2021 Infiniti QX50 Performance

The 2021 Infiniti QX50 offers a potent engine, good composure around corners, and respectable gas mileage figures. However, the automatic transmission causes a loud droning noise, especially at higher speeds.

• "Every QX50 is powered by an innovative turbocharged four-cylinder engine that uses variable compression–called VC-Turbo, or VC-T for short." -- Car and Driver
• "Like most of its rivals, the 2020 Infiniti QX50 is a front-wheel drive (FWD) SUV, with all-wheel drive (AWD) optional. This makes the QX50 feel less sporty than what we’ve come to expect from Infiniti’s smaller SUVs, but less prone to sliding on slick roads — though if you live where it snows, we’d recommend adding AWD." -- Kelley Blue Book (2020)
• "The suspension keeps things flat and controlled, and overall handling and braking are better than most in the class." -- Autotrader (2020)

Engine Options, Horsepower, and Acceleration

• Engine: 268-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder
• Drivetrain: standard front-wheel drive; available all-wheel drive
• Transmission: continuously variable automatic (CVT)

The QX50's only engine option is a strong one that’s also pretty efficient. However, the CVT doesn’t make good use of the available power and causes the engine to drone at highway speeds.

• "The QX50’s 268 horsepower means plenty of muscle for passing and merging. It can zip from standstill to 60 mph in a little over six seconds, making it faster than the Lexus RX, in the same league as the Audi Q5 and a hair behind the BMW X3." -- Autotrader
• "While it never exhilarates when the pedal hits the metal, only those seeking a seriously quick crossover will be disappointed. Unfortunately, the engine is loud under heavy throttle, and the CVT makes this worse, especially around town." -- Car and Driver
• "For all its high-tech ability to instantly change compression ratios to suit power or efficiency needs, the new VC-Turbo 4-cylinder engine feels similar to other turbo-4 units. With 268 horsepower there’s enough juice for competent acceleration. The continuously variable transmission (CVT), on the other hand, isn’t our favorite choice. In ordinary situations you may not notice there are no set gears, but when driven aggressively the new QX50’s transmission drones." -- Kelley Blue Book (2020)

MPG Estimates

With front-wheel drive, the Infiniti QX50 delivers 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. That's good for a luxury compact SUV. With all-wheel drive, estimates dip slightly to 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

Handling and Braking

The Infiniti QX50 delivers a composed ride, even over bumpy roads. The brake pedal feels inconsistent, however, which may lead to some jolting stops. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available.

• "The QX50 isn’t particularly fast, but thanks to well-balanced, crisp handling and performance, it’s fun and can be quite rewarding." -- Autotrader
• "The Infiniti prioritizes comfort and luxury, with a compliant ride that is composed on rough roads and smooth on the highway. Passengers are also well isolated from choppy sections of road. The steering feedback is balanced … While the steering wheel provides little communication from the road surface, it had accurate reactions and light effort. Unfortunately, the Infiniti's soft brake pedal operates inconsistently. This leads to more than one shoddy stop in rush-hour traffic where the QX50's nose dives forward under heavy braking. Still, it only needed a competitive 164 feet to stop from 70 mph in our emergency-braking test." -- Car and Driver (2020)
• "Don't get us wrong, the QX50 is perfectly competent – it's an exceedingly quiet and comfortable cruiser. However, it's no longer the driver-pleasing machine its predecessor was." -- Autoblog (2019)