2024 Infiniti QX50 Review: A Stylish Crossover with Luxurious Comfort and Modern Tech
Discover the Upscale Appeal of Infiniti’s Refined Crossover—Where Style, Performance, and Advanced Technology Meet
The 2024 Infiniti QX50 combines elegant design with an incredibly refined interior, powerful performance, and a host of advanced tech features.
By J-F Wright
Thu, Oct 3, 2024 07:19 AM PST
Images courtesy Infiniti
From its luxurious, tricolor cabin to its smooth yet spirited drive, this crossover is a perfect blend of style and functionality. Whether for city cruising or a countryside getaway, the QX50 stands out as a premium choice in the compact luxury SUV segment.
Exterior
The 2024 Infiniti QX50 has a sleek and sculpted design that commands attention from the front and side angles. One of the standout features is its hood, which stretches over the sides, creating a powerful and cohesive look. This isn’t just a standard, straightforward design—it’s layered and dynamic. The lines that flow from the hood and connect to the rest of the body are precisely crafted, and this approach emphasizes a certain elegance and performance-driven styling that feels unique to Infiniti.
The QX50’s overall shape combines sportiness with a sense of refinement, and it's clear that the designers aimed for a look that balances luxury and athleticism. The sleek headlights and distinctive grille are classic Infiniti, blending seamlessly into the car’s lines for a modern yet classy look. The QX50 looks equally at home pulling up to a nice restaurant as it does on a rugged country road, though you’ll probably want to avoid taking this beauty anywhere too off-road.
Interior
Step inside the QX50, and it’s clear this is where the vehicle truly shines. The four-color interior is a work of art in itself. We’re talking about a mix of materials: brown leather or Alcantara on the upper parts of the doors, silver wood with metallic accents below that, and then a gorgeous white leather that covers the seats and lower panels. The seats themselves are mainly white leather, perforated for breathability, with accents of brown that match the upper interior. This tricolor approach—well, technically four colors if you count the silver wood—feels incredibly upscale, and I’d say it’s one of the most refined interiors in its class.
The seats are not only stylish but comfortable and adjustable in multiple ways (exactly how many will depend on the trim). They’re heated, ventilated, and supportive enough for long drives, yet soft enough to feel cushy. The rear seats offer plenty of space, even for taller adults, and they slide back and forth to give flexibility based on the cargo and passenger needs. The rear seats can fold nearly flat for extended cargo space, and with a spacious trunk to begin with, you could easily pack in a lot of gear—ideal for road trips or even just the big grocery hauls.
Tech Features
Infiniti has packed the QX50 with impressive technology, making it a haven for tech enthusiasts and safety-conscious drivers alike. The driver-assist package offers features like Blind Spot Assist, Lane-Centering, and Emergency Braking. It does a pretty good job keeping you within the lines and alerting you to nearby vehicles. However, the lane-centering could feel jerky at times—it doesn’t quite have the smoothness of some competitors, like Toyota’s Safety Sense, which feels a little more natural. When the QX50’s system intervenes, it sometimes applies the brakes a bit abruptly, which can feel slightly awkward, especially with other drivers behind you.
One of my favorite tech additions is the heads-up display, which projects driving information and navigation directions right onto the windshield. It keeps your eyes on the road, reducing distractions, and feels incredibly useful in real-world driving. With the Bose Performance Series speaker system, you get excellent sound quality throughout the cabin. I’d still recommend checking out the specifics, like the speaker count and wattage, but it sounds fantastic—whether you’re into high-energy playlists or low-key road trip soundtracks, this setup has you covered.
Driving Characteristics
The QX50 offers a range of driving modes—Personal, Sport, Standard, and Eco—that cater to different driving styles and situations. Sport mode, in particular, is a lot of fun; it holds the revs higher, ready for quick acceleration, and tightens the car’s handling. If you’re in the mood to be a little more spirited on the road, this mode is where the QX50 shines, making tight corners feel more engaging. Even in the standard mode, acceleration is smooth and effortless. Getting onto a freeway or passing on a two-lane road is a breeze; you’ve got plenty of power to get up to speed and merge comfortably.
Steering is responsive, and the vehicle feels stable even on winding roads, setting it apart from Infiniti’s parent brand, Nissan. However, the traction control can kick in pretty quickly when accelerating from a stop or taking sharp turns, which might feel like it’s holding you back a bit. Overall, the car strikes a good balance between luxury and athleticism—enough punch for a fun drive, but without sacrificing the smooth, comfortable ride you’d expect in this segment.
Notable Features
The QX50’s panoramic sunroof is a fantastic addition, covering most of the roof and bringing in lots of natural light. This large glass segment feels inviting, especially on scenic drives or bright days. Only the front section opens fully, which might be a slight drawback for passengers in the back who’d want that extra breeze, but it’s a nice feature for front-seat occupants. Another nice touch is the rear seat’s dedicated climate controls. This is a great feature for comfort, although it might lead to squabbles if you have more than one backseat passenger with differing preferences.
Summary
The 2024 Infiniti QX50 is a sophisticated and well-equipped luxury crossover that delivers on both style and performance. With its eye-catching exterior design, upscale interior with a standout tricolor scheme, and a solid suite of tech and safety features, the QX50 makes a compelling choice in its segment. It’s comfortable for long drives, versatile for daily needs, and fun to drive when you’re in the mood. Though some of its driver-assistance features could be smoother, and the traction control a bit eager, these are small trade-offs in an otherwise refined package. The QX50 finds its place among those who want both luxury and an engaging drive, fitting in as easily on a city street as it does on a winding country road.
About The Author
John-Fredrik Wright was born in Sweden, but raised on both sides of the Atlantic. His experience in the automotive industry starts with a summer-job as a host at Volkswagen’s premier showroom in Stockholm. Later, he worked as an instructor at Swedish Active Driving, teaching safe driving (among other things the renowned "elk-avoidance maneuver") and advanced driving techniques.