2023 INFINITI Q50 RED SPORT 400

　　

2023 INFINITI Q50 Review

byMichael CantuCorrespondent

　　Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at zzdcar and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.

　　The Q50 is Infiniti's small luxury sedan and the automaker's last remaining sedan. The only other car in the company's lineup is the Q60 coupe, and all its other models are SUVs. While most of its competitors have seen recent redesigns, the Q50 is basically the same car that was introduced for 2014. Its exterior design has aged well but everything else is showing its age, especially the interior.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 INFINITI Q50 RED SPORT 400 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 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 $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$208/mo  for Q50 RED SPORT 400

　　Q50 RED SPORT 400

　　RED SPORT 400 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 7A) - $56,500 MSRPRED SPORT 400 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 7A) (Most Popular) - $58,500 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　As much as the Q50 needs a refresh or complete redesign for 2023, it returns with only very minor changes. As such, the Q50's engine remains one of its best attributes. It's a potent turbocharged V6 that provides plenty of power and is quite fuel-efficient. If you prefer rear-wheel drive, the Q50 has you covered, and all-wheel drive is available as an option. However, the Infiniti has several drawbacks including a dated and cluttered two-screen infotainment system, an uncomfortable ride and a subpar driving experience.

　　There are many rivals that offer more for the same price or less. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class was completely redesigned for 2022 and is superior in almost every way. The recently redesigned Audi A3 is more affordable yet offers better tech and greater comfort. And if you're open to SUVs, the Infiniti QX50 is more modern and has a lower starting price. Check out our Expert Rating below to get our test team's full review of the Q50's tech, comfort and more.

　　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.

　　Below Average

　　6.4

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the Q50 drive? There's still some life left in the Q50, and that's mostly thanks to its standard turbocharged V6 engine. It revs smoothly and makes ample power. The Q50 also is quicker than the average small luxury sedan. In our testing, it needed only 5.4 seconds to get to 60 mph. Merging into traffic is a breeze. The Q50's brake pedal makes it easy to stop smoothly in typical driving, though actual braking performance isn't as good. Our test car needed 123 feet to stop from 60 mph in our emergency-braking test. Most competitors stop about 10 feet shorter.

　　Handling capability and steering feel are disappointing. The Q50's fully electric system bypasses the usual mechanical connection to the front wheels and all but eliminates feedback and accuracy. There might be a proper sport sedan hiding in here somewhere, but the Q50's meddling electronic systems make it hard to drive this car smoothly or enjoyably.

　　

Comfort

6.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Q50? The front seats are comfortable even on long drives. Rear passengers will be pretty comfortable. But the Q50's ride comfort, or lack thereof, takes its toll. The Q50 feels almost constantly busy on anything but a perfectly smooth road. Driving over even moderately sized imperfections is noticeably jarring.

　　Interior noise is dominated by road noise from other vehicles, especially at highway speeds. Thin windows and minimal door insulation are the likely culprits. Thankfully, the engine omits a pleasant, quiet whir, even under full throttle. The climate control system works pretty well for keeping a set temperature, but the controls aren't logically arranged.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below