Cars

2025 Infiniti QX50 Review: Interior, Engine, & Test Drive

JH
John H
Senior Cars Expert
8 min read

2025 Infiniti QX50 Review: Interior, Engine, & Test Drive

The 2025 Infiniti QX50 continues to position itself as a compelling luxury compact SUV option in a competitive segment dominated by German and Japanese brands. With refreshed styling, a more intuitive tech interface, and refined driving dynamics, the 2025 model year brings subtle but meaningful updates that enhance its appeal. Whether you're considering upgrading from a sedan or seeking a premium alternative to mainstream SUVs, this in-depth review explores everything you need to know about the 2025 Infiniti QX50 — from its luxurious interior and powerful engine to a comprehensive test drive analysis.

2025 Infiniti QX50 interior, engine, and test drive experience

Exterior Design: Elegance Meets Modernity

The 2025 Infiniti QX50 features a refreshed front fascia that enhances its premium appeal without straying from the brand’s signature design language. The iconic double-arch grille is now slightly bolder, flanked by sleek LED headlights with adaptive beam technology. New alloy wheel designs and updated LED taillights contribute to a more contemporary look, while the overall profile remains aerodynamic and sculpted.

Available in nine exterior colors — including new additions like Deep Iris and Dynamic Stone — the QX50 offers a sophisticated palette to match various personal styles. The 2025 model also features improved sound insulation, thanks to acoustic glass and enhanced door seals, which help reduce road and wind noise. This attention to detail elevates the driving experience, especially on long commutes or highway trips.

While the exterior evolution is subtle, it aligns with Infiniti’s strategy of refining rather than reinventing. The result is a luxury SUV that conveys confidence and class without being flashy — a hallmark of understated Japanese design.

Interior: A Premium Cabin Experience

Step inside the 2025 Infiniti QX50, and you're greeted by a cabin that blends luxury, comfort, and intuitive design. High-quality materials cover nearly every visible surface, from the soft-touch dashboard to the real wood trim on higher trims. The available semi-aniline leather upholstery adds a layer of refinement that rivals even some German competitors.

The front seats are generously padded and offer 14-way power adjustment with lumbar support. Ventilated and heated front seats come standard on the higher trims, while the available heated rear seats ensure passenger comfort in colder climates. The driver-centric cockpit layout improves accessibility, with controls placed within easy reach.

One of the most notable improvements for 2025 is the redesigned center console. It now features a sliding armrest for better ergonomics and additional storage space. The center stack houses a new 10.8-inch touchscreen with updated graphics and faster processing. Although it still uses a touchpad for navigation (a point of contention among some users), the system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which most buyers will appreciate.

Infiniti has also enhanced the audio experience. The available 16-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system delivers rich, immersive sound, thanks to Bose’s proprietary noise cancellation and speaker placement technology. Whether you're listening to classical music or your favorite podcast, the acoustics are crisp and balanced.

Rear passenger space remains one of the QX50’s strong suits. Legroom has been improved by half an inch, bringing it to a class-competitive 38.4 inches. Taller adults will find plenty of headroom, and the flat floor design allows for a more comfortable middle-seat position. The rear seats also recline slightly, adding to long-distance comfort.

The cargo area offers 26.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expands to 58.9 cubic feet with the 60/40 split-folding rear seats. While not the largest in its class, this is sufficient for groceries, luggage for a weekend getaway, or strollers and sports gear. A hands-free power liftgate is now standard across all trims, improving convenience.

Infotainment and Technology

The 2025 Infiniti QX50 features a modernized infotainment system that addresses criticisms from previous years. The centerpiece is a responsive 10.8-inch touchscreen running Infiniti’s updated InTouch system. It boots quickly, supports pinch-to-zoom gestures, and integrates seamlessly with smartphones.

While the touchpad controller remains — a legacy design choice Infiniti has retained for consistency — many functions can now be controlled via touchscreen or voice commands. Natural language voice recognition allows drivers to adjust climate settings, navigate to destinations, or send messages without taking their hands off the wheel.

Additional tech highlights include:

Safety technology has also been upgraded. The 2025 QX50 comes standard with the Infiniti Safety Shield 360 suite, which includes:

Optional advanced features include ProPILOT Assist 2.0, which offers semi-autonomous driving capabilities on supported highways. This system combines adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automated lane changes (with driver confirmation) for a more relaxed driving experience. While not as advanced as some Tesla or GM offerings, it’s competitive within its segment.

Engine and Performance: Power with Efficiency

The 2025 Infiniti QX50 continues to feature the innovative VC-Turbo (Variable Compression Turbo) 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This unique powertrain adjusts its compression ratio in real time — from 8:1 for performance to 14:1 for efficiency — allowing the engine to deliver both power and fuel economy without compromise.

Output remains strong at 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, sent to all four wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While some drivers prefer traditional automatics, Infiniti’s CVT is well-tuned and includes a manual shift mode with simulated gears for a more engaging feel.

Fuel economy for the 2025 model is rated at 23 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined for front-wheel-drive variants. All-wheel-drive models see a slight dip to 22/27/24 mpg. These numbers are respectable, though some competitors like the Lexus NX 350 and Acura RDX offer marginally better efficiency with comparable power.

On the road, the QX50's engine delivers smooth acceleration. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 6.3 seconds, making it one of the quicker vehicles in its class. The variable compression technology helps eliminate turbo lag, resulting in responsive throttle input even at low speeds.

The engine’s real-world performance shines during overtaking maneuvers and highway merging. Even when fully loaded, the QX50 maintains composure and provides ample passing power. The sound insulation ensures the engine note remains subdued, preserving the serene cabin environment.

Transmission and Drivetrain

The continuously variable transmission (CVT) in the 2025 QX50 has received software updates to improve shift logic and responsiveness. While CVTs are often criticized for their rubber-band-like feel, Infiniti’s implementation includes paddle shifters that simulate eight 'gears,' giving drivers more control during spirited driving.

In normal driving, the transmission prioritizes smoothness and fuel efficiency. It seamlessly adjusts ratios to maintain optimal engine speeds. In sport mode, the simulated gears hold longer and provide a more dynamic feel, especially when navigating twisty roads.

All-wheel drive (AWD) is available across all trims and is recommended for drivers in regions with inclement weather. The system intelligently distributes torque between the front and rear axles, improving traction on snow, rain, or loose surfaces. During our test drive in mountainous terrain, the AWD system provided excellent grip and stability, even on wet switchbacks.

Test Drive: Real-World Driving Impressions

To truly appreciate the 2025 Infiniti QX50, we spent a full day behind the wheel, navigating city streets, highways, and mountain roads. Our test vehicle was the top-tier Sensory trim with AWD, 20-inch wheels, and the ProPILOT Assist package.

City Driving: In urban environments, the QX50 feels nimble despite its SUV footprint. The light steering and tight turning radius make parking and maneuvering through traffic easy. The adaptive suspension absorbs potholes and rough pavement effectively, and the cabin remains quiet even in stop-and-go traffic.

The brake pedal has a linear feel, avoiding the sponginess sometimes found in hybrid or electric vehicles. Regenerative braking is minimal since the QX50 isn’t a hybrid, resulting in a more natural braking experience.

Highway Performance: On the highway, the QX50 excels. The VC-Turbo engine provides effortless cruising, and wind noise is impressively low. At 70 mph, the cabin is quiet enough for normal conversation without raising voices.

ProPILOT Assist 2.0 worked reliably on well-marked highways. The system maintained a safe distance from the car ahead, held the lane accurately, and even executed lane changes when prompted (after the driver confirmed with a blinker). It’s not fully autonomous, but it significantly reduces driver fatigue on long trips.

Curvy Roads and Handling: We tested the QX50 on a scenic mountain route with elevation changes and tight corners. The SUV handled with surprising agility. The adaptive suspension kept body roll under control, and the steering offered decent feedback — more than many rivals in this segment.

The Sport mode sharpens throttle response, firms up the suspension (on models with adaptive dampers), and changes the instrument cluster display to a performance-oriented layout. While the QX50 won’t replace a sports sedan, it’s one of the more engaging luxury compact SUVs to drive.

Ride Comfort: Ride quality is a standout feature. The multi-link suspension setup, combined with acoustic glass and sound-deadening materials, delivers a plush, isolated ride. Bumps and expansion joints are absorbed with a soft thud, and the cabin remains serene. This makes the QX50 an excellent choice for daily commuting or long-distance travel.

Trim Levels and Pricing

The 2025 Infiniti QX50 is available in four trim levels: Pure, Luxe, Essential, and Sensory. Each builds upon the last with added luxury, tech, and performance features.

All trims are available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, with AWD adding $2,000 to the price. Additional packages include the Theater Package (rear entertainment screen) and the Premium Touring Package (adaptive suspension and performance brakes).

Competitors in the Luxury Compact SUV Segment

The 2025 Infiniti QX50 faces stiff competition from several established rivals. Key competitors include: