2023 Infiniti QX50 Review: A Solid Foundation for Improvements
2023 Infiniti QX50 review:
- 2023 Infiniti QX50 – $40,300 – 57,350
- Best Buy award winner – Consumer Guide
- Pros: Comfortable interior, plenty of cargo space, value-packed
- Cons: Inconsistent power delivery, wheezy engine noise, small cup holders
The 2023 Infiniti QX50 is a tiny but mighty option that slots below the QX60. Despise being the entry-level model, the QX50 provides tons of passenger and cargo space at an affordable price. It can potentially deliver a thrilling experience, but the continuously variable transmission may stumble or hesitate.
The interior is attractive and comfortable in the front and rear, with a long list of standard features like a power liftgate, power seats with lumbar adjustment, and remote start. The tech is a little dated, but it works
Overall, the QX50 provides a premium experience and a comfortable atmosphere that’s quiet and relaxing. Plus, it’s available with all-wheel drive to tackle slippery conditions. But it’s time for a redesign, and it could go all-electric, providing a serious luxury EV contender.
What’s new for the 2023 Infiniti QX50?
For 2023, the Infiniti QX50 gained more standard features, such as a wireless phone charging pad, heated exterior mirrors, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Sport trim features gloss black exterior features, dark 20-inch wheels, semi-aniline leather upholstery, and a 12-speaker premium Bose audio system.
Which Infiniti QX50 trim is best?
There are five different models in the lineup:
- Infiniti QX50 Pure – $40,300
- Infiniti QX50 Luxe -$43,600
- Infiniti QX50 Sport – $48,500
- Infiniti QX50 Sensory – $52,800
- Infiniti QX50 Autograph – $57,350
The Infiniti QX50 Sport is an excellent way to add more comfort and convenience features without crossing the $50,000 mark. It adds darkened features for a more confident and aggressive look.
Plus, you get premium leather upholstery, ventilated seats, built-in navigation, a 360-degree camera display, a heated steering wheel, front parking sensors, LED foglights, and upgraded interior ambient lighting.
How does the 2023 Infiniti QX50 drive?
The 2023 Infiniti QX50 provides an excellent first impression as an athletic, luxury SUV. However, if you spend more time with the CVT, you may discover that it can be a little laggy at times with inconsistent power delivery.
Using the paddle shifters can make the transmission slow to shift and add to the confusion. But the standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 268 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. It helps the QX50 accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.3 seconds.
The QX50 has plenty of power for passing others and merging into traffic, and the brakes are confident. However, the steering could be a little more responsive. The 18.2-foot turning radius is impressive, and the QX50 is easy to maneuver in tight city areas.
Plus, the Infiniti QX50 has driving modes for Personal, Sport, Standard, and Eco. The Sport mode provides faster response times and stiffer brakes, while the Eco mode is noticeably slower to save fuel. You can personalize your favorite features from each mode.
Can the Infiniti QX50 go off-roading?
The 2023 Infiniti QX50 isn’t designed to be an off-roader, but you can add AWD to each trim level for $2,000. It’s standard with the Autograph trim. It can enhance traction and torque to provide more control.
But the QX50 has a ground clearance of 8.6 inches, which is a great start. The standard roof rails make it easy to carry more cargo and add a roof rack, but we aren’t sure how far the QX50 can go off the pavement. The CVT didn’t provide enough confidence for off-roading.
Is the 2023 Infiniti QX50 comfortable?
Yes, the 2023 Infiniti QX50 is extremely comfortable with an ultra-smooth ride over the pavement. Body roll is well-controlled and kept at bay. Plus, the seats have tons of side bolstering to hold you in place.
The seats are massive and well-padded, with plenty of standard adjustment controls, including lumbar support. The seats in the rear are just as comfortable, with enough space for adults to stretch out.
The backrest angle is relaxed, and it reclines. There’s enough space for four adults. You’ll find that the interior is mostly quiet and peaceful, but the engine may sound coarse and wheezy under harder accelerations.
Also, the climate control system is smart and effective. It rarely needs any adjustments, and the ventilated seats provide tons of frosty air.
Does the 2023 Infiniti QX50 have a nice interior?
Yes, the 2023 Infiniti QX50 has an upscale, well-crafted interior that’s plush, elegant, and durable. The available two-tone designs provide attractive contrasting accents with shades of black, red, beige, and tan.
Pops of silver and ambient lighting spice things up even more. The optional suede headliner and quilted leather sea craft an inviting, cozy space. The massive panoramic moonroof provides the perfect amount of natural light.
The doors open wide for easy access, and there’s plenty of visibility out of the front. The curves in the hood reminded us of a retro batmobile. However, the rear window is a little narrow. The large side mirrors make up for the difference.
Also, the layout is well-planned, and everything you need is kept within reach. It’s a little button-heavy, but everything is clearly labeled.
How is the Infiniti QX50’s tech?
The 2023 Infiniti QX50 could use some updates, but it has an impressive list of standard features. There’s an 8.0-inch screen above a 7.0-inch unit to separate navigation and infotainment controls.
The system could be a little more intuitive, and there are a few bugs to work out. Sometimes one of the screens would freeze with instructions to use the other one. It can also be controlled by a rotary dial.
While the graphics look a bit dated, the navigation system is fast and intelligent, with live traffic updates. The digital gauge cluster is basic but provides important information for the driver. Also, the head-up display is a modern touch.
It’s easy to connect phones, and the wireless phone charging pad is in a secure spot. The reverse camera and 360-degree display are a bit small, so the parking sensors are appreciated. There are plenty of USB ports in each row, and you’ll find a 12-volt outlet in the cargo hold.
This SUV still has a CD port, so bust out those 90 jams. They will sound great over the available premium Bose audio systems.
Does the Infiniti QX50 have enough cargo space and towing power?
The 2023 Infiniti QX50 has a surprising amount of cargo space. You can access 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 65.1 cubbies total. It beats the Acura MDX and BMW X3.
You can use a level to fold the seats flat, and the liftgate opens wide with a low liftover height. Child seats are easy to install, but personal item storage is lacking. The cup holders are small, and there isn’t much space on the door sides.
The center console is a bit tight, and the glove box feels limited. However, there are conveniently placed store trays and cubbies in the front.
When properly equipped, the Infiniti QX50 can tow up to 3,000 lbs. That’s slightly more than expected, but rivals can tow more.
How safe is the 2023 Infiniti QX50?
According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2023 Infiniti QX50 is pretty safe. It’s not a Top Safety Pick, but it earned a ‘Good’ rating in most of its crash simulations, which is the highest score possible.
It only got two ‘Acceptable’ and ‘Marginal’ ratings out of over 30 different categories. The standard safety systems for avoiding collisions earned a Superior score. It avoided collisions at 12 and 25 mph speeds.
Standard safety features include:
- Forward collision mitigation
- Lane departure mitigation
- Lane-keeping assistance
- Blind spot warning
- Rear automatic braking
- Rear parking sensors
- Automatic high beam assist
- Adaptive cruise control
How reliable is the 2023 Infiniti QX50?
The 2023 Infiniti QX50 has an average reliability ranking, and it almost made it to the above-average category. J.D.Power gave it a score of 78 out of 100. Scores between 70 and 80 are average, while anything between 81 and 90 is great, and scores between 91 and 100 are best.
An average Infiniti QX50 model is expected to last between 200,000 and 250,000 miles. But it’s not uncommon for the QX50 to make it over 300,000 miles and keep going. Proper maintenance and regular care is the key to survival.
If you drive an average of 15,000 miles per year, then your QX50 could provide up to 20 years of service on the road. The average yearly maintenance cost for the QX50 is $608, which is slightly under the average annual cost of $650 to maintain other SUVs.
MotorBiscuit gives the 2023 Infiniti QX50 a score of 8.0 out of 10
The experts at MotorBiscuit have awarded the 2023 Infiniti QX50 with an expert rating of 8.0 out of 10. The Infiniti QX50 is clearly aging, but it still looks attractive inside and out. The tech could be updated, but modern features like a wireless charging pad and built-in navigation are standard.
While the QX50 has the potential to be athletic and engaging, the CVT can stumble. But it has a solid amount of power for daily driving and provides a smooth, relaxing ride. The interior is peaceful, aside from an occasional engine wheeze.
The interior is impressive and upscale, with plenty of passenger and cargo space. Plus, this luxury SUV is a loaded bargain. Refreshing the tech and providing a modern transmission could improve its rankings.
The future of the Infiniti QX50 is uncertain. It could be discontinued or go electric. We hope to give the new Sport trim a spin before it possibly bites the dust.