Infiniti represents Nissan’s venture into the luxury segment. It offers everything from small four-door sedans to posh crossovers and SUVs. The Infiniti QX50 is one of the brand’s smaller all-wheel drive units. But don’t let the tiny packaging distract you from the refinement within. This Infiniti isn’t just a dressed-up Nissan. It’s so much more.
To help you decide if the 2021 QX50 is worth checking out, we’ve put together a guide on the basics. It includes everything from fuel efficiency and safety features, to interior and exterior options. As you read through the guide, you might find yourself wondering what other options you have. Be sure to check out the comparison segment near the end for more details on how the new QX50 stacks up against the competition. But first, let’s get down to brass tacks — or should be say variable compression pistons?
Performance Specifications
The 2021 QX50 takes advantage of the new engine Nissan recently debuted, the VC-T motor. Named for the variable compression of the pistons and the turbocharged powerplant, the VC-T is a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine. It makes a total of 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, pairs with a continuously-variable transmission (CVT), and comes in both front- and all-wheel drive. The QX50 will seat up to five people and can tow up to 3,000 pounds, when properly equipped.
Available Colors
Infiniti makes the 2021 QX50 available in the following colors.
- Hermosa Blue
- Lunar White
- Graphite Shadow
- Black Obsidian
- Majestic White
- Dynamic Sunstone Red
- Mocha Almond
- Mineral Black
- Liquid Platinum
Trimlines and Pricing
The QX50 comes in a variety of trims that span almost $20,000 in price differences. Safe to say, there’s a QX50 out there for almost any potential buyer. Here’s a quick breakdown of the different QX50 models and their most notable features. For even more details, check out Infiniti’s website.
Pure
Starting at $37,950, the base model includes features like a powered tailgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, slide/recline rear seats, LED headlights, and 19-inch wheels. Bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and power front seats are also available, along with keyless entry, push button start, simulated leather seating, WiFi, and dual stacked infotainment screens. The screens are eight inches and seven inches respectively. The AWD version is $2,000 extra, but this is a nicely featured base model for anyone wanting to get into a luxury SUV.
Luxe
ProPilot is standard on this trim (and every remaining trim, too). You can also enjoy a power moonroof, LED fog lights, heated front seats, remote start, and roof rails on the QX50 Luxe. It starts at $41,500, with the AWD model going for $43,500.
Essential
This trim doesn’t add much beyond GPS navigation, heated side mirrors, and automatic wipers. You’re looking at least $44,700 for the Essential trim.
Sensory
Reverse-tilt side mirrors aren’t the only upgrade on this trim. You can also take advantage of the heated steering wheel, real leather seating, Bose 16-speaker sound system, 20-inch wheels, and a unique LED headlight design. The RWD and AWD models are $50,000 and $52,000, respectively.
Autograph
Starting at $54,200, this top trim features a hands-free tailgate, heated and ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, rear sunshades, tri-zone climate control, a tow hitch (when purchased in AWD), passenger lumbar, and a faux suede headliner. Choose the Premium White Leather package for “white leather upholstery, blue faux suede interior accents, brown faux suede headliner, and blue accent stitching.”
Safety Features
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has yet to rate the 2021 QX50. However, the model did receive a “Superior” overall rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for its front crash prevention system.
Infiniti equips the 2021 QX50 with the following standard safety features: a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, and adaptive daytime running headlights.
You’ll have to pay extra for safety systems such as traffic sign recognition, lane keep assist, front parking sensors, a surround-view parking camera system, a heads-up display (HUD), and ProPilot Assist. The latter is a “partially automated system that keeps the SUV centered in its lane and at a set distance from other vehicles on the road,” according to U.S. News.
Fuel Efficiency
When purchased in front-wheel drive, the 2021 QX50 is capable of 23 city and 29 EPA-estimated miles-per-gallon (MPG). These numbers decrease one point when the crossover is purchased in all-wheel drive.
What Others Are Saying
As an affordable luxury brand, Infiniti does quite a few things well on the 2021 QX50. For instance, Kelly Blue Book appreciated the “sleek styling” and list of standard driving aids available. Many luxury SUVs tend to treat safety systems as top-tier equipment that’s only available on higher trims, but Infiniti gives the people what they want.
Experts at U.S. News praised the “wealth of standard safety and infotainment technology, including pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. This Infiniti also delivers balanced driving dynamics and good gas mileage figures.” If you’re looking for a crossover that’s a step above the budget-friendly, the QX50 ticks many boxes for most buyers.
At the same time, there are a few instances where you might find the 2021 QX50 lacking. CarAndDriver lamented the “annoying infotainment details” and remarked that those dual screens aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. Plus “the heated steering wheel and custom drive-mode settings are only accessible through this interface.” So if you’re used to pushing a tactile button for these options, it might be a bit of a change. Edmunds cautioned that “an inadvertent press of your big toe will deliver immediate thrust even if you didn’t intend it,” so keep this in mind as you’re driving.
Most of the complaints about the 2021 QX50 centered around the dual touchscreens and the unique engine configuration. That’s a bit unfortunate given those are selling points Infiniti draws upon to set the brand apart on the dealership lot. When compared to Audi and BMW’s infotainment systems, KBB says the twin touchscreens “have an almost aftermarket look that’s not as polished or integrated.” And though you can now take advantage of standard Wifi hotspot capability, you still have to pay for the privilege.
Competitors
So if Infiniti’s new QX50 doesn’t tickle your fancy, you can also check out the Audi Q5, Acura RDX, Cadillac XT5, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, Volvo XC60, Lexus NX, Lincoln MKC, and the Porsche Macan. Moving past the base models on some of these well-known brands might take you up a notch when it comes to price point, but not always. The Audi Q5 starts around $43,000 and stays true to the refined Audi interior the brand is known for. The Cadillac and Lincoln twins offer a certain amount of luxury as well. The refined SUV market is certainly packed with choices.
The Last Word
The 2021 Infiniti QX50 offers a sense of luxury, capability, and eco-friendliness. When it comes to the crossover segment, these features are a must. This is especially true for the luxury SUV tier, where competition is fierce. We hope you found this article on the 2021 QX50 useful in your search for a new vehicle. Stop by your local Infiniti dealership to test drive the 2021 QX50 and check out the rest of the Infiniti lineup while you’re there.
Source: Infiniti
Loading ...