There’s also impressive cargo space for the class — around 65 cubic feet with rear seats down, and 31 cubic feet with rear seats up.
The Sport trim level, which I tested, includes: 20-inch dark wheels, black exterior accents and grille, black roof rails, LED fog lights, heated steering wheel, premium leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and interior ambient lighting.
2. Respectable ride quality
In addition to looking good, luxury car buyers want a strong powerplant to get their ride moving.
All trim levels of the QX50 aer powered by a four-cylinder, 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, paired with an automatic transmission, and delivering respectable numbers of 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque.
Paddle shifters are also included in the vehicle, and All-Wheel Drive is standard on the QX50.
Of note is that this is the world's first mass-produced Variable-Compression Turbocharged (VC-Turbo) engine — allowing for increased efficiency when you are cruising along, but also significant power whenever you need an extra boost to pass or merge.
Zero-to-60 times are in the low 6-second range (slower than some rivals but not too far off the pace), and the ride is generally quite smooth and adept at handling curves, and features responsive brakes. The vehicle is designed effectively to keep out road noise, but one area where it could do better is handling bumpy roads.
Drivers looking for a true hot rod in their luxury SUV may want to look elsewhere, but most drivers will be perfectly happy with the capabilities of the QX50, especially when driven in Sport mode (Modes offered include Eco, Normal and Sport).
As far as towing capacity, the QX50 tops out at 3,000 pounds.
3. Tech setup needs an upgrade
Tech is one area that is lacking in the QX50, which changes needed for future models.
Most importantly, its outdated two-screen setup needs to be replaced on future models. The vehicle I tested featured an 8-inch screen on top for navigation/maps and camera views, plus a 7-inch screen below that has the remaining controls.
There are helpful physical climate controls on the side of the lower screen, and voice commands work effectively. You also get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality, and several USB ports and outlets.
The QX50’s tech system is solid functionally, but the reality is that it looks and feels dated compared to competitors’ systems, and it trails most rivals in terms of design and user-friendliness.
One positive is the impressive 12-speaker Bose sound system, which music lovers will enjoy, but work needs to be done to bring the QX50’s tech offerings in line with the expectations of today’s luxury car buyers.
4. Ample safety features
The 2025 Infiniti QX50 includes an extensive list of safety features and they all work effectively.
One system of note is ProPILOT Assist, which does an impressive job of using lane centering and automatic braking to keep the QX50 within the proper lane and out of harm’s way. The driver must keep their hands on the wheel, but the vehicle does all the work including slowing down and stopping.
The QX50 earns top marks from government safety ratings, thanks to its extensive list of safety systems, including:
— Adaptive cruise control (to maintain distance to vehicle in front)
— Forward collision mitigation (will apply brakes to avoid an accident)
— Lane departure mitigation (steers vehicle back into lane to avoid collision)
— Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (helpful when deciding to make lane changes)
— Rear automatic braking (stops the QX50 if an object is detected while you are backing up)
— Automatic high-beam assist (changes between low and high beams depending on whether traffic is oncoming)
Other helpful features include a back-up camera, tire pressure monitoring/warnings, stability control and more.
5. Affordable luxury ride
The 2024 Infiniti QX50’s base price starts around $44K, and its highest trim starts around $52K. Trim levels include Pure, Luxe and Sport.
While these numbers aren’t going to be in the price range of all car shoppers, anyone searching in the luxury space for compact SUVs will find the QX50’s price is quite affordable compared to rivals.
Most alternatives — including the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, Genesis GV70, Volvo XC60 and Audi Q5 — start their base models around $50K or just below it.
Only one luxury alternative, the Acura RDX, has a comparable starting price in the $44K range.
In the end, when all factors are considered by potential buyers, the lower price range may boost Infiniti’s ability to court buyers for the QX50.
Warranties are also strong for the class, including:
— Overall warranty covers four years or 60,000 miles
— Powertrain warranty covers six years or 70,000 miles
— Complimentary maintenance included for 3 years or 22,500 miles.
The QX50 is targeted at luxury SUV shoppers who want a compact yet roomy vehicle, a high-end and comfortable interior, and don't want to break the bank.
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AutoTechReviews.com can be found on Twitter @AutoTechReview, or stay updated at the AutoTechReviews Facebook page. Follow AutoTechReviews on Instagram at @Autotechreviews or on TikTok at @AutoTechReviews.. Matt Myftiu can be found on Twitter @MattMyftiu.
