2021 INFINITI QX50
Overview
The QX50 represents the midsize crossover entry for INFINITI, which means it can do a little bit of everything, and it has been totally redesigned for the new model year. It sports new and impressive styling inside and out, and it has incredible innovations under the hood.
The Perfect Ride for…
If you need a vehicle that can do it all, you want a crossover. And if you want the most state-of-the-art crossover on the road, you want the 2021 INFINITI QX50. It’s powered by a first-of-its-kind engine, it has smart tech in almost every corner of the drivetrain, and the interior is thoughtfully designed with every button and stitch offering a timeless yet ultra-modern aesthetic.
Drive & Handling
All trim levels of the QX50 come powered by the world’s first production-ready Variable Compression Turbo engine. Thanks to the latest advancements in automotive engineering from INFINITI, this new powertrain ends the compromise between power and efficiency, and the brand believes it will be considered one of the most advanced and responsive engine designs ever created.
The VC-Turbo engine can dynamically change its compression ratio (the ratio of fuel and air mixture in the cylinders) from the high-performance ratio of 8:1 to the high-efficiency ratio of 14:1. The QX50 uses a complex engine control computer to automatically find the optimal ratio depending on the constantly monitored driving conditions. This results in power when you need it and excellent fuel economy when you want it, which is essentially like getting two engines in one. Not only does the engine get 27% better fuel economy than a larger V6 engine, it can produce the same horses and torque, and it’s less expensive to build.
So how much power and efficiency are we talking here? The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is turbocharged, so it’s lighter than most SUV engines but still more powerful. The resulting output is 268 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. When combined with the available intelligent all-wheel drive, that power and versatility mean the QX50 truly offers the best of what SUVs can do. Yet, it’s lighter and more compact than larger SUVs, and when combined with performance-enhancing technology under the hood, like XTRONIC Continuously Variable Transmission and a Drive Mode Selector with Eco Mode, the QX50 gets crossover-like fuel economy with an EPA-estimated 29 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in the city on the front-wheel-drive model.**
Key Features
ProPILOT Assist
INFINITI offers one of the most advanced suites of safety technology in the automotive industry. The revolutionary ProPILOT Assist envelops the QX50 in a warm blanket of security. A network of cameras and sensors help the onboard computer see everything around the vehicle, even in places where the driver can’t. The computer can see potential hazards before the driver can and either alert the driver with audible and visual warnings or actively take control of the vehicle to avoid collisions. Drivers will be able to monitor that constant awareness with a colorful driver information display in the instrument panel, as well as another full-color semi-transparent head-up display conveniently projected onto the lower windshield (a technology originally developed for fighter jets).
Light and Airy Comfort
The 2021 INFINITI QX50's design direction offers to disrupt the way we feel inside cars just as much as the way we drive them. The asymmetric cabin layout offers a unique experience in every seat. The available panoramic moonroof floods light into the spacious 104.4 cubic feet of passenger volume. Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control comes standard with the base PURE and LUXE trims, and Tri-Zone comes standard with the premium ESSENTIAL trim, as well as an available Advanced Climate Control System with auto-recirculation, Plasmacluster® air purifier, and Grape Polyphenol Filter.
Endless Infotainment Options
The 2021 QX50 comes standard with the latest infotainment tech, including Bluetooth® connectivity for streaming audio and hands-free phone operations, as well as the innovative INFINITI controller and InTouch™ dual-display LCD screens with 8-inch upper and 7-inch lower color vehicle-information displays. Those who want the best sound experience can upgrade to the brilliant Bose® Performance Series premium audio system with 16 speakers and a subwoofer.
Alternative Options
Even though a compact crossover like the QX50 combines the best of SUVs and compact cars, it might not fit everyone’s needs. We have many different new INFINITI models on display in our showroom. If you like the versatility but want something a little bigger, consider the QX60, which offers a powerful V6 engine and 3 rows of seating. On the other hand, if you prefer the traditional stately sedan experience, you must experience the luxurious experience that is driving the 2021 Q50.
* Price is Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). MSRP excluding destination charge, tax, title, license and options. Dealer sets actual price.
** 2021 EPA Fuel Economy Estimates. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions - use for comparison only.
Image Credit: INFINITI