2023 INFINITI QX50 SUV

　　

2023 INFINITI QX50 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.

　　, rating written byMichael CantuSenior 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.

　　The 2023 QX50 is Infiniti's entry-level luxury SUV positioned below the larger three-row QX60 and the enormous QX80. There is also the QX55, which is based on the QX50 and sports a sloping coupe-like roofline, and we review that separately.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 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) - $40,300 MSRPPURE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $42,300 MSRPLUXE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $43,600 MSRPLUXE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) (Most Popular) - $45,600 MSRPSPORT 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $48,500 MSRPSPORT 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $50,500 MSRPSENSORY 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $52,800 MSRPSENSORY 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $54,800 MSRPAUTOGRAPH 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $57,350 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　On the upside, it's one of the more affordable models in the small luxury SUV segment yet offers a generous number of standard features. Its luxurious cabin is spacious for passengers, and there is plenty of cargo room. The QX50 also offers a distinctive multi-tone interior with suede-like trim on the top-spec Autograph trim.

　　Unfortunately, the QX50 comes up short in other areas, all of which you can read about in detail in our Expert Rating below. As part of our small luxury SUV search, we recommend also taking a look at the Germans — the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC — as well as the practical Acura RDX and impressive Genesis GV70.

　　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 X3 or 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