replace. This VQ series of engine produced by Nissan have won awards for many years owing to their stout horsepower and reliability. Interior space is more than adequate. A 4” chassis stretch in 2016 added rear seat leg room that allows 6+ footers to ride comfortably in this car. The seats are well formed and comfortable. A keen eye will notice that the bottom seat bolsters are smaller near the center console, so that a hand can fit between them to retrieve the wallet or sunglasses that just dropped there. This is a small but thoughtful detail that you may come to appreciate many times! Behind the back seats you have 18 cu ft of space; as much as any full-sized sedan’s trunk but fold the seats down and now you have 50 cu ft. This increases the utility of this vehicle way beyond any sedan you might choose to replace with it. Real buttons!!! Modern cars have one or even two touch screens that bury common functions under several layers of screen menus. This car has ‘old fashioned’ radio volume and tuning rotary knobs, as well as six station buttons that I frankly prefer. Many other screens can also be instantly accessed via hard buttons conveniently placed in front of the display. Modern safety tech! Being fully loaded, my car has the tech package which includes adaptive headlights, Bird’s-eye view surround camera, BLIS, LDW, LDA, FCA, FCA, Rear traffic cross alert and adaptive cruise. While some of these can sometimes be annoying, they are always a safety advantage. Great interior look and materials! You will know you are not in a Honda or Toyota. It is a premium car and looks and feels that way. Chrome trim on the outside completes the effect. AWD. Infiniti has improved their intelligent AWD over the years and it nearly matches Audi’s Quattro in responsiveness. Yet the car remains a RWD vehicle when AWD is not needed, improving handling and cornering. In short, this is the best all-around vehicle I have ever owned. It combines the best features of many of the European cars I’ve owned with better utility and adequate technology. I love driving it as much as any car I’ve ever owned (well maybe not the stick-shift CTS-V!). Only the relatively poor gas mileage keeps me from giving the car a full five-star rating. Nevertheless, it looks like something I’m going to want to keep for many years to come. It does it all, does it all well enough for my needs! Update 7-29-22 Still holding firm on all of the above. That said, gasoline prices have me side-eyeing SUV hybrids, although limited supply and high prices will likely keep me in the Infiniti for years to come, especially since I drive so much less now that I’m retired. December 30, 2022 No real changes to opinions or future plans. Still love driving it every day, and now that gas prices are back down (and dropping) my interest in hybrid SUVs has dropped in concert. I’m only at 46k miles at the moment, relatively nothing for modern cars and so have many more years of high-satisfaction driving ahead. My wife’s car, the 2019 QX50, while an entirely different car based on a FWD platform, might be the only model I might wish to replace it with. What Infiniti really needs to do is appropriate some of the hybrid/electric technology from its parent company Nissan to offer a more gas-efficient model that’s still an Infiniti!

Love it, BUT...won't buy it again

Kim N, 07/31/2017

2017 INFINITI QX50 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 7A)

This SUV offers a great smooth ride and accelerates better than any car I've owned, including other luxury cars. I had hoped to own it for many years but I am highly disappointed in some things that are important to me that will prevent me from keeping the car. The fuel economy does not exist, the SUV is a gas guzzler and in a time of fuel efficiency, it's really poor. The navigation …

Fun, Quality, Drivers Car, - "Yugo" cupholder!

Owen Carter, 04/17/2018

2017 INFINITI QX50 4dr SUV AWD (3.7L 6cyl 7A)

For a smaller car, pleasing in most every way. Great pep, roadhandling, and reasonable comfort, but has a cupholder designed by a two year old!

More SSUH Than SUV

In-fan-iti, 11/30/2017

2017 INFINITI QX50 4dr SUV AWD (3.7L 6cyl 7A)

I consider this a good point as it gives me lots of flexibility, and i don't need a large vehicle with massive cargo. It is still an unusual vehicle, and knowing the gas consumption, you are silly to buy it if that is a primary concern. I know in the past I have gotten better than rated mileage on this particular engine/setup (3.7L, 7 speed auto) as it has been very responsive with a … feather touch on the gas, and I have a lead foot. I call it more a Sport Sedan Utility Hatchback, than a full fledged SUV. Remember hatchbacks? They had a higher cargo area you could expand if you needed to haul things around that were odd sizes, like a bicycle. the cargo area is a really good size by my standards, but smaller than some I have seen, but you could still carry quite a bit. As far as the packages, which were mentioned in the Edmunds review, they come pretty well loaded for a $35,000 SUV (the base, RWD model). I added the premium and premium plus packages for the upgraded radio, navigation, and several other features. The premium Pkg is $500, the Premium Plus is $1,000, but requires the Premium Package. I also got, just because it was closest to what I wanted, the 19" wheel package for $800. Pretty cheap as far as packages go. The babysitting tools and other things I had no interest in are in the Technology Package, which has an awful lot of stuff in it for $2,000, including all the babysitting tools. That covers ALL the packages offered. The only other things are little accessories (most you won't need), and of course I wanted AWD. As far as the engine, I would gladly take the V-6 over many of the turbocharged competitors, and it happens to be a very reliable V-6 at that. I will be extremely sad to see it go from most infiniti vehicles in place of turbocharging, and the totally new engine for 2019 for this car. I sat in the back seat to try it out, and pushed the front seat farther back than I usually use it (I am 5'9") and found the rear seat not a bad place to be for two adults (I would not ever put an adult in the middle because of the hump in the floor for the drivetrain), but the back seat has it own heat vents (under the seat) and a/c vents that can be turned off and adjusted (back of the center console). I actually found the navigation really easy to use and input addresses, as well as to control other settings for the car. And I LOVE that the Radio and climate controls are separate (though you can also use the unit for the radio or the steering wheel. As far as bluetooth, yes, it does work for voice and for audio media, you just need to make sure it is set for both, otherwise it will only search for voice bluetooth systems. As far as driving, as I said before, there is tons of power, a sport driving mode, and manual shift on the stick, not on the wheel. Personally, considering how little I shift an automatic manually, they are more a hindrance than help on the wheel. I don't think it matters for everyday driving, but I have AWD. I have taken corners faster than I probably should have given it is a slightly higher center of gravity, and it drives very well on curvy roads as well as the highway. Since it is not the fastest selling of Infiniti's vehicles, you can often get a great deal on them, and unless you need more room than a compact vehicle will provide (again, remember it is compact) will provide or fuel economy is a huge priority for you, I say definitely test it and buy it if it suits your needs. Infiniti dealers are giving darned good discounts. I would say, depending on level of equipment (they max out around $45,000 MSRP), you can save $5,000 to $8,000 off sticker without much haggling. I saved $7,000, plus got an infiniti Loyalty Rebate good for another (I think) $1,000, and i really did not haggle.... I picked a car, and the saleswoman went and came back with the best price, then added the rebate, and I said great. So keep that in mind when comparing "sticker prices"... they will come down on them quite a bit especially now while they still have 2017 on lot and know 2018 is last year before major changes.

See all 29 reviews of the INFINITI QX50

Write a vehicle review

2017 QX50 Highlights

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$34,650
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	20 MPG
Cost to Drive	$276/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	18.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 60,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Key safety features on the QX50 include:

Back-up camera
Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover13%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Not Tested
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

People who viewed this also viewed

INFINITI QX60
2.0 average Rating out of 1 reviews.
Starting at $49,650

See INFINITI QX60 Inventory

Acura RDX
4.6 average Rating out of 7 reviews.
Starting at $44,350

See Acura RDX Inventory

INFINITI QX55
5.0 average Rating out of 1 reviews.
Starting at $50,150

See INFINITI QX55 Inventory

2017 INFINITI QX50 Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Vehicle overview

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2017 INFINITI QX50 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 7A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Driving

Interior

2017 INFINITI QX50 models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2017 INFINITI QX50.

Trending topics in reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Almost the perfect all-around vehicle

Love it, BUT...won't buy it again

Fun, Quality, Drivers Car, - "Yugo" cupholder!

More SSUH Than SUV

2017 QX50 Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Related Used 2017 INFINITI QX50 info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Shop similar models

Shop used vehicles in your area

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Infiniti

Research similar vehicles

Other models

Join Edmunds

2017 INFINITI QX50 Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Vehicle overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2017 INFINITI QX50 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 7A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Driving

Interior

2017 INFINITI QX50 models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

Almost the perfect all-around vehicle

Love it, BUT...won't buy it again

Fun, Quality, Drivers Car, - "Yugo" cupholder!

More SSUH Than SUV

2017 QX50 Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Related Used 2017 INFINITI QX50 info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Shop similar models

Shop used vehicles in your area

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Infiniti

Research similar vehicles

Other models

Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2017 INFINITI QX50 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 7A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}