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.
$0 — 2 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
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
NHTSA Recalls — 2021 Infiniti QX50 (2 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Nissan Murano, INFINITI QX60, 2021 Nissan GT-R, INFINITI QX50, and Q50 vehicles. The front steering knuckle or rear axle housing may have insufficient strength due to improper heat-treatment.
Engine and engine cooling / Engine / Hard parts internal/mechanical 27/06/2025 · 25V437000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Rogue, 2019-2020 Altima, 2019-2022 Infiniti QX50, and 2022 Infiniti QX55 vehicles equipped with 3-cylinder 1.5L or 4-cylinder 2.0L variable compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engines. The engine…
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2021 Infiniti QX50 that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
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. It has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2021 Infiniti QX50 have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.
What problems does the 2021 Infiniti QX50 have?
The documented issues for the 2021 Infiniti QX50 are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Suspension, Engine and engine cooling (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
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.
Representative photo — may show another model year