Representative photo — may show another model year
SUV
2021 Infiniti QX50
Independent review & score by Carivo
Price Range
$37,082–$44,866
Fuel Economy23 MPG
Seating5 passengers
CategorySUV
Est. Annual Fuel$2,283/yr
The 2021 Infiniti QX50 scores 7.1/10 at Carivo, ranking #1814 of 2454 suvs and an estimated $2,283/year fuel cost.
Scored by Carivo·Updated: September 8, 2026·How we score →
Key Specifications — 2021 Infiniti QX50
Engine
2.0L 4-Cylinder
Transmission
Automatic (AV-S8)
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel Type
Premium
City / Hwy MPG
23 / 29 MPG
Combined MPG
26 MPG
Est. Annual Fuel Cost
$2,900
CO₂ Emissions
349 g/mi
Seating Capacity
5 passengers
Body Style
SUV
Base Price
$37,082–$44,866
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2021 Infiniti QX50
The 2021 Infiniti QX50 is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 7.1/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.1/10, while Performance at 6.2/10 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. At 6.9/10 for reliability, this suv trails its segment. That doesn't rule it out, but go in with eyes open on running costs. Safety lands at 8.1/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.2/10 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. At 7.5/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.
Priced from $37,082–$44,866, 23 MPG, seating 5, the Infiniti QX50 sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The value score of 6.8/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Verdict: The 2021 Infiniti QX50 sits in the middle of the field. Until its reliability and value and performance scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
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 →
How It Ranks Among SUVs
The 2021 Infiniti QX50 ranks #1814 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 26% of the segment. Its 7.1/10 overall score is 0.3 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $37,082 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $36,079.
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which QX50 Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Infiniti QX50 scores 6.9/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.1 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
Common Questions — 2021 Infiniti QX50
Is the 2021 Infiniti QX50 reliable?
We rate the 2021 Infiniti QX50's reliability 6.9/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
Is the 2021 Infiniti QX50 worth buying?
It scores 7.1/10 overall, ranking #1814 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 26% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2021 Infiniti QX50 cost?
The 2021 Infiniti QX50 starts at $37,082 and ranges up to $44,866 across trims (MSRP when new). At 23 MPG, expect roughly $2,283/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which QX50 years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest QX50 years we've rated are 2017 (6.8/10), 2016 (6.8/10), 2015 (6.8/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.3/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
Owner Essentials — Infiniti QX50
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More Infiniti Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Infiniti models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
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