2025 INFINITI QX50

The QX50 has its own sense of style, offering comfort and refinement at a fair price. Our criticism of past QX50 models being a bit overpriced at the upper reaches is no longer valid, as the top two trim levels have been nixed. That means the best part of the QX50 range is what’s left, putting it on better footing to compete with rivals.

We have found it hard to get excited about the QX50 when the alternatives often are more prestigious, a better value, or more fun to drive. This year’s updates seek to tip the balance back in the QX50’s favor.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of compact luxury SUVs, including the Infiniti QX50.

The Sensory and top-tier Autograph trims are gone for 2025, with only the most popular trims, Pure, Luxe, and Sport available. In the process, Infiniti has made all-wheel drive standard on all 2025 QX50s. Previously, only the Autograph trim came with all-wheel drive by default.

The 2025 QX50’s base model, the Pure, will cost only slightly more despite gaining standard all-wheel drive this year. Likewise, the Luxe and Sport trims will increase by less than $1,000 from last year. These prices are competitive with the Lexus NX and Lincoln Corsair, as well as the Acura RDX, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Audi Q5, and Genesis GV70. Other upper-tier luxury alternatives like the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and Volvo XC60 start a few thousand dollars above the QX50.

The most popular QX50 trim is easily the midrange Luxe, followed closely by the Sport, with the entry-level Pure in third place. All three trims are substantially more popular than the two trims eliminated this year.

Before buying a new QX50 luxury SUV, be sure to check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what you should be paying. The QX50’s resale values are a bit below average for the segment.

The QX50’s engine is unique in the automotive world. It uses variable compression and turbocharging to change its demeanor from laid-back and efficient to potent and aggressive. With 268 horsepower, 280 lb-ft of torque, and a 6.5-second 0-60-mph capability, the QX50 is quick, if not quite blazingly fast.

Compared to some of the alternatives, the QX50’s output is about on par, with most entry models around 300 hp. Competitive brands offer significantly higher-performance options, however.

The QX50’s ride quality is smooth and soothing, perfect for long road trips. The steering is precise and accurate, but it lacks the feel we like for curvy roads. Because the QX50 uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT), it tends to drone when the engine is worked hard and can lag on sudden throttle inputs.

Fuel Economy

With this year’s move to all-wheel-drive-only, all versions of the 2025 QX50 get 25 mpg combined (22 city/28 highway). That’s competitive with the all-wheel-drive versions of the Acura RDX (23 mpg combined), Alfa Romeo Stelvio (24 mpg combined), and Audi Q5 (26 mpg combined). Infiniti recommends premium gasoline for the QX50.

The QX50’s front seats are very comfortable, notably so even in the already comfortable luxury compact SUV segment. On Luxe and Sport trims, the driver and passenger seats are heated, and the Sport also gets cooled front seats. All QX50 front seats are 8-way power-adjustable. The base Pure gets leatherette seating surfaces, while the Luxe gets standard leather, and the Sport gets semi-aniline leather.

The infotainment system uses a dual-screen setup, which some see as a dated control method. Thankfully there are physical buttons for frequently used features like volume and temperature control.

The second row is fairly roomy for the segment, with 38.7 inches of legroom. That compares favorably to the Acura RDX and the Audi Q5, both of which have 38 inches of second-row legroom. The second-row seats also slide and recline.

Behind the second row, there’s 31.4 cu. ft. of cargo space, and 65.1 cu. ft. with the rear seats folded. That’s notably more than the Audi Q5’s 25.9/54.1 cu. ft. or the BMW X3’s 28.7/62.7 cu. ft. of space.

Despite tracing its design back to this generation’s introduction in 2019, the QX50’s exterior is still bold and stylish. It’s not everyone’s taste, but that’s typical of a vehicle that takes some risks visually. The detailed sheet metal and accent details give a premium, well-proportioned look.

The QX50’s 8.6 inches of ground clearance is ample for clearing snow-bound suburban streets.

Wireless Charging and Apple CarPlay
Apple CarPlay is great, and it’s better when you don’t have to wrangle a cord to plug in. Standard wireless charging means you can stay completely cord-free. Android users still must plug in for Android Auto use, however.

ProPilot Assist
This partial self-driving system is standard in all new QX50s. It includes full-speed-range adaptive cruise control and steering assistance. You’ll have to keep your hands on the wheel, but it helps make long freeway drives less taxing.

All-Wheel Drive
For 2025, all QX50 variants come with all-wheel drive as standard equipment. While the QX50 isn’t an off-roader, the all-wheel drive system is perfect for winter weather or wet conditions.

Panoramic Moonroof
The panoramic moonroof, standard on the most popular midgrade Luxe trim, adds light and a sense of openness to the already roomy cabin.

Around-View Monitor

This safety system lets you see what’s nearby around your car for safer parking and maneuvering. It also includes moving object detection to keep small kids and pets safer, too.

Bose Audio

Optional on the Luxe and standard on the Sport, the 12-speaker Bose audio system upgrades the QX50’s audio to the next level.

Despite offering just one engine, transmission, and drive configuration for the 2025 Infiniti QX50, the technology powering it is surprisingly complex. The industry’s only production variable compression engine, the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is rated to produce 268 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. The variable compression engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission, which makes for smooth shifts and operation in normal driving. When working the engine harder, however, the transmission can be slow to respond and cause some engine drone.

All 2025 QX50s come with standard all-wheel drive.

4-Year/60,000-Mile Warranty

Infiniti’s warranty coverage is better than many, although not quite as good as the best-in-class Genesis. New Infiniti vehicles get general coverage for four years or 60,000 miles plus roadside assistance with unlimited miles. The QX50’s powertrain warranty covers six years or 70,000 miles. Infiniti includes three years or 22,500 miles of free maintenance for all 2025 QX50s.

Safety Ratings

This generation of the QX50 received two Good and one Acceptable rating when it was crash-tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It also received a maximum 5-Star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane-departure prevention, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.