Used 2022 INFINITI Q50

The 2022 Infiniti Q50 premium compact sedan mixes elements of luxury and sportiness. The current Q50’s prospects are not exactly rosy, however.

The Q50 makes its case with a powerful turbocharged V6 engine right at the entry level, along with plenty of standard features like leather upholstery and a power-adjustable steering column. But it’s fighting a battle against time as well as other cars.

This model debuted for the 2014 model year. It’s the oldest contender in a class that has some superb machines, such as the BMW 3 Series and Genesis G70. These rivals have newer and better technology.

A new generation is anticipated for 2023. Which makes sense, given the reduced lineup for this year. As long as Infiniti refrains from going down the now well-worn path of ditching anything that isn’t an SUV.

Even though the Q50 has been around since 2014, the basic thrill of driving a punchy, rear-drive car never gets old. The punchier the better, of course, as the Red Sport 400 demonstrates.

It can sprint from standstill to 60 mph in a highly respectable 4.5 seconds. The Red Sport 400 also has an adaptive suspension for a wider spectrum of comfort and sportiness than its 300-horsepower stablemates.

At this level of expenditure, however, something more modern and better executed will have greater appeal. All versions have Active Trace Control, however, applying subtle braking and changes to engine power delivery to enhance cornering ability.

At freeway speeds, the run-flat tires create too much road noise for a luxury sedan. The Q50 has some good ingredients, but the recipe isn’t quite there.

This year, Infiniti has discontinued the Red Sport 400’s ProActive package that brought a steer-by-wire system. It made the already light and numb-feeling steering even less tactile, so it’s no great loss.

A dated interior design greets everyone who climbs into a 2022 Q50. But at least they’ll be in comfortable seats, with soft areas wherever elbows land. The new power-adjustable steering column in Luxe trim moves in conjunction with the powered driver’s seat, making it easier to get in and out.

The infotainment system has two touchscreens: an 8-inch unit above a 7-inch display. They look good, but the whole setup could be much more user-friendly. The USB ports are illuminated, though, which is useful when trying to plug in cables.

Rear passenger accommodations compare well with the competition. Likewise the 13.5 cubic feet of trunk space.

Last updated for 2016, the Infiniti Q50’s exterior is managing to remain arguably agreeable. It’s certainly showing admirable restraint with the size of its grille.

The Sensory and Red Sport 400 models have front and rear fascias that are slightly different to the Luxe (the air intakes are lower and wider), as well as bigger alloy wheels.

Paint colors are mainly blacks, whites and grays, but there is a Grand Blue Pearl premium finish ($695), and an even pricier ($900) Dynamic Sunstone red.

V6 POWER
Most rivals have 4-cylinder engines at their entry levels, generally about 40 horsepower shy of what the Q50 Luxe enjoys. These V6 engines from Infiniti/Nissan are also excellent examples of their kind.

WIRELESS APPLE CARPLAY
Driving without the ability to integrate our Apple iPhones into a car’s infotainment system now seems like a terrible inconvenience. Infiniti has just made the 2022 Q50 more convenient by doing away with the cable connection. Android users still need one, but it serves them right for trying to be different.

Not only is Luxe the most affordable new Q50 trim, it also has more standard equipment than last year. It gains leather seating surfaces, power-adjustable steering column, wireless Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, a 16-speaker Bose audio system, and dual-occupant memory settings with intelligent keys.

Carrying over from 2021 are 18-inch alloy wheels, LED exterior lighting, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, Android Auto (wired), Wi-Fi, one USB-A port, one USB-C port, and satellite radio.

A comprehensive set of driver assistance features includes forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, front/rear parking sensors, automatic high beams, and a 360-degree camera system.

The Sensory trim has 19-inch alloy wheels, a more sophisticated climate control system with extra filtering, ambient cabin lighting, and navigation. It’s newly eligible for an interior color scheme of Saddle Brown.

The Red Sport 400 naturally has the more powerful engine, larger brake discs, an adaptive suspension, and diamond-stitched semi-aniline leather upholstery. Options include a carbon fiber package.

The entire 2022 Q50 range may also be ordered with rear USB ports, illuminated kick plates, welcome lighting, and a rear spoiler.

A twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 propels every 2022 Q50. In the Luxe and Sensory trims, it makes 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. In the Red Sport 400, there’s (predictably) 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque to play with.

Both engines connect to a 7-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive (RWD) as the standard arrangement and all-wheel drive (AWD) available as an option.

Premium 91-octane gasoline is required.

3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6
300 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
295 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-5,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/29 mpg (RWD), 19/27 mpg (AWD)

3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (Red Sport 400)
400 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
350 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600-5,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/26 mpg (RWD), 19/26 mpg (AWD)