[Simon]

Hey guys,

I am looking at a 2016 qx50 and I was test driving both cars at the dealership with one owners, no damage and regular checkups. I noticed that at first it is slow picking up on speed when it’s at 3-4K rpm, but once it’s over 34-40, it runs and gives a great kick after that. I was wondering if it’s common among Infiniti engines, or is there something wrong with it? With a 3.7 l and 325 hp, it shouldn’t be a problem taking off but what do I know? Both vehicles do it. Help please!

 

[RodLex]

There seems to be something wrong with the cars. I own a '09 EX37 (the name changed to QX50 in 2014 or so) with that motor. Of course it is a rpm-machine, but it starts VERY quick from the stand and accellerates very fast. This was the reason for me , to buy that car (used) after 12 Lexus (I wanted a higher seat position). Friends of me own a 2014 QX50, also no complaints at all.
Here in Germany we are allowed to drive fast on many (not all) our Autobahns. When I drive with 150 km/h , the motor only has a rpm of about 2700 / min, when I press the pedal only partly from this speed to become faster , the car accelerates very powerful.


Try another one ! The car is really good and the fun of driving ist is high. Here in G. are existing of this model with this engine maybe 50 only, most have a diesel engine, but also those are extremely rare.



RodLex

 

[VLStu]

RWD or AWD?

Hi - you didn't mention if the QX50s you drove were rear wheel drive or all wheel drive. The RWD model is quicker off the line than the AWD, but the AWD is just as fast once rolling, and holds the road like glue (for a sport utility). You also get a bit more ride height in the AWD, which can be nice if you drive in traffic a lot.

If the vehicles you drove were AWD, you might want to try a RWD for comparison.

 

[2016 QX50 newcomer]

I just bought a 2016 Q50 2 weeks ago. Never had Nissan before. Yes i felt the same acceleration issue. I was told that it takes time to get used to it. Actually true. 2 weeks after driving I don't feel it as much.Except for some storage needs its a nice powerful vehicle. Thanks.

 

[LeeMc]

I bought a 2016 QX50 AWD a little over a year ago through a guy at the auto auction. I actually wasn't looking for another Infiniti because the last two cars I owned had been Inifinitis (a 2012 G37 Sport Sedan and a 2003 FX35 Sport). But this QX50 only had 5,500 miles and I did love both of my Infinitis (especially the G37 Sport that my wife now drives - it is a crazy fast, nimble and comfortable), so I bought it at a great price. If you've ever bought at a big dealer auction like this, one thing to know is that you can sit in the car, start it, inspect it etc. but you are not able to actually test drive it. So I had never driven a QX50 before, but thought it was no big deal because it's basically the same engine and underpinnings as my G37. But just like you said, when I first drove it, I could not believe how much slower the QX50 felt than my G37. I know both engines have approximately the same power and torque. The QX is around 300 pounds heavier than my G so that is part of it. The only thing I can think of is it is in the gearing or shift points between the two cars. It is a pretty dramatic difference. But I will confirm that the AWD is a beast in the corners, especially when conditions are a little damp.

 

[RodLex]

What I wrote in my Post # 2 means an AWD Car. Hier in Germany we did not have the RWD at all, only AWD.


RodLex

 

[Joker1016]

QX50 acceleration

I just bought a '16 QX50 and that was the first thing I noticed was the acceleration. I was looking for something w/ a 3rd row and test drove a '16 Pathfinder and a '16 QX60. I saw the QX50 and was like "i GOTTA test it out" w/ no real intentions on getting it - then I told them to wrap it up!!

But I noticed the acceleration first thing. Once you get the revs up it's fast!! But the start off was slightly off-putting.

All in all I love the car. Was thinking about a power-boost mod and maybe a sound upgrade (the bass in my '11 Murano factory system sounds much better)........

 

[Twam911]

2019 QX50 is Junk stay away. It has the 4cyl turbo....what a dog, my 3yr old granddaughter has more acceleration on a trike.
Also the auto steer does not work, will steer you out of lane. Car spent a week in shop and they say it is fine. Got it back took it out and within 3 miles off the road.They wont do anything

 

[stepkau]

The acceleration in the 2019 QX50 decent, but it's most definitely not a sports car. Considering it misses on the EPA MPG claims badly. (21.xMPG combined) The 2019 QX50 should have been built with a v6 and an extra 50-75HP IMO..

 

[VLStu]

V6 vs turbo 4 cyl

I recently had a loaner 2019 QX50 from the dealer while my '16 QX50 was in for service. Immediately noticed the lack of "oomph" off the line, and the floating feel of the new QX50. After 4 days in the '19 I was glad to have my V6 '16 back.

Other than the plethora of new electronic gizmos in the newer vehicle to keep me busy, I'd have been sorely disappointed in the turbo 4 cylinder's torque.

 

[SpednSteve57]

2017 QX50 Acceleration

Well its a bit reassuring to see many of you having initial concerns about acceleration. We bought a 2017 QX50 3.7 AWD just last Spring from an Infiniti dealer on a lease return w/ less than 4K miles. I had it for a 2 day pre-purchase trial and ran it thru the drills. Wouldn't ya know that within 1-2 days after purchase I noticed an abrupt mis-shift and/or acceleration issue. I immediately had the dealer/service dept make a record of this concern - that of course could not be replicated. While not convinced, they suggested that it could be the on-board computer/software "learning" and adjusting to a new driver's driving style. There were just a few re-occurrences w/ me, until my wife started driving. Once again she experienced a similar hard shift and/or drop in acceleration. However, these occurrences were infrequent and diminished fairly soon. There are still very few times that one of us notices a subtle loss of acceleration. So given experiences reported here, I lean toward the car's on-board computer learning/adjusting to driving style changes. Next step is to run a can of fuel injector cleaner thru a tank of gas and see if any impact. We love the car; its very fast, fun to drive and really holds the corners.

Another concern, in replacing a 2011 Lexus ES-350, regards a lack of basic features as compared to other newer cars and even a 2003 Infiniti I30 we had years ago. Back than Infiniti was a step-above the competition and had so many nice "standard" features. That engine was also bulletproof that lasted over 230k miles. The 2017 QX50 has some nice features and finish, but also lacks some basics like a secure gas door release from the inside and automatic window screens in the 2003. There is no mapping, safety lane change alerts, as well as having Radio-CD and other controls that seem clumsy and not very intuitive

 

[PAZZO]

I recently bought a 2017 QX50 and I also noticed the 3.7 acceleration 'hesitation' at start compared my old 3.5 on my 2003 I35. Once you get it going it becomes a beast but that second delay takes some time to get used to. I remember driving a loaner with this new engine around 2010 or 11 and having the same impression especially when getting my I35 back. I'm getting used to it and I really like it overall, it's equipped with everything possible and, despite that hesitation, it's like a sport car in incognito.

 

[LQQX50]

Just some random thoughts to toss into this thread . . .

Fuel Octane Level ?
Perhaps in the first post, the test driver was driving units that the Dealers just threw in a few gallons of cheap 87 octane Regular Fuel in rather than the recommended premium ?

Sport Mode vs. Economy Mode on the Shifter ?
Perhaps they unknowingly bumped the shifter between the 2 Shift Modes, and is giving the differing feedback between quicker shifts ( economy ) and longer drawn out shifts ( sport )

Learning ?
Also as stated above, and confirmed by dealer, the car does indeed adjust to driving styles.

Personal Observations -
I have '16 AWD, purchased used in '19 with just 6,700 miles, Due to Work at Home . . . It still only has 13,000 miles.
I have other cars too, and the QX50 was purchased to be my work commuter primarily.

I've noticed a " Dr. Jekyll / Mr. Hyde " thing . . .

Sometimes the Acceleration impresses me, and puts a grin from ear to ear, and justifies the purchase.

Other times, when wanting to bypass slow traffic or get around a situation, I get the feeling that this 3.7 325 HP VQ should be giving me more scoot than it is putting out.

Bottomline ~
Compared to all the other 4 Cylinder smaller CUV / Wagon-Like Utility Vehicles out there . . .
The 3.7 V6 is a Screamer, Delivers Acceleration above and beyond the Competition, and when needed, the Power is there.

* EDIT * Update Nov 2022 - 20,000 miles later ~ now at 33,000 miles ~ Commuting 5 days a week ~

Dang excellent performing vehicle ~ Totally delivering a performance ride ~ with a Tire swap from the crappy Factory OEM Bridgestone Turanzas ~ world of difference in " sure footed-ness " Got Bargin Tires ~ Falken GS Pro AS $159 each ~ impressive so far after 3,000 miles, even in our first few icy ~ snow falls

I think the acceleration quirks mentioned in this Thread could also be related to just stomping the accelerator and the 7 spd auto " thinking " for a second what to do ~ then, once it gets the message you wanna go fast ~ the proper gearing is found and off you go ~

Interesting Post right below here - anxious to hear what Z1 ( a notable tuner for all things VQ related ) can do with the Transmission Programing

 

[rockfun18]

I have a 2011 G37x, and recently bought a 2017 QX50 AWD. Both nearly identical except for sedan vs CUV. But the QX50 drives like the G37x in Snow mode… basically like it starts a gear higher than the G. My guess is they marketed this for women &/or sporty entry to a kid hauler. Basically, capable of sporty, but only when you get into it. So they programmed the shifts differently. I have Z1 Motorsport down the road from me, so looking into getting it reprogrammed. They solely focus on all things performance for the Z, G and Q’s, even the QX60, but surprisingly nothing for the QX50. Will cost me extra being the first one in, but hoping it unlocks the potential of the QX so it’s more like my G. on gas, I run 87 and use the STP fuel system cleaner & octane boost. Feel it gives better performance bump than high octane gas, and much cheaper.

 

[Dihardjaxfan1987]

I installed silicone intake tubes and it really helped with acceleration. They are made for the 370z/G37 but slight modification they fit the qx50

 

[Dihardjaxfan1987]

Here's a photo of the silicone tubes