2024 Infiniti QX50 Expert Review
Reviewed by Bob Hernandez
The most affordable way into the Infiniti SUV lineup is through the QX50. The second-generation compact crossover debuted for 2019, and this year it picks up available Black Obsidian exterior paint for the Sensory and Autograph trim levels. Competitors include the Acura RDX and Genesis GV70 .
What We Think
In some ways, the QX50 feels like a missed opportunity for Infiniti. The small SUV comes with a cutting-edge variable-compression turbo engine, but it's linked to a CVT that dulls its performance. The dual-display infotainment system is an unconventional approach to the interface, and it isn't exactly intuitive. Now on its sixth model year, this generation has yet to receive a midcycle refresh, and each year, luxury crossover rivals seem to grow in quantity and edge further ahead in quality. A retest of this generation QX50 AWD showed performance even got a little worse with the 2024.
The good includes a sharp-looking exterior, cushy ride, and high-quality materials inside. Its cabin is spacious, too. Plus, every trim features a bevy of standard equipment, supplemented by a suite of great driver assistance features. Despite these attractive traits, it's probably not a bad idea to look first at competitors from Genesis, Lexus, and others.
Performance and MPGs
Under the hood of every 2024 QX50 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with Nissan's variable compression technology, developing 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent through a CVT automatic to either the standard FWD or available AWD drivetrain. A transmission oil cooler and upsized radiator fan are standard on the QX50 Autograph top trim, which likely helps with performance.
With FWD, the 2024 QX50 returns fuel economy ratings of 23/29 mpg city/highway, and the AWD gets 22/28 mpg city/highway. Both output and efficiency ratings compare favorably to the 2.9-liter turbo-four 2023 Lincoln Corsair. That crossover makes just 250 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque, and gets slightly worse city fuel economy, 22 mpg with FWD and 21 mpg with AWD.
QX50 0-60 MPH
We first put this generation of the QX50 through its paces when it was new for 2019, when it recorded a best 0-60 mph time of 6.3 seconds, which makes it a little above average among competitors with 2.0-liter engines in the crowded segment. A 2021 Acura RDX AWD we tested was close behind at 6.4 seconds. Lincoln figures its Corsair with the base powertrain isn't too much further back, estimating a 0-60 time of 6.6 seconds.
The 2024 is slower, though, by about 0.5 seconds. One of the most obvious culprits for the slowdown seems to be mass. The current QX50 weighs about 700 pounds more than it did in 2019.
Safety Ratings and Features
The NHTSA gives the 2024 QX50 its top grade, a five-star overall safety rating. Testing results from the IIHS for the 2023 model are less than complete, though. The crossover receives Good ratings in the original moderate front overlap test and the original side test, plus an Acceptable rating in the updated side test.
Front and rear automatic emergency braking, lane keeping, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beams, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic monitoring are standard on the 2024 QX50. So is Nissan's ProPilot Assist, a hands-on semi-autonomous driving system. Luxe models feature reverse tilt-down side mirrors, Sport models get standard traffic sign recognition, and the QX50 Sensory comes with curve-adapting headlights.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Rear legroom in the 2024 QX50 compares favorably to the 2023 BMW X3 and Acura RDX. The Infiniti also offers more maximum cargo volume and more storage space behind the rear seat.
2023 BMW X3
40.3/36.4 inches
28.7/62.7 cubic feet
2023 Acura RDX
42.0/38.0 inches
29.5/58.9 cubic feet
Technology
An 8.0-inch upper and 7.0-inch lower touchscreen are standard, along with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility, a wireless phone charger, power front seats, frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror, auto-folding side mirrors, and remote start. Pure base models start with six speakers, and a 12-speaker Bose sound system is standard on the Sport model or optional for the Luxe. The 2024 QX50 Sensory is standard with 16-speaker Bose premium audio.
Luxe trims further gain heated front seats and a hands-free powered liftgate. Ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel are standard on the Sport. Sensory models come with auto-dimming side mirrors, heated rear outboard seats, a power tilting and telescoping steering column, and head-up display.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2024 Infiniti QX50 is available in five trims this year: Pure, Luxe, Sport, Sensory, and Autograph. Expect MSRPs to grow modestly year over year, with the QX50 Pure FWD base trim starting at roughly $42,500. At the most premium end of the lineup, the 2024 Autograph AWD should come with a sticker nearing $59,500.
