INFINITIQX50

　　

2024 INFINITI QX50 Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　, rating written byDan FrioSenior Reviews Editor

　　Clint Simone has worked in the automotive industry since 2015. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Before joining zzdcar as a senior reviews editor, Clint contributed to Motor1.com and InsideEVs, evaluating mostly electric cars. Clint loves hot hatchbacks more than any other type of vehicle but secretly enjoys driving big trucks when he gets the chance. He would never admit to that.

　　One of today's more affordable small luxury SUVs, the 2024 Infiniti QX50 is also a solid value. A generous list of standard features, a roomy interior with high-quality materials and trim, and ample cargo space make the QX50 both posh and practical. Available all-wheel drive and a relatively high 8.6 inches of ground clearance — similar to a Subaru Forester's — also give the QX50 legitimate snow mobility and modest trail capability. But the Infiniti comes up short in other areas, most notably its sluggish engine and transmission pairing. It also doesn't have quite as cushy a ride quality as its luxury rivals. The QX50 makes for a sensible buy, if not an inspired one.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 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 $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$184/mo  for QX50 PURE

　　QX50 PURE

　　PURE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $40,850 MSRPPURE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $42,850 MSRPLUXE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $44,150 MSRPLUXE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $46,150 MSRPSPORT 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) (Most Popular) - $49,050 MSRPSPORT 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $51,050 MSRPSENSORY 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $53,350 MSRPSENSORY 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $55,350 MSRPAUTOGRAPH 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $57,900 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　

zzdcar spotlight: Content with competence

The QX50 received several useful updates last year and carries into 2024 with no major changes. Alas, the QX50 could really use a wallop of fresh power and a retuned, more responsive transmission to better compete with its lusher, sportier rivals. Then again, the QX50 is pleasantly competent, even borderline decadent with the Autograph trim's suede headliner, quilted leather and maple accents. It offers a raft of active safety features and even a sporty, coupe-style twin, the QX55, reviewed separately. You could do worse than the QX50 for the price, but better choices are within reach.

　　

Competitors to consider

The Genesis GV70 is one of the best and newest small luxury SUVs, and it beats out the QX50 with better performance, a stylish, modern interior and a class-leading warranty. It costs more but delivers more. The Acura RDX also costs more (but less than the Genesis), but lively handling, an eager engine and standard all-wheel drive make a strong case. The European alternatives — Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Volvo XC60 — are pricier but outclass the Infiniti in performance and refinement. Read our test team's Expert Rating of the QX50 below to learn more about how it stacks up.

　　

What’s it like to live with?

For a deeper dive, read our one-year long-term review of a 2019 Infiniti QX50 Essential. Infiniti has updated the infotainment system and added more driver aids since that first year of this current generation, but not much else has changed. We liked the QX50's styling, driver assist tech, and cargo and passenger room, but its performance, power and subpar real-world fuel economy were disappointing.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.4

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

6.5/10

　　How does the QX50 drive? The QX50 lacks the polish we expect from a luxury SUV. Power isn't necessarily the problem. At the zzdcar test track, our QX50 sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, which is an average time for a small luxury SUV with a base engine. It's all about how the QX50 goes about its business. For one, it's slow to respond. Press on the gas and it takes a beat or two before everything really gets going. This quality can get annoying when you want a quick burst of power, like when you need to pass a slow-moving vehicle. Around turns, the QX50 is competent, but nothing about its character inspires you to drive harder.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the QX50? The QX50 is decently comfortable. The front seats strike a nice balance of plush and supportive, with enough bolstering to hold you in place around corners. The seat heating and ventilation functions work quickly and powerfully, as does the climate system. Overall noise control is great inside the cabin as well.

　　The one area we don't love is the ride quality. It feels less settled than the BMW X3 or Mercedes-Benz GLC on bumpy roads. Around town, the Infiniti fails to iron out everyday road imperfections like a luxury SUV should.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below