INFINITI QX50 (2025)
Comfortable, roomy, and AWD-equipped, but dated and best bought at a discount.
The INFINITI QX50 (2025) is the comfortable, slightly old-school luxury crossover for commuters and small families who want easy all-weather traction, space, and a quieter daily routine. Its standard all-wheel drive, supportive seats, and useful cargo room support the brand’s practical, comfort-first pitch, while the 268-hp VC-Turbo feels pleasantly strong once underway. But real-world feedback is less flattering about the noisy, hesitant CVT, dated dual-screen infotainment, and inconsistent ride and braking polish. At roughly $44,000 to $53,000, it makes the most sense as a negotiated Luxe or Pure, not a fully loaded purchase, especially with powertrain durability concerns and weaker resale confidence in the background. Its overall appeal rests on comfort, practicality, AWD, and discount potential, balanced against aging technology and refinement.
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Benefits
Supportive seats and a smooth ride make commuting and longer trips easier on your body.
Roomy rear seating and generous cargo space handle family errands, luggage, and weekend gear.
Standard all-wheel drive reduces everyday worry when rain, snow, or loose roads appear.
Broad driver-assistance coverage adds useful support during traffic, parking, and routine family driving.
Trade-Offs
Pressing hard on the throttle can bring engine noise, hesitation, and rubber-band feeling when merging.
The dual screens feel laggy and awkward during everyday navigation, phone use, and quick adjustments.
On larger-wheel versions, sharp bumps can thump through the cabin on ordinary city streets.
The low-resolution camera can make tight parking harder, especially when checking obstacles quickly.
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Publications
5 LEADING PUBLICATION REVIEWS
Car and Driver is clearly disappointed with the 2025 Infiniti QX50, despite its comfortable and well-equipped cabin. The QX50 rides smoothly, offers generous rear-seat and cargo space, and undercuts many luxury-SUV rivals on price; its bold styling and standard all-wheel drive are also appealing. But the review sees those strengths as insufficient in a competitive class. The variable-compression turbo engine fails to deliver the expected efficiency advantage, sounds coarse under throttle, and provides only average acceleration. The CVT amplifies the noise, while the soft, inconsistent brake pedal can make hard stops unsettling. Fuel economy also fell short in real-world testing, returning 27 mpg on the publication’s highway route. The dual-screen infotainment setup is awkward, and the QX50’s aging design is increasingly outclassed by quicker, more polished alternatives such as the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and Genesis GV70.
By Mark Takahashi
MotorTrend is cautiously positive about the 2025 Infiniti QX50, praising its polished design, upscale cabin, and serene everyday comfort. The compact SUV feels equally at home in city traffic and on long highway trips, with attractive materials, available quilted leather, generous rear legroom, and more cargo space than several rivals. Standard all-wheel drive and a strong suite of driver-assistance features add appeal, while the Sport trim stands out as the best value. However, enthusiasm fades when the QX50 is driven aggressively: its variable-compression engine sounds coarse under pressure, feels underpowered, and delivers merely average fuel economy. The CVT, steering, and handling also lack refinement. With an uninspiring 6.3-second 0–60-mph time and safety results that fall short of the highest IIHS awards, MotorTrend considers it comfortable and attractive, but recommends comparison-shopping before committing.
By Billy Rehbock
Car and Driver is clearly disappointed with the 2025 Infiniti QX50, despite its comfortable and well-equipped cabin. The QX50 rides smoothly, offers generous rear-seat and cargo space, and undercuts many luxury-SUV rivals on price; its bold styling and standard all-wheel drive are also appealing. But the review sees those strengths as insufficient in a competitive class. The variable-compression turbo engine fails to deliver the expected efficiency advantage, sounds coarse under throttle, and provides only average acceleration. The CVT amplifies the noise, while the soft, inconsistent brake pedal can make hard stops unsettling. Fuel economy also fell short in real-world testing, returning 27 mpg on the publication’s highway route. The dual-screen infotainment setup is awkward, and the QX50’s aging design is increasingly outclassed by quicker, more polished alternatives such as the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and Genesis GV70.
By Mark Takahashi
MotorTrend is cautiously positive about the 2025 Infiniti QX50, praising its polished design, upscale cabin, and serene everyday comfort. The compact SUV feels equally at home in city traffic and on long highway trips, with attractive materials, available quilted leather, generous rear legroom, and more cargo space than several rivals. Standard all-wheel drive and a strong suite of driver-assistance features add appeal, while the Sport trim stands out as the best value. However, enthusiasm fades when the QX50 is driven aggressively: its variable-compression engine sounds coarse under pressure, feels underpowered, and delivers merely average fuel economy. The CVT, steering, and handling also lack refinement. With an uninspiring 6.3-second 0–60-mph time and safety results that fall short of the highest IIHS awards, MotorTrend considers it comfortable and attractive, but recommends comparison-shopping before committing.
By Billy Rehbock
Car and Driver is clearly disappointed with the 2025 Infiniti QX50, despite its comfortable and well-equipped cabin. The QX50 rides smoothly, offers generous rear-seat and cargo space, and undercuts many luxury-SUV rivals on price; its bold styling and standard all-wheel drive are also appealing. But the review sees those strengths as insufficient in a competitive class. The variable-compression turbo engine fails to deliver the expected efficiency advantage, sounds coarse under throttle, and provides only average acceleration. The CVT amplifies the noise, while the soft, inconsistent brake pedal can make hard stops unsettling. Fuel economy also fell short in real-world testing, returning 27 mpg on the publication’s highway route. The dual-screen infotainment setup is awkward, and the QX50’s aging design is increasingly outclassed by quicker, more polished alternatives such as the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and Genesis GV70.
By Mark Takahashi
MotorTrend is cautiously positive about the 2025 Infiniti QX50, praising its polished design, upscale cabin, and serene everyday comfort. The compact SUV feels equally at home in city traffic and on long highway trips, with attractive materials, available quilted leather, generous rear legroom, and more cargo space than several rivals. Standard all-wheel drive and a strong suite of driver-assistance features add appeal, while the Sport trim stands out as the best value. However, enthusiasm fades when the QX50 is driven aggressively: its variable-compression engine sounds coarse under pressure, feels underpowered, and delivers merely average fuel economy. The CVT, steering, and handling also lack refinement. With an uninspiring 6.3-second 0–60-mph time and safety results that fall short of the highest IIHS awards, MotorTrend considers it comfortable and attractive, but recommends comparison-shopping before committing.
By Billy Rehbock
YouTube
9 LEADING EXPERT & INFLUENCER REVIEWS
Redline ReviewsRedline Reviews is deeply unimpressed with the 2025 Infiniti QX50. The review credits its handsome, upscale cabin, comfortable seats, roomy rear quarters, standard AWD, and decent everyday fuel economy. However, the outdated dual-screen infotainment, laggy graphics, unrefined VC-Turbo engine, noisy CVT, floaty handling, suspension thumps, and poor confidence from its Ecopia tires make it feel badly outclassed. Redline’s strongest insight is that the QX50 is not fundamentally awful—it is simply woefully uncompetitive for its price. The recommendation is clear: skip it for a Lexus NX, Acura RDX, BMW X3, or another fresher rival.
Kirk KreifelsKirk Kreifels is sharply critical of the 2025 INFINITI QX50, despite admiring its styling. He praises the beautiful exterior, roomy back seat, huge panoramic roof, excellent air conditioning, strong brakes, sharp handling, quiet cabin, and responsive power once underway. However, he finds the VC-Turbo’s CVT frustratingly inconsistent, with hesitation, rubber-band acceleration, and an unrefined feel that undermines the luxury experience. He also criticizes the dated, bland interior, mediocre ride on 20-inch wheels, unimpressive cameras, and lack of a spare tire. Compared with the Nissan Murano, Mazda CX-5, Lexus NX hybrids, and even the Rogue, he considers the QX50 poor value—worth considering only with a deep discount or cheap lease.
Redline ReviewsRedline Reviews is deeply unimpressed with the 2025 Infiniti QX50. The review credits its handsome, upscale cabin, comfortable seats, roomy rear quarters, standard AWD, and decent everyday fuel economy. However, the outdated dual-screen infotainment, laggy graphics, unrefined VC-Turbo engine, noisy CVT, floaty handling, suspension thumps, and poor confidence from its Ecopia tires make it feel badly outclassed. Redline’s strongest insight is that the QX50 is not fundamentally awful—it is simply woefully uncompetitive for its price. The recommendation is clear: skip it for a Lexus NX, Acura RDX, BMW X3, or another fresher rival.
Kirk KreifelsKirk Kreifels is sharply critical of the 2025 INFINITI QX50, despite admiring its styling. He praises the beautiful exterior, roomy back seat, huge panoramic roof, excellent air conditioning, strong brakes, sharp handling, quiet cabin, and responsive power once underway. However, he finds the VC-Turbo’s CVT frustratingly inconsistent, with hesitation, rubber-band acceleration, and an unrefined feel that undermines the luxury experience. He also criticizes the dated, bland interior, mediocre ride on 20-inch wheels, unimpressive cameras, and lack of a spare tire. Compared with the Nissan Murano, Mazda CX-5, Lexus NX hybrids, and even the Rogue, he considers the QX50 poor value—worth considering only with a deep discount or cheap lease.
Redline ReviewsRedline Reviews is deeply unimpressed with the 2025 Infiniti QX50. The review credits its handsome, upscale cabin, comfortable seats, roomy rear quarters, standard AWD, and decent everyday fuel economy. However, the outdated dual-screen infotainment, laggy graphics, unrefined VC-Turbo engine, noisy CVT, floaty handling, suspension thumps, and poor confidence from its Ecopia tires make it feel badly outclassed. Redline’s strongest insight is that the QX50 is not fundamentally awful—it is simply woefully uncompetitive for its price. The recommendation is clear: skip it for a Lexus NX, Acura RDX, BMW X3, or another fresher rival.
Kirk KreifelsKirk Kreifels is sharply critical of the 2025 INFINITI QX50, despite admiring its styling. He praises the beautiful exterior, roomy back seat, huge panoramic roof, excellent air conditioning, strong brakes, sharp handling, quiet cabin, and responsive power once underway. However, he finds the VC-Turbo’s CVT frustratingly inconsistent, with hesitation, rubber-band acceleration, and an unrefined feel that undermines the luxury experience. He also criticizes the dated, bland interior, mediocre ride on 20-inch wheels, unimpressive cameras, and lack of a spare tire. Compared with the Nissan Murano, Mazda CX-5, Lexus NX hybrids, and even the Rogue, he considers the QX50 poor value—worth considering only with a deep discount or cheap lease.
Redline ReviewsRedline Reviews is deeply unimpressed with the 2025 Infiniti QX50. The review credits its handsome, upscale cabin, comfortable seats, roomy rear quarters, standard AWD, and decent everyday fuel economy. However, the outdated dual-screen infotainment, laggy graphics, unrefined VC-Turbo engine, noisy CVT, floaty handling, suspension thumps, and poor confidence from its Ecopia tires make it feel badly outclassed. Redline’s strongest insight is that the QX50 is not fundamentally awful—it is simply woefully uncompetitive for its price. The recommendation is clear: skip it for a Lexus NX, Acura RDX, BMW X3, or another fresher rival.
Kirk KreifelsKirk Kreifels is sharply critical of the 2025 INFINITI QX50, despite admiring its styling. He praises the beautiful exterior, roomy back seat, huge panoramic roof, excellent air conditioning, strong brakes, sharp handling, quiet cabin, and responsive power once underway. However, he finds the VC-Turbo’s CVT frustratingly inconsistent, with hesitation, rubber-band acceleration, and an unrefined feel that undermines the luxury experience. He also criticizes the dated, bland interior, mediocre ride on 20-inch wheels, unimpressive cameras, and lack of a spare tire. Compared with the Nissan Murano, Mazda CX-5, Lexus NX hybrids, and even the Rogue, he considers the QX50 poor value—worth considering only with a deep discount or cheap lease.
Redline ReviewsRedline Reviews is deeply unimpressed with the 2025 Infiniti QX50. The review credits its handsome, upscale cabin, comfortable seats, roomy rear quarters, standard AWD, and decent everyday fuel economy. However, the outdated dual-screen infotainment, laggy graphics, unrefined VC-Turbo engine, noisy CVT, floaty handling, suspension thumps, and poor confidence from its Ecopia tires make it feel badly outclassed. Redline’s strongest insight is that the QX50 is not fundamentally awful—it is simply woefully uncompetitive for its price. The recommendation is clear: skip it for a Lexus NX, Acura RDX, BMW X3, or another fresher rival.
Kirk KreifelsKirk Kreifels is sharply critical of the 2025 INFINITI QX50, despite admiring its styling. He praises the beautiful exterior, roomy back seat, huge panoramic roof, excellent air conditioning, strong brakes, sharp handling, quiet cabin, and responsive power once underway. However, he finds the VC-Turbo’s CVT frustratingly inconsistent, with hesitation, rubber-band acceleration, and an unrefined feel that undermines the luxury experience. He also criticizes the dated, bland interior, mediocre ride on 20-inch wheels, unimpressive cameras, and lack of a spare tire. Compared with the Nissan Murano, Mazda CX-5, Lexus NX hybrids, and even the Rogue, he considers the QX50 poor value—worth considering only with a deep discount or cheap lease.
Social
1 INFLUENCER REVIEW
ChrisChris views the 2025 INFINITI QX50 favorably, especially for its wallet-friendly changes. He points to standard all-wheel drive, fewer trim choices, and pricing from roughly $44,000 to $52,000, making the lineup easier to navigate than the outgoing model’s five trims. His most useful takeaway is that the mid-level Luxe may offer the best value. Still, his enthusiasm is measured because the 2025 QX50 changes little mechanically from the 2023 and 2024 versions, with the main appeal coming from simpler packaging and pricing.
Forum Reviews
CUSTOMER REVIEWS FROM 1 FORUM
Redditors are broadly skeptical of the 2025 INFINITI QX50, despite appreciating its styling and comfortable, practical cabin. The pre-2018 QX50 earns strong praise for its V6, handling, durability, physical controls, and value, while the newer generation is criticized for its CVT, uninspiring driving experience, dated infotainment, mediocre fuel economy, and weak feature content for the price. Serious concerns surround the variable-compression engine, with reports of premature failures, recalls, metal debris, and frustrating warranty delays. A few owners report trouble-free mileage and like the smooth power, but current buying sentiment remains cautious to negative.
Many comments
In-Depth Review
Highlights
- •Quiet Comfortable RideReviewers consistently note serene highway cruising.
- •Roomy Cargo-Friendly CabinUseful rear space supports daily hauling.
- •Standard All-Wheel DriveReviewers note traction across varied road conditions.
- •Responsive Turbo Power268-hp engine feels punchy once moving.
Considerations
- •CVT Throttle HesitationMerging can feel noisy and rubbery.
- •Aging Infotainment SystemDual screens feel laggy and awkward.
- •Uncertain Powertrain DurabilityAnecdotal failures and warranty delays surface.
- •Weak Full-Price ValueNewer rivals offer more polish.
INFINITI’s 2025 QX50 is a value-minded luxury crossover aimed at commuters and small families who prioritize comfort over corner-carving drama. Its standard all-wheel drive, roomy five-seat cabin, and useful cargo area make it practical for daily errands, road trips, and changing weather, while the 268-hp VC-Turbo engine gives it an intriguing technical edge over more conventional rivals. Still, the QX50’s aging design means the details matter: reviewers disagree about the CVT’s response, real-world efficiency, ride control, braking feel, and handling polish. The following sections examine how it compares with newer choices such as the Lexus NX, Acura RDX, BMW X3, and Genesis GV70, including where its supportive seats and quiet ride shine—and where the dual-screen infotainment and powertrain raise questions. If relaxed cruising sounds more appealing than sporty theatrics, explore the evidence carefully; this SUV’s best feature may be knowing exactly what you’re willing to overlook.
Engine and CVT
The QX50 has enough power, but its unusual powertrain can feel less luxurious than its specifications suggest. The 268-hp 2.0-liter VC-Turbo delivers strong torque once moving, and some reviewers find it punchy and smooth in normal cruising. However, the continuously variable transmission is frequently criticized for hesitation, droning, and rubber-band acceleration during hard merges. The VC-Turbo’s complexity has also prompted anecdotal reliability concerns, so a careful test drive and warranty review are sensible before buying.
Ride Comfort
Comfort is one of the QX50’s clearest strengths, particularly for relaxed commuting and highway travel. Its supportive front seats and generally quiet cabin help reduce fatigue, while reviewers often describe the ride as controlled and serene. That impression is not universal: larger wheels and run-flat tires can transmit sharp bumps, and some tests report suspension thumps or unsettled responses on rough urban roads. It suits calm cruising better than aggressive driving or poorly surfaced streets.
Steering and Handling
The QX50 feels composed enough for daily use, though it is not a standout driver’s SUV. Its standard Intelligent All-Wheel Drive can provide useful traction on slippery or muddy surfaces, and some reviewers find the steering responsive once the vehicle is underway. Others note body roll and floaty handling, particularly when compared with sharper BMW, Acura, or Mazda alternatives. The Sport trim mainly adds visual character rather than substantial performance hardware, so choose it for styling, not a dramatic handling upgrade.
Braking Performance
Braking hardware is reassuring in ordinary driving, but pedal consistency deserves attention. One reviewer praised the QX50’s strong stopping power, and the standard safety suite adds front and rear automatic braking for emergency situations. Car and Driver, however, reported a soft, inconsistent brake pedal that made hard stops feel unsettling. That difference suggests the system is adequate for routine commuting but less polished under pressure, so buyers should sample repeated stops rather than judging it from a short, gentle drive.
Cabin and Cargo
The QX50 is practical in ways that several sportier luxury rivals are not. A roomy five-passenger cabin provides useful rear-seat space, although taller passengers may find legroom less generous than expected. Behind the second row, approximately 31 cubic feet of cargo room accommodates groceries, luggage, or family gear, expanding to about 65 cubic feet with the seats folded. The panoramic roof, comfortable seating, and storage-friendly layout support everyday usability, but the aging dual-screen system weakens the premium impression.
Real-World Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is acceptable for an all-wheel-drive luxury crossover, but it does not validate the VC-Turbo’s efficiency promise. The official rating is 25 mpg combined, with 22 city and 28 highway, and some reviewers consider that reasonable for daily use. Direct testing has been less flattering, including a reported 27 mpg highway result on one publication’s route, while hard acceleration increases noise and consumption. Premium fuel is recommended, which can reduce the QX50’s ownership-value advantage.
Conclusion
The QX50’s case is clearest when you separate relaxed cruising from enthusiastic driving: its 268-hp VC-Turbo provides useful punch, but the CVT can hesitate, drone, and feel rubber-band-like when merging. Supportive seats, a quiet ride, and a practical roomy cargo area make it appealing for commuting and family trips, though larger wheels may transmit sharp bumps. Fuel economy is merely acceptable, premium fuel is recommended, and braking feedback is inconsistent—strong enough in routine use, less reassuring under hard stops. Steering is competent rather than engaging, with some body roll and float compared with newer rivals. That leaves the QX50 best suited to buyers prioritizing comfort, standard AWD, and negotiated pricing—not driving excitement, cutting-edge technology, or maximum long-term confidence. Its blend of genuine practicality and notable compromises makes it worth a discounted test drive, but difficult to recommend at full price.
Feature Scores
This reflects reviews and ratings from established critics, journalists, and users who have evaluated the item. Their opinions provide a comprehensive assessment.
Performance
Engine Power
4/5
Acceleration
3/5
Towing Capacity
4/5
Fuel Efficiency
3/5
Reliability
2/5
Durability
2/5
Value
Purchase Price
4/5
Operating Cost
2/5
Resale Value
2/5
Design
Interior Space
4/5
Cargo Capacity
4/5
Ergonomics
4/5
Exterior Styling
4/5
Health
Cabin Air Quality
TBD
Interior Material Toxicity
TBD
Safety
Crashworthiness
3/5
Active Driver Assistance
4/5
Braking Performance
3/5
Visibility and Lighting
3/5
Sustainability
Tailpipe Emissions
2/5
Fuel Lifecycle Emissions
2/5
Use of Recycled Materials
TBD
End-of-Life Recyclability
TBD
Experience Style
Infotainment Features
3/5
Ride Comfort Tuning
4/5
Customization Options
3/5
Specifications
This section outlines the product's key facts, covering essential features, details, dimensions, materials, and any unique characteristics that define its functionality and usability.
Performance
Value
Design
Safety
Sustainability
Experience Style
Frequently Asked Questions
7 Questions
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