INFINITI QX50 2021 Review

On paper, the 2021 Infiniti QX50 should be a slam dunk. This luxury crossover is loaded with features, costs thousands of dollars less than competitors, and is spacious for passengers and cargo alike. And while rivals generally stick to a conservatively upscale interior design, the QX50 bucks convention, offering an inspired cabin that looks like nothing else on the market. We're genuinely impressed that the corporate bigwigs rubber-stamped the contrasting-color surfaces and suede-like trim.

But some of the QX50's avant-garde touches threaten to mar the experience. The most egregious offender is the so-called VC-Turbo engine and its transmission. The variable-compression engine was created to reap the benefits of running on both low and high compression, which should theoretically deliver either excellent performance or superb fuel economy on demand. But in real life, the turbo-four delivers only so-so acceleration numbers and mediocre fuel economy. The kicker is that the engine is also very sensitive to throttle inputs — an inadvertent press of your big toe will deliver immediate thrust even if you didn't intend it.

If you're looking for a value-rich compact SUV, the Acura RDX and Volvo XC60 are appealing alternatives that won't strain your pocketbook. And while they aren't the least expensive options around, the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC come with a lot of features right out of the box. None of these alternatives exhibit anything like the QX50's powertrain quirks.

What's it like to live with?

For a more complete take on the Infiniti QX50 of this generation, check out our experiences from a full year of living with a 2019 Infiniti QX50 Essential AWD. We cover everything from comfort to performance. Style and technology were among the highlights, but we took issue with elements of its performance. Note that for the 2020 model year, the QX50 got a new infotainment system with smartphone integration as well as some new safety features that weren't available on our 2019 long-term test vehicle.

Which QX50 does MatoCar recommend?

The 2021 Infiniti QX50 is a compact SUV sold in five trims: Pure, Luxe, Essential, Sensory and Autograph. All come with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (268 horsepower, 280 lb-ft of torque) paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional on all trims.

Pure The base Pure trim starts you off with:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights
• Power liftgate
• Keyless entry and ignition
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Power front seats with driver lumbar adjustment
• Faux leather upholstery
• 8-inch upper touchscreen and 7-inch lower touchscreen
• Six-speaker audio system
• Satellite radio
• Four USB ports
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wi-Fi hotspot

The QX50 Pure also comes with a bevy of advanced driving aids, such as:

• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
• Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
• Rear automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)
• Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking)

Luxe Stepping up to the Luxe model adds:

• Panoramic sunroof
• Roof rails
• LED foglights
• Remote engine start
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Heated front seats
• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Infiniti and the car in front)
• Blind-spot intervention (automatically steers the car back into its lane if you try to change lanes while a car is in the QX50's blind spot)
• Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)

The optional Appearance package consists of:

• 20-inch wheels
• Heated mirrors
• Black and dark chrome-colored exterior styling elements

Essential The Essential model builds on top of the Luxe trim, adding:

• Heated mirrors
• Automatic wipers
• Navigation system
• Front parking sensors
• 360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the QX50 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)

The Essential's available Convenience package includes:

• Driver-seat memory settings
• Power-adjustable, heated steering wheel
• Leather upholstery

Sensory The feature-rich Sensory model adds:

• Convenience package
• 20-inch wheels
• Unique LED headlight design
• 16-speaker Bose premium audio system
• Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)

The Climate package further adds:

• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• Ventilated front seats
• Rear sunshades

Autograph The top-trim Autograph model includes:

• Climate package
• 20-inch wheels
• Adaptive steering system
• Hands-free liftgate
• Ambient lighting
• Passenger lumbar
• Upgraded leather upholstery
• Faux suede headliner
• Tow hitch (AWD only)
• Larger radiator fan and transmission oil cooler (AWD only)

The QX50 offers one final appearance package unique to the Autograph trim. The Premium White Leather package consists of:

• White leather upholstery
• Blue faux suede interior accents
• Brown faux suede headliner
• Blue accent stitching