LOOKS 

The 2024 Infiniti QX50 features an attractive exterior redesign, highlighted by sharp trim elements and a high ground clearance. It’s less flashy than some luxury rides, featuring an understated but elegant grille, standout wheels (in 19-inch or 20-inch options) and LED lighting.

It’s been a handful of years since the QX50 had a full redesign, so that could be coming in the future. Infiniti is updating its flagship QX80 SUV for 2025, so it's likely they’ll turn their attention to other models next.

Exterior features include a motion-activated rear liftgate, panoramic moonroof with power sunshade, roof rails, heated and auto-folding outside mirrors, plus all-season run-flat tires.

Moving inside the QX50, this is an area where Infiniti shines. You’ll quickly notice a design that is both high-quality and roomy when compared to other compact SUV options.

The Autograph trim level that I tested featured a classy, well-appointed look and feel — including suede headliner, soft-touch materials in the center console area and on doors, maple wood accents, and supremely comfortable quilted leather seating.

The QX50’s rear seats fold down, offering a ton of cargo space. Numbers come in at 31.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, and 65.1 cubic feet with rear seats folded.

Even if you pack it full with five passengers, everyone will feel comfortable and not squeezed in.

Interior features include: Tri-zone automatic climate control, heated seats in front and rear, driver and passenger power lumbar, and rear passenger window sunshades.

HOW’S THE RIDE?

Only one engine is offered on the 2024 Infiniti QX50 — a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged engine, paired with a CVT transmission, that offers 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque.

Front-wheel-drive and all-wheel drive versions are offered, and Hill Start Assist is included.

The ground clearance is impressive at 8.6 inches, which along with the AWD option will appeal to people in wintry climates. And the vehicle’s 0-to-60 speed is respectable, in the mid 6-second range.

The QX50 features a smooth overall ride — but drivers seeking a more sporty and thrilling experience will be disappointed, as it lags behind some competitors in those areas. One positive is that the QX50 handles itself well in the curves. One slight concern is high noise level in the vehicle when you’re at speed.

Drive modes are offered, including: Eco, Standard, Sport and Personal. The QX50 can tow up to 3,000 pounds, enough for light pulling duties.


TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY

One of the weaker points in the QX50 is the tech setup, which needs an upgrade to match up with rival luxury automakers.

The QX50’s two-screen setup — featuring map and cameras up top, and audio settings and climate controls down below — is outdated. Rivals all have more modern systems that both look better and are more user-friendly. 

The best thing about this current system is that the voice commands work very well. If you don't want to tinker with the controls on screen, you can use your voice for most commands.

Tech features include a wireless phone charger, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a WiFi hotspot. The navigation system also worked effectively.

I loved the upgraded 16-speaker Bose Performance Audio system in my test vehicle (a 12-speaker system is standard). It sounded crisp and clear on both the bass and treble ends, and music lovers will appreciate it. There’s also a classy look inside the vehicle with the Bose metallic speaker grilles, and you get multiple USB ports and 12-volt outlets.

The QX50 has many helpful safety features, and ranks high in government safety ratings. If you move out of your lane, the car makes a buzzing noise to warn you. Its cameras offer helpful views, but images are not as high-resolution as the cameras in some rival SUVs.

Other safety features include front and rear parking sensors, ProPILOT Assist Steering Assist, Intelligent Cruise Control, Around View Monitor w/ Moving Object Detection, Traffic Sign Recognition and a Head-Up Display.

You also get Forward Collision Warning, Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning and Intervention, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Automatic Braking.


MPG

The all-wheel-drive version of the QX50 comes in with official numbers of 22 city/28 highway/25 combined. Front-wheel drive options come in at 23 city/29 highway/26 combined.

In my real-world testing, my numbers were slightly lower, coming in at 21 mpg.

Compared to rival compact SUVs from luxury brands such as BMW, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz and Audi, these numbers are on the lower end, but the difference is not massive enough to make this a deal-breaker for most buyers.
 

PRICE

The price of the 2024 Infiniti QX50 I tested was the top trim level (Autograph) and came in at just over $61,000; For those with a lower budget, the QX50’s base price starts around $42K. Trim levels include Pure, Luxe, Sport, sensory and Autograph. Those who want more than the base model but don’t want to be fully trimmed out can go with the solid, mid-range Sport offering.

Pricing on the lower trim levels is much more affordable than key luxury SUV rivals, which tend to start in the upper $40K range or higher. But prices on the QX50 rise quickly as trim levels rise, so be aware of this as you consider upgrades.

Warranties on the QX50 include a four-year/60K mile overall warranty, and a powertrain warranty covering six years/70K miles. 

BOTTOM LINE

The 2024 Infiniti QX50’s high points include a strong design, high-end and roomy interior, and an affordable starting pricing for the segment.

Its driving performance and the tech setup could use some upgrades in future models to better increase its competitiveness in the compact luxury SUV segment, but the current model is strong enough to pull in a solid number of buyers and keep the Infiniti brand in the conversation.

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