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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 3.7L 6-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S7) |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Premium |
| City / Hwy MPG | 17 / 24 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 20 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $4,100 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 448 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $30,970–$40,389 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 6.8/10, the 2016 Infiniti QX50 earns a Good rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.8/10, while Performance at 5.9/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 6.7/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. On safety it earns 7.8/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 5.9/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.9/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $30,970–$40,389, 18 MPG, seating 5, the Infiniti QX50 sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The value score of 6.5/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 10 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2016 Infiniti QX50, but it needs the right buyer. Its technology and reliability and value and performance scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2016 Infiniti QX50 ranks #2205 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 10% of the segment. Its 6.8/10 overall score is 0.6 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $30,970 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 14%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2014 Infiniti QX50 scores 7.1/10 — within striking distance of the 2016's 6.8 — and starts roughly $5,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.3/10 | $41,972 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.2/10 | $40,750 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.2/10 | $39,527 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.1/10 | $38,305 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.1/10 | $37,082 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.0/10 | $35,860 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.0/10 | $34,637 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 6.9/10 | $33,415 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 6.8/10 | $32,192 | Read review → |
| 2016 (this review) | 6.8/10 | $30,970 | |
| 2015 | 6.8/10 | $29,747 | Read review → |
| 2014 | 7.1/10 | $25,900 | Read review → |
Other suvs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Infiniti models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
