2024 Infiniti QX50 really grows on you over time

Thank goodness we don’t judge people the way that we do cars. Weekly rotations of the best models that manufacturers can send has really turned us into snobs behind the wheel. Long before we even turn on the engine, we make snap judgments within the first few seconds of sitting in the driver’s seat.

“Oh…this one doesn’t have heated seats. Hmm…” “No place to hold my sunglasses? Strike one…” “These cupholders are tiny! What is this — a car for ants??” And so on.

Unfortunately, we got off to a rocky start with the 2024 Infiniti QX50. We climbed inside, sat down in a cushy, plush seat and took note of how nice and clean the interior felt. But as soon as we saw that there was not one but two center screens, inexplicably stacked one on top of the other, we felt our annoyance rise. 

And that’s the funny thing about noticing irritating little quirks early on — you’re much more prone to find fault with the car in question. After initially convincing ourselves that the QX50 had no redeemable qualities, we were surprised by what happened when the weeklong test drive was over: We were sorry to see it go.

Here’s what we learned about the Infiniti QX50 and what to know if you’re considering buying one. 

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It’s got a palatable starting price

When the competition is fierce, you need something working in your favor. For the Infiniti QX50, the relatively low starting price is one of its bragging rights. For a luxury compact SUV, the entry-level option is pretty affordable considering everything that comes with it.

You can choose from five different trims with an MSRP range of $41,000 to $58,050. Here are the defining features of each model. Note: All prices are for the front-wheel drive option except the Autograph, which only comes in all-wheel drive.

• QX50 Pure: $41,000 See listings

19-inch wheels   

8-way power-adjustable front seats

8-inch and 7-inch center touchscreens

• QX50 Luxe: $44,300 See listings

Genuine leather upholstery 

Heated front seats

Panoramic moonroof

• QX50 Sport: $49,200 See listings

Ventilated front seats

Heated steering wheel

Front parking sensors

• QX50 Sensory: $53,500 See listings

Heated rear seats

Adaptive headlights

16-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system

• QX50 Autograph:  $58,050 See listings

Quilted semi-aniline leather upholstery

Tri-zone automatic climate control

Rear window sunshades 

Which one we’d buy

We got to drive the top-tier Autograph trim, which came with the Accent Package (mirror caps, bodyside moldings and a front lip finisher), as well as Welcome lighting with the Infiniti logo and premium paint, bringing the grand total to $61,610.

Though it was certainly nice on the inside, we’ll be honest: We wouldn’t spring for the Autograph. Given that you get the same engine (a 2.0-liter variable compression turbo with 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque) in each trim and most of the standard features are the same, we’d recommend saving the money and opting for the base Pure trim. For $41,000, you get the same infotainment system, a comfortable interior and a long list of driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and ProPilot Assist. That’s pretty generous for a luxury compact SUV.

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Other favorite features

It’s amazing how many positive attributes begin to surface once you open your mind to them. Like that quirky but loveable kid from high school, the QX50 ended up having several redeeming qualities after all. 

Comfortable seats

First and foremost, those seats were among the comfiest we’ve sat in recently. We credit that to the soft leather upholstery and eight-way power adjustment that let us find just the right settings that hit the spot. Also, having driven the QX50 in mostly chilly weather, the heated front and rear seats (standard on the Autograph) were a welcome addition. Riding around in this Infiniti felt like lounging at Grandma’s while cookies were baking in the oven. So homey!

Nice-looking interior

Apart from feeling good, the QX50’s cabin looked the part of a luxury compact SUV, too. Aside from the oddball infotainment system (more on that later), the interior was well-built and had plenty of high-quality and soft touch surfaces, such as quilted leather, wood accents and a faux-suede headliner. It’s the kind of car you’d feel comfortable driving with important clients in tow. 

Good amount of cargo space

The Infiniti QX50 passed what we call “the Costco test” by providing an easy-access, spacious cargo area that made loading and unloading groceries a breeze. You get a full 31.4 cubic feet of storage space behind the rear seats and a grand total of 65.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down. That’s pretty impressive for the class.

Easy-going on the road

Though we were initially annoyed by its lackluster driving dynamics, we soon realized that the QX50’s more demure personality was actually one of its strengths. It seemed to do a pretty good job of absorbing road imperfections without jostling the cabin too much. We came to appreciate that quality more and more with every carpool pickup, soccer practice and grocery store run. Its soothing, lower energy is just what a busy, overstimulated parent needs.

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Things we’d improve 

Every car we drive has its drawbacks. These are a few of the QX50’s qualities that we found less appealing.

Infotainment

OK, time to circle back to that funky, dual-screen infotainment system. There’s no sugarcoating it: We didn’t like it. Even after forgiving its other flaws, this was one that we just couldn’t reconcile. The top screen was solely for infotainment, while the bottom screen controlled climate functions, but neither one of them was particularly responsive. The interface was confusing, the graphics were dated, and going back and forth between the two felt tedious and unnecessary.

We feel confident that Infiniti will eventually give this system a modern refresh. In the meantime, it’s not a total dealbreaker, but it’s something you’ll have to learn to love if you’re buying this car.

Noisy transmission

The continuously variable transmission has its perks in terms of improving fuel efficiency and making for a smoother ride. But that comes at a cost. And that cost is the constant reminder that it’s there. You’ll hear it drone when you step on the gas at higher speeds. But, you might be able to drown it out with your radio or some stimulating in-car conversations. Perhaps it’ll keep your teenagers off their phones?

Bland ride quality

We recognize that this is in direct contrast to the “pro” of being easy-going on the road, but it needs to be mentioned in case anyone is searching for a luxury SUV with some higher thrills. This is not that SUV. However, the engine does a fine job of bringing the QX50 up to speed quickly while providing plenty of passing power for overtaking other cars on the freeway. In short: It’s not exciting, but it gets the job done.

Would we recommend this car to friends and family?

If you had asked us this question in the first couple of days, the answer would have been a hard “no.” But after giving the 2024 Infiniti QX50 a closer look and a chance to show its good side, we’d definitely recommend it as a solid, affordable option. In fact, we might send the parents a link to the KSL Cars listings right now.

*KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles. The views or opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not reflect the views or opinions of KSL.com or its employees.