2021 Infiniti QX50 Luxe

What’s New for the QX50?

Infiniti updates the 2021 QX50 lineup with some minor alterations. Every model now comes with a Wi-Fi hotspot, laminated front side glass, and side-mounted airbags in the rear seat. Mineral Black joins the list of optional paint colors, too. Along with heated front seats, the Luxe model now comes standard with more driver assists, as well as a blackout package. Driver assists include adaptive cruise control, an enhanced blind-spot monitor, lane-keeping assist, and a semi-autonomous feature called Pro-Pilot Assist. The new appearance package on the Luxe model adds black-painted 20-inch wheels, dark chrome accents, and black mirror caps and grille mesh. As of October 2021, owners of 2020 and 2021 QX50 SUVs are eligible for a complimentary upgrade to wireless Apple CarPlay through their local dealer.

How the Performance?

Every QX50 is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that uses variable compression—called VC-Turbo. The engine makes 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque and pairs with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that directs power to either the front or all four wheels. The engine seamlessly swaps between high compression during steady cruising and low compression during hard acceleration. While it never exhilarates when the pedal hits the metal, only those seeking a seriously quick crossover will be disappointed. Unfortunately, the engine is loud under heavy throttle, and the CVT makes this worse, especially around town. The Infiniti prioritizes comfort and luxury, with a compliant ride that is composed on rough roads and smooth on the highway. Passengers are also well isolated from choppy sections of road. The steering feedback is balanced, and it firms up in the selectable Dynamic and Dynamic+ steering modes. While the steering wheel provides little communication with the road surface, it has accurate reactions and light effort. Unfortunately, the Infiniti’s soft brake pedal operates inconsistently. This leads to more than one shoddy stop in rush-hour traffic where the QX50’s nose dives forward under heavy braking. Still, it only needed a competitive 164 feet to stop from 70 mph in our emergency-braking test.

How the comfort and quality?

Inside, the QX50 can be fitted with quilted leather seats, wood interior trim, and a faux-suede headliner. However, these upscale appointments are available only on the most expensive model. Still, every QX50 has a comfortable and quiet cabin that includes a spacious second row with reclining seatbacks that have so far been the highlight of the 2019 QX50 in our long-term test fleet. The QX50 has 31 cubic feet behind the back seat and up to 65 cubes with the 60/40 split-folding rear bench folded flat. We managed to fit nine carry-on suitcases with the seats up and 22 with them down. Both results were two more than the X3 held. While our top-of-the-line test vehicle had the motion-activated power liftgate, none of the lower trims have this useful feature.