2021 INFINITI QX50 Review
2021 INFINITI QX50 Review
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2021 Infiniti QX50 Review
byCameron Rogers
Manager, News
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).
Pros
- Roomy interior with comfortable seating
- Lots of cargo space
- Easy to get in and out
- Quiet at highway speeds
Cons
- Inconsistent power delivery due to CVT automatic
- Disappointing real-world fuel economy
- Steering feels overly light and artificial
What's new
- Luxe trim now comes with many features from last year's ProAssist and ProActive packages
- New optional Appearance package for Luxe models
- Part of the second QX50 generation introduced for 2019
Overview
On paper, the 2021 Infiniti QX50 should be a slam dunk. This luxury crossover is loaded with features, costs thousands of dollars less than competitors, and is spacious for passengers and cargo alike. And while rivals generally stick to a conservatively upscale interior design, the QX50 bucks convention, offering an inspired cabin that looks like nothing else on the market. We're genuinely impressed that the corporate bigwigs rubber-stamped the contrasting-color surfaces and suede-like trim.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 INFINITI QX50 PURE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) 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
$216/mo for QX50 PURE
QX50 PURE
vs
$201/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
But some of the QX50's avant-garde touches threaten to mar the experience. The most egregious offender is the so-called VC-Turbo engine and its transmission. The variable-compression engine was created to reap the benefits of running on both low and high compression, which should theoretically deliver either excellent performance or superb fuel economy on demand. But in real life, the turbo-four delivers only so-so acceleration numbers and mediocre fuel economy. The kicker is that the engine is also very sensitive to throttle inputs — an inadvertent press of your big toe will deliver immediate thrust even if you didn't intend it.
If you're looking for a value-rich compact SUV, the Acura RDX and Volvo XC60 are appealing alternatives that won't strain your pocketbook. And while they aren't the least expensive options around, the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC come with a lot of features right out of the box. None of these alternatives exhibit anything like the QX50's powertrain quirks.
What's it like to live with?
For a more complete take on the Infiniti QX50 of this generation, check out our experiences from a full year of living with a 2019 Infiniti QX50 Essential AWD. We cover everything from comfort to performance. Style and technology were among the highlights, but we took issue with elements of its performance. Note that for the 2020 model year, the QX50 got a new infotainment system with smartphone integration as well as some new safety features that weren't available on our 2019 long-term test vehicle.
Which QX50 does Edmunds recommend?
A major component of the QX50's appeal is the budget-friendly price tag. We say keep the costs under control and get this small crossover in one of its lower trims. For our money, the Luxe is a good way to go. Its added conveniences and driver aids help it keep up with other luxury SUVs.
2021 INFINITI QX50 models
The 2021 Infiniti QX50 is a compact SUV sold in five trims: Pure, Luxe, Essential, Sensory and Autograph. All come with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (268 horsepower, 280 lb-ft of torque) paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional on all trims.
Pure
The base Pure trim starts you off with:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights
- Power liftgate
- Keyless entry and ignition
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Power front seats with driver lumbar adjustment
- Faux leather upholstery
- 8-inch upper touchscreen and 7-inch lower touchscreen
- Six-speaker audio system
- Satellite radio
- Four USB ports
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wi-Fi hotspot
The QX50 Pure also comes with a bevy of advanced driving aids, such as:
- Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
- Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
- Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
- Rear automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)
- Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking)
Luxe
Stepping up to the Luxe model adds:
- Panoramic sunroof
- Roof rails
- LED foglights
- Remote engine start
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Heated front seats
- Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Infiniti and the car in front)
- Blind-spot intervention (automatically steers the car back into its lane if you try to change lanes while a car is in the QX50's blind spot)
- Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
The optional Appearance package consists of:
- 20-inch wheels
- Heated mirrors
- Black and dark chrome-colored exterior styling elements
Essential
The Essential model builds on top of the Luxe trim, adding:
- Heated mirrors
- Automatic wipers
- Navigation system
- Front parking sensors
- 360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the QX50 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
The Essential's available Convenience package includes:
- Driver-seat memory settings
- Power-adjustable, heated steering wheel
- Leather upholstery
Sensory
The feature-rich Sensory model adds:
- Convenience package
- 20-inch wheels
- Unique LED headlight design
- 16-speaker Bose premium audio system
- Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)
The Climate package further adds:
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Ventilated front seats
- Rear sunshades
Autograph
The top-trim Autograph model includes:
- Climate package
- 20-inch wheels
- Adaptive steering system
- Hands-free liftgate
- Ambient lighting
- Passenger lumbar
- Upgraded leather upholstery
- Faux suede headliner
- Tow hitch (AWD only)
- Larger radiator fan and transmission oil cooler (AWD only)
The QX50 offers one final appearance package unique to the Autograph trim. The Premium White Leather package consists of:
- White leather upholstery
- Blue faux suede interior accents
- Brown faux suede headliner
- Blue accent stitching
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Excellent
#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
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
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
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 2021 INFINITI QX50.
5 star(37%)
4 star(13%)
3 star(16%)
2 star(13%)
1 star(21%)
38 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
I am loving this car!
MZJ, 01/13/2020
2020 INFINITI QX50 LUXE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
This car was not even on my radar. I thought it was too small for my 6'7" husband, but the salesperson told me it had been redesigned and that the inside had more room! Indeed it did! We tried over a dozen cars from luxury to large SUV's. This 2020 QX 50 places more items on it's sleek dashboard and leaves more leg and shoulder room in the cabin of the vehicle. The power seats have … so many adjustments that my husband has as much headroom as in did in our late model Mercedes 450! The seats are comfy, the technology is sweet, it has Apple Play, blind spot warning, lane warnings and the engine has pep!! I was used to a 8 cylinder Jeep and Benz and this sweet ride is just as smooth and much easier on the wallet for gas! It looks small on the outside but don't let that fool you! The back space is very big and the back seats have a 60/40 split! Infiniti gives you road service and live traffic for four years. I have had no buyers remorse and each time I drive the car I am happier than the time before!
5 out of 5 stars
GOOD DEAL FOR THE MONEY
Bob D, 03/14/2020
2020 INFINITI QX50 LUXE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
My current lease was almost up and I decided I wanted an suv this time around. I liked the look of the QX50 but I didn't like all the poor reviews of the 2019 model on Edmunds. I decided to test drive the 2020 model to see if any of the problems of the 2019 might have been corrected. I was impressed with the ride and size but really impressed with the power of the new engine. I had no … problem with the cvt transmission at low or high speeds. My current car is a three litre 300 twin turbo which I love, yet I see no noticeable differance in power. Yes, I did have a problem with the light steering feel but I changed the setting from standard to sport in the settings option screen and it tightened up to my liking. I really was surprised to like this suv. I live in the city so I never expect good gas mileage from any vehicle and this one is no different. You are always stopping for lights or stop signs so there is just no way you are going to see good mileage. On the highway it's just the opposite. I'm getting almost 30 MPG and the ride is great. The power is very acceptable at any speed. I also found no power lag going up hills which many complained of with the cvt transmission. Many nice features for the money. All in all I'm very happy and surprised with this suv.
4 out of 5 stars
Comfy Cozy
Ted, 07/23/2020
2020 INFINITI QX50 LUXE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
It’s very comforting ride...Downside no wireless connection to Apple Car Play.
5 out of 5 stars
Great Luxury SUV
Nikki, 02/11/2020
2020 INFINITI QX50 SENSORY 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
I was in the market for an SUV as I had only ever driven coupe vehicles. I had test driven the Inifinti QX50, Acura RDX, Audi A3 & Nissan Murano (in that order). All I can say is how the QX50 really set the bar high for the others. It's a smooth ride. We've already taken it up to the cottage and it was dream on both the highway and side roads. The seats are also so comfortable. The … BOSE stereo system and panoramic roof is also a beautiful touch - it adds a lot of natural light inside the car (my interior is black). A full tank gets around 600km. Only dislike is the gas requirement is premium. It was a pricey purchase, but I don't regret it for a minute, I also plan to have it for as long as possible.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 INFINITI QX50, so we've included reviews for other years of the QX50 since its last redesign.
2021 QX50 Highlights
PURE
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $38,050 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 26 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $216/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 31.4 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the QX50 models:
- ProPilot Assist
- Assists drivers by maintaining a set distance to the car in front and keeping the car in between the lane lines.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Warns you if a vehicle is approaching your blind spot as you reverse out of a parking spot.
- Forward Emergency Braking
- Alerts the driver with a visual and audible warning when a forward collision with a car or pedestrian is imminent.
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover15.5%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedAcceptable
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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