2025 INFINITI QX50

At first glance, the Infiniti QX50 looks like a lot of other small luxury SUVs: premium branding, attractive inside and out, plenty of room for people and cargo, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, available all-wheel drive. But the QX50 stands apart from the pack in several ways, some good, some not. Its generous list of standard luxury features and driver assist technologies surpasses those of many competitors, and the Infiniti’s starting price undercuts most of them. But despite updates for 2023, the QX50’s infotainment tech feels outdated.

Edmunds spotlight: Novel engine tech

Automakers would have you believe every little innovation is a technological breakthrough, but Infiniti’s VC-Turbo variable compression-ratio engine actually is. By replacing a single basic component in each cylinder — a piece that has performed the same function in every engine for over a century — with a complex computer-controlled linkage, this engine can alter its internal geometry, theoretically enabling it to offer greater power and efficiency. We say “theoretically” because the VC-Turbo doesn’t significantly outperform its competitors’ vastly simpler engines in either metric.

Competitors to consider

Most of the strongest contenders in the QX50’s class come from the expected sources, traditional luxury brands. The Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC offer superior refinement and performance but are priced accordingly. Buyers interested in livelier handling will be impressed by the Acura RDX, while pretty much anybody considering a vehicle in this class will be wowed by the all-around excellence of the Genesis GV70.

The QX50 doesn't fully deliver on the luxurious experience promised by its rich looks. Many competitors offer a better ride, more powerful and refined powertrains, or more up-to-date infotainment tech. The QX50 isn’t a bad choice, but it isn't a standout in any category.