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2021 Infiniti QX50 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Infiniti QX50 highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Roomy passenger and cargo space
  • Premium design touches
  • Quiet at highway speeds

Cons

  • Inconsistent power delivery
  • Disappointing real-world fuel economy
  • Light and artificial-feeling steering

Mileage (EPA estimate)

22 city, 28 highway, 25 combined

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The 2021 Infiniti QX50 gets more standard driver aids

The 2021 Infiniti QX50 is a compact luxury SUV with a design-forward interior that, especially in higher trims, showcases a variety of materials and colors (of course, basic black is still available). The interior is also roomy and quiet, adding to the upscale feel. For 2021, several optional packages were discontinued, and their features made standard on different trims. All trim levels but the base Pure now come standard with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, for example.

Overall, the QX50 comes with a lot more standard features than German luxury rivals, and a design that stands out from the crowd a bit. But the whole package is let down by some drivability issues. The steering feels light and disconnected, and the engine and transmission have trouble working together. Around town, throttle response is inconsistent, sometimes lagging and sometimes feeling overly sensitive and jumpy. It’s a less-than-premium experience in a car that otherwise looks and feels quite luxurious.

All Infiniti QX50 years

What is new for the 2021 Infiniti QX50?

  • QX50 trims have been upgraded with Rear Air Conditioning and Tow Hitch as standard equipment this year.
  • Running Boards and DVD Video System features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The Essential trim now comes with Automated Cruise Control, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay as standard equipment.
  • The Luxe trim now comes with Automated Cruise Control, Front Seat Heaters, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay as standard equipment.
  • The Pure trim now comes with Panoramic Sunroof, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay as standard equipment.
  • The Sensory trim now comes with Head Up Display as standard equipment.

2021 Infiniti QX50 trims

Curious how Infiniti QX50 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Pure:

  • 268-hp, 280-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Power Seats
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Smart Key
  • Rear View Camera
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Power Mirrors
  • Side Airbags
  • View our Infiniti QX50 Pure inventory

Luxe:

Essential:

Sensory:

Autograph:

Infiniti QX50 photos

What We Like

Interior: The QX50 has a less restrained interior design than some of its luxury competitors, available with more color and materials in some trims. It’s also open and roomy, adding to the upscale feel.

Quiet ride: At freeway speeds, the QX50 delivers a very quiet ride, matching the feeling of isolation provided by some significantly more expensive luxury vehicles.

Standard features: The QX50 comes with a solid list of standard features, including a basic set of driver aids and niceties like a power liftgate and Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. For 2021, more driver aids were made standard on the Luxe trim and up.

What Needs Improvement

Drivability: Unfortunately, the QX50’s premium feel doesn’t extend to the driving experience. The steering is light and artificial-feeling, and the powertrain responds inconsistently, generally feeling either laggy or overly sensitive and jumpy.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

3.8 out of 5

8 customer reviews

RepairPal reliability rating

4
Excellent

RepairPal gave the Infiniti QX50 an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Infiniti QX50 6th out of 18 among Luxury Compact SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Infiniti QX50

Infiniti QX50 features and specs

Curious how Infiniti QX50 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Sensory 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • BOSE Sound System
  • CD Audio
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Head Up Display
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Remote Start
  • Run Flat Tires
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine

Optional Features

  • A/C Seat(s)
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Rear Air Conditioning
  • Rear Entertainment System
  • Rear Sunshade
  • Run Flat Tires
  • Running Boards
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

268

Torque (ft-lbs)

280

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

16

Wheelbase

110.2"

Overall length

184.7"

Width

74.9"

Height

66"

Leg room

F 39.6"/R 38.7"

Head room

F 40"/R 38.4"

Front tires

P255/45VR20

Rear tires

P255/45VR20

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2021 Infiniti QX50 FAQ

Infiniti QX50 articles

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