10 Best & Worst Infiniti QX50 Years (Facts & Stats)

The Infiniti QX50 is a luxury compact SUV that started out as a 2014 model year.

It provides a cushy ride, an eye-catching exterior style, and a premium cabin.

In this article, we’ll be talking about all of the best and worst model years of the QX50.

Table of Contents

Here’s The Short Answer To What The Best And Worst Years For The Infiniti QX50 Are:

The best Infiniti QX50 model years are 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 2015, and 2014. The worst model years of this model are 2019, 2016, and 2017. This is based on auto industry reviews, NHTSA statistics, reported problems, and consumer feedback.

What Are The Best Years For The Infiniti QX50?

2024 and 2023 Infiniti QX50

The 2023 and 2024 Infiniti QX50 models are standout choices. They come with more standard features than their predesessors such as a wireless charging pad, heated exterior mirrors, remote start, among others.

There are a total of 5 trim levels: Pure, Luxe, Sport, Sensory, and Autograph. Base pricing ranges from around $42,000 to $59,000.

The most popular trim is the midrange Sport trim, with a starting price of $50,550.

This model ranks among the more budget-friendly options within the small luxury SUV category, yet it comes equipped with an ample array of standard features.

Each trim is powered by a turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder engine (268 horsepower, 280 pound-feet of torque) paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

Front-wheel-drive is the standard configuration for all but the top-spec Autograph trim (which comes as an all-wheel-drive).

EPA-certified fuel economy for all trims is 25 to 26 MPG for combined city and highway driving.

These models both received a perfect 5-star NHTSA overall safety rating. On top of this, noteworthy safety and driver assistance features include:

ProPilot Assist
Blindspot Warning and Intervention
Rear Cross-Traffic Warning

2024 Infiniti QX50:

Edmunds: 3.3 / 5.0
Kelley Blue Book: 4.1 / 5.0
JD Power: NA

2023 Infiniti QX50:

Edmunds: 3.3 / 5.0
Kelley Blue Book: 4.1 / 5.0
JD Power: 80 / 100

2023 Infiniti QX50, Edmunds Review:

“I was in the market for an SUV as I had only ever driven coupe vehicles. I had test driven the Infiniti QX50, Acura RDX, Audi A3 & Nissan Murano (in that order). All I can say is how the QX50 really set the bar high for the others. It’s a smooth ride. We’ve already taken it up to the cottage and it was a dream on both the highway and side roads…”

2022, 2021, and 2020 Infiniti QX50

The 2022, 2021, and 2020 QX50 models are prime choices, benefiting from the full redesign introduced in 2019 for the launch of the second generation. Yet they are largely free from the initial teething issues and problems that plagued the 2019 model.

The second generation QX50 marks a significant departure from its predecessors by prioritizing comfort and luxury over dynamic handling. The redesign introduced a more refined on-road experience and a luxurious interior, making it a highly competitive option in the luxury crossover SUV segment.

This generation also features a groundbreaking powertrain, shifting from a V6 to a turbocharged four-cylinder engine equipped with innovative variable compression technology. Although this new engine offers less peak horsepower, it delivers more torque over a broader range, promising quicker acceleration and improved fuel efficiency.

Compared to the 2019 model, the following updates were made:

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were added
Several advanced safety features were made standard
A new dual-screen infotainment system was introduced

2020 Infiniti QX50, Edmunds Review:

“This car was not even on my radar. I thought it was too small for my 6’7″ husband, but the salesperson told me it had been redesigned and that the inside had more room! Indeed it did! We tried over a dozen cars from luxury to large SUV’s. This 2020 QX 50 places more items on it’s sleek dashboard and leaves more leg and shoulder room in the cabin of the vehicle.”

2022 Infiniti QX50:

Edmunds: 3.3
Kelley Blue Book: 4.1 / 5.0
JD Power: 78 / 100

2021 Infiniti QX50:

Edmunds: 3.3
Kelley Blue Book: 4.1 / 5.0
JD Power: 78 / 100

2020 Infiniti QX50:

Edmunds: 2.9
Kelley Blue Book: 4.1 / 5.0
JD Power: 77 / 100

2015 and 2014 Infiniti QX50

The 2015 and 2014 QX50 models are standout first-gen models that are also the very first two iterations to have ever been produced.

These models shine as luxury crossovers, delivering sport sedan agility, superior performance, and a high-quality interior, uniquely balancing exhilaration and sophistication amidst their compact dimensions.

Owners have highlighted the following aspects of these models:

Comfort
Interior
Seats
Value
Ride quality
Reliability
Manufacturing quality
Engine power
Minimal road noise

It comes in only 2 trims: Base and Journey. Rear-wheel-drive is standard for both, with an option to upgrade to an all-wheel-drive.

Both are fitted with a 3.7-liter V6 engine that provides 325 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. This is paired to a 7-speed automatic transmission.

According to the EPA, owners can achieve as much as 20 MPG for combined city and highway driving (for both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations).

2015 Infiniti QX50:

Edmunds: 4.3 / 5.0
Kelley Blue Book: 4.6 / 5.0
JD Power: 78 / 100

2014 Infiniti QX50:

Edmunds: 4.1 / 5.0
Kelley Blue Book: 4.6 / 5.0
JD Power: 74 / 100

2014 Infiniti QX50, Edmunds Review:

“Retired after 35 years in the automobile business. Researched the 2014 Infiniti QX50 thoroughly before purchase. Can’t drive it enough! All day comfortable! Wonderful power and luxury! Negotiated a great deal! Naturally aspirated 6 cylinder with 325 horsepower. No turbo or supercharger to worry about. Japanese reliability…”

Consumer Scores For Best Infiniti QX50 Years

Model Year	Edmunds Consumer Rating	Kelley Blue Book Consumer Rating	JD Power Consumer Rating
2024 Infiniti QX50	3.3 / 5.0	4.1 / 5.0	NA
2023 Infiniti QX50	3.3 / 5.0	4.1 / 5.0	80 / 100
2022 Infiniti QX50	3.3 / 5.0	4.1 / 5.0	78 / 100
2021 Infiniti QX50	3.3 / 5.0	4.1 / 5.0	78 / 100
2020 Infiniti QX50	2.9 / 5.0	4.1 / 5.0	77 / 100
2015 Infiniti QX50	4.3 / 5.0	4.6 / 5.0	78 / 100
2014 Infiniti QX50	4.1 / 5.0	4.6 / 5.0	74 / 100

What Are The Worst Years For The Infiniti QX50?

2019 Infiniti QX50

The 2019 QX50 is the most problematic model year ever produced. The most commonly reported problem online involves the unexpected triggering of the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system, which can be extremely hazardous.

“On 3 different occasions while traveling over 50 mph on the highway, with no other cars around, my Qx50 automatic emergency braking initiated and stopped my car. This is a serious safety issue and I am very lucky I was not rear-ended.” – NHTSA.gov

“I was driving down an empty road, no one in front of me, beside me, or behind me and the automatic braking system applied itself and slammed on brakes abruptly and beeped twice, without any prior warning or obstruction, causing the car to jolt into braking.” – NHTSA.gov

A variety of electrical issues were also brought up. The long list of faulty components, features, and defects include the following:

Phantom battery drain
Malfunctioning headlights and tail lights
Flashing of various warning indicators
Issues with door lock actuators

“There is a continuous issue with my battery dying. There are multiple malfunction lights showing, particularly the rear collision light. The check engine light is also showing, and I have had an oil change recently. The car breaks on its own. While backing into a space, the steering wheel would not completely turn right until I straightened up the car…” – NHTSA.gov

The 2019 Infiniti QX50 had a total of 5 complaints on CarComplaints.com and 42 problems based on NHTSA.gov data.

Common problems:

Loud engine noise
Electric seat failure
Electrical issues

2016 and 2017 Infiniti QX50

The 2016 and 2017 QX50 had various issues, most prevalent of which are related to faulty electrical components and a defective brake system.

Owners reported issues with a non-functioning horn, navigation malfunction, and a finicky display (which affects other features such as the backup camera, radio, and air conditioning controls).

“The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she attempted to engage the horn to prevent a collision; however, the horn was inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the clockspring had melted onto the horn relay…” – NHTSA.gov

“The Display / Navigation screen does not always light up. Sometimes it works when you start the car. Other times it takes for a while before it starts to work. When it lights up everything from what I can tell works normally. When it does not light up. The AC works by itself, but you can not turn it off or adjust it. The warning sensors work, but the Camera does not. Radio does not work…” – NHTSA.gov

Multiple reports also indicated issues with brake performance. Owners reported varied brake pressure which makes it hard to estimate how hard to step on the brake pedal to achieve the necessary brake force.

This could lead to crashes, near-misses, and a very dangerous driving experience overall. The consequence that has been cited the most has been car rollback when parked, which is also a very bad problem to experience.

“This is the 3rd instance of my car rolling backwards down the driveway. Both the first and second instances of uncontrolled rolling happened in 2016. Only the second instance was caught on camera. I shared the video with Infiniti and was instructed to bring the car in for an inspection. I went in for the inspection in December 2016 and they reported that there were no issues (despite video evidence)…”

The 2016 Infiniti QX50 had a total of 4 complaints on CarComplaints.com and 10 problems based on NHTSA.gov data.
The 2017 Infiniti QX50 had a total of 1 complaint on CarComplaints.com and 9 problems based on NHTSA.gov data.

Common problems:

Heated seats too hot
Clogged gutter tubes
Water leakage
Premature brake wear

What Years Have The Most Complaints?

Model Year	Complaints (CarComplaints.com)	Problems (NHTSA.gov)	Recalls (NHTSA.gov)
2024 Infiniti QX50	–	0	0
2023 Infiniti QX50	–	2	0
2022 Infiniti QX50	–	7	1
2021 Infiniti QX50	–	7	1
2020 Infiniti QX50	0	8	1
2019 Infiniti QX50	5	42	2
2017 Infiniti QX50	1	9	0
2016 Infiniti QX50	4	10	0
2015 Infiniti QX50	2	2	0
2014 Infiniti QX50	0	2	0

What Problems Do Infiniti QX50 Have?

Gas odor
Radiator leaks
Loud cooling fan
Clock issues
Automatic braking defects
Poor fuel economy
Air conditioning problems
Steering lock malfunction
Melting dashboard
Transmission issues
Engine noise

What Are The Best Alternatives To The Infiniti QX50?

Make & Model	Score	MSRP	Fuel Economy (MPG)
Lexus NX	8.0	$39,455 – $49,355	City: 21 – 26 /Highway: 28 – 33
Maserati Grecale	8.0	$63,500 – $102,500	City: 18 – 22 /Highway: 25 – 29
BMW X4	7.8	$55,000 – $66,400	City: 21 /Highway: 26 – 28
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class	7.8	$47,450 – $57,000	City: 24 – 26 /Highway: 30 – 33
Buick Envision	7.8	$33,400 – $47,460	City: 22 – 23 /Highway: 29 – 31
Audi Q5	7.8	$45,300 – $67,700	City: NA /Highway: NA
Jaguar F-Pace	7.7	$52,400 – $89,500	City: 15 – 22 /Highway: 21 – 27
Porsche Macan	7.5	$60,900 – $86,800	City: 17 – 19 /Highway: 22 – 25
Alfa Romeo Stelvio	7.4	$46,575 – $51,525	City: 22 /Highway: 28 – 29
Infiniti QX50	7.4	$40,300 – $57,350	City: 22 – 23 /Highway: 28 – 29
Infiniti QX55	6.8	$49,150 – $57,800	City: 22 /Highway: 28
Land Rover Discovery Sport	6.2	$43,300 – $48,500	City: 19 /Highway: 23

Source: cars.usnews.com, edmunds.com

References

Author:

Ian Sawyer

Growing up with a father who was a mechanic I had an appreciation for cars and motorcycles from an early age. I shared my first bike with my brother that had little more than a 40cc engine but it opened up a world of excitement for me, I was hooked. As I grew older I progressed onto bigger bikes and...

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