[LQQX50]

In a world of ever increasing gutless FWD based "cross-over looking " economy cars flooding the marketplace, the RWD based QX50 is a breathtaking punch in the gut of naturally aspirated fresh air.

While most "professional" reviewers will call the EX 35 / EX37 / QX50 aged, dated, stale, tired, long in the tooth, etc.... This Vehicle really is the true pioneer of the explosive crossover segment that is now dominating the automotive street-scape.

A decade ahead of its time, the QX50 has the Heart, Soul, Bones, Motor, Platform, Power, and over all Essence of the honored Nissan Z car heritage in a functional everyday luxury INFINITI branded package.

This is a common theme amongst all the reviews because it's true.

The 3.7 V6 gets it done, and quickly with a purpose.
Segment busting with it's whopping 325 HP, the QX50 is a pure blast to drive.

When talking about the '16 & '17 model years, all the automotive press ever gloated about was the added 4 inches of leg room and 3.2 inches of stretched wheelbase.
They all forget to mention that the QX50 smoked the competition in 2016 & 2017 in terms of value and performance in the smaller luxury Crossover Utility segment, and quite frankly, even smokes the latest incarnation of the 2019 + QX50.

So we all know it's sporty and powerful; there are some criticisms to offer if we need to get overly critical.
Some say it looks like a "clown shoe".
However, to me, it looks like a hot retro quality built Japanese styled shooting brake.
A functional sport coupe with the added convenience of a rear doors and auto fold down up rear seats.
Some say the technology is dated. It has all around cameras standard, not many other new CUVs do.
The 2016's newer grille is an improvement over the '08 to '15 grille for sure, however, it's almost as if Infiniti tried "too hard" to make it look more mainstream crossover.
It is a bit busy with LED DTR lights and the Silver Accents on the lower facia. A lot is going on there.
The QX50 could be quieter inside, but then again, it's a rush to hear the 3.7 doing it's thing, so it's a tradeoff that is livable.
The Bridgestone Turanza EL Tires on the new '19 inch Touring Package Wheels are noisy, and a bit narrow.
This is something the can be upgraded when they wear out.
It lacks a power tail gate. ~ no biggie for most folks
The 7" touchscreen is vastly smaller by today's standards, but is simple, easy to operate, and rather intuitive.

Short of the Porsche Macan, The pre-2019 QX50 is "THE" PERFORMANCE CUV to covet !
Priced right.
Impressive Performance.
Terrific Handling. ( mechanical - none of this " drive by wire stuff "
Smooth Shifting. ( Sport Mode is fun for longer revs, Manual Mode too if you're so inclined, no paddle shifters, but again, who really cares )
Quality Built in Japan with tight fit and finishes.
It's so Luxurious, Sporty, Comfortable, Nimble, yet still a blast to drive.

Standard Stuff Galore: Real Leather. ( still smells new and of a quality leather years later too )
Standard Moon Roof. ( Larger Panoramic Glass Top would be nice )
Available in al but the base - Power Folding - both up and down - Rear Seats.
& Heated Front Seats.

Other Observations / Features / Likes - Etc.

The Bose Sound System has a superior sound with speakers galore

AWD models are rear wheel biased until the front traction is needed.

Excellent color choices, the metallics are deep and brilliant. ( I have Malbec Black which has a subtle deep plum metallic to it )

Just the right amount of Chrome in all the right places to give it a Luxury Vibe.

I shopped every used AWD Vehicle in the Mid $20,000 range.
The QX50 outdid the competition on so many levels.
Was lucky to find a used unit with super low miles, just 6,800. My '16 had a MSRP of $44,000 when new - 3 yrs later was able to purchase at $24,500 ( can sell today with 15,000 miles for more than what paid for it due to the new car inventory storage caused by microchip processors being in extremely short supply )
Nothing this nice, this powerful, this optioned, in a car, truck, CUV, or SUV, came anywhere as close to the value gotten.

The EX35 / EX37 / QX50 is the REAL Deal.
The True Pioneer of the CUV Movement.
The Godfather that Started this Whole Sensational Crossover Craze to begin with !
Don't settle for less.
Don't overpay for less.

Want a Fun Crossover with Guts, Luxury, Quality . . .
Consider the this 2008 to 20017 Generation in the QX50 or it's earlier named predecessors.

 

[CAtoFLin94]

In a world of ever increasing gutless FWD based "cross-over looking " economy cars flooding the marketplace, the RWD based QX50 is a breathtaking punch in the gut of naturally aspirated fresh air.

While most "professional" reviewers will call the EX 35 / EX37 / QX50 aged, dated, stale, tired, long in the tooth, etc.... This Vehicle really is the true pioneer of the explosive crossover segment that is now dominating the automotive street-scape.

A decade ahead of its time, the QX50 has the Heart, Soul, Bones, Motor, Platform, Power, and over all Essence of the honored Nissan Z car heritage in a functional everyday luxury INFINITI branded package.

This is a common theme amongst all the reviews because it's true.

The 3.7 V6 gets it done, and quickly with a purpose.
Segment busting with it's whopping 325 HP, the QX50 is a pure blast to drive.

When talking about the '16 & '17 model years, all the automotive press ever gloated about was the added 4 inches of leg room and 3.2 inches of stretched wheelbase.
They all forget to mention that the QX50 smoked the competition in 2016 & 2017 in terms of value and performance in the smaller luxury Crossover Utility segment, and quite frankly, even smokes the latest incarnation of the 2019 + QX50.

So we all know it's sporty and powerful; there are some criticisms to offer if we need to get overly critical.
Some say it looks like a "clown shoe".
However, to me, it looks like a hot retro quality built Japanese styled shooting brake.
A functional sport coupe with the added convenience of a rear doors and auto fold down up rear seats.
Some say the technology is dated. It has all around cameras standard, not many other new CUVs do.
The 2016's newer grille is an improvement over the '08 to '15 grille for sure, however, it's almost as if Infiniti tried "too hard" to make it look more mainstream crossover.
It is a bit busy with LED DTR lights and the Silver Accents on the lower facia. A lot is going on there.
The QX50 could be quieter inside, but then again, it's a rush to hear the 3.7 doing it's thing, so it's a tradeoff that is livable.
The Bridgestone Turanza EL Tires on the new '19 inch Touring Package Wheels are noisy, and a bit narrow.
This is something the can be upgraded when they wear out.
It lacks a power tail gate. ~ no biggie for most folks
The 7" touchscreen is vastly smaller by today's standards, but is simple, easy to operate, and rather intuitive.

Short of the Porsche Macan, The pre-2019 QX50 is "THE" PERFORMANCE CUV to covet !
Priced right.
Impressive Performance.
Terrific Handling. ( mechanical - none of this " drive by wire stuff "
Smooth Shifting. ( Sport Mode is fun for longer revs, Manual Mode too if you're so inclined, no paddle shifters, but again, who really cares )
Quality Built in Japan with tight fit and finishes.
It's so Luxurious, Sporty, Comfortable, Nimble, yet still a blast to drive.

Standard Stuff Galore: Real Leather. ( still smells new and of a quality leather years later too )
Standard Moon Roof. ( Larger Panoramic Glass Top would be nice )
Available in al but the base - Power Folding - both up and down - Rear Seats.
& Heated Front Seats.

Other Observations / Features / Likes - Etc.

The Bose Sound System has a superior sound with speakers galore

AWD models are rear wheel biased until the front traction is needed.

Excellent color choices, the metallics are deep and brilliant. ( I have Malbec Black which has a subtle deep plum metallic to it )

Just the right amount of Chrome in all the right places to give it a Luxury Vibe.

I shopped every used AWD Vehicle in the Mid $20,000 range.
The QX50 outdid the competition on so many levels.
Was lucky to find a used unit with super low miles, just 6,800. My '16 had a MSRP of $44,000 when new - 3 yrs later was able to purchase at $24,500 ( can sell today with 15,000 miles for more than what paid for it due to the new car inventory storage caused by microchip processors being in extremely short supply )
Nothing this nice, this powerful, this optioned, in a car, truck, CUV, or SUV, came anywhere as close to the value gotten.

The EX35 / EX37 / QX50 is the REAL Deal.
The True Pioneer of the CUV Movement.
The Godfather that Started this Whole Sensational Crossover Craze to begin with !
Don't settle for less.
Don't overpay for less.

Want a Fun Crossover with Guts, Luxury, Quality . . .
Consider the this 2008 to 20017 Generation in the QX50 or it's earlier named predecessors.

In a world of ever increasing gutless FWD based "cross-over looking " economy cars flooding the marketplace, the RWD based QX50 is a breathtaking punch in the gut of naturally aspirated fresh air.

While most "professional" reviewers will call the EX 35 / EX37 / QX50 aged, dated, stale, tired, long in the tooth, etc.... This Vehicle really is the true pioneer of the explosive crossover segment that is now dominating the automotive street-scape.

A decade ahead of its time, the QX50 has the Heart, Soul, Bones, Motor, Platform, Power, and over all Essence of the honored Nissan Z car heritage in a functional everyday luxury INFINITI branded package.

This is a common theme amongst all the reviews because it's true.

The 3.7 V6 gets it done, and quickly with a purpose.
Segment busting with it's whopping 325 HP, the QX50 is a pure blast to drive.

When talking about the '16 & '17 model years, all the automotive press ever gloated about was the added 4 inches of leg room and 3.2 inches of stretched wheelbase.
They all forget to mention that the QX50 smoked the competition in 2016 & 2017 in terms of value and performance in the smaller luxury Crossover Utility segment, and quite frankly, even smokes the latest incarnation of the 2019 + QX50.

So we all know it's sporty and powerful; there are some criticisms to offer if we need to get overly critical.
Some say it looks like a "clown shoe".
However, to me, it looks like a hot retro quality built Japanese styled shooting brake.
A functional sport coupe with the added convenience of a rear doors and auto fold down up rear seats.
Some say the technology is dated. It has all around cameras standard, not many other new CUVs do.
The 2016's newer grille is an improvement over the '08 to '15 grille for sure, however, it's almost as if Infiniti tried "too hard" to make it look more mainstream crossover.
It is a bit busy with LED DTR lights and the Silver Accents on the lower facia. A lot is going on there.
The QX50 could be quieter inside, but then again, it's a rush to hear the 3.7 doing it's thing, so it's a tradeoff that is livable.
The Bridgestone Turanza EL Tires on the new '19 inch Touring Package Wheels are noisy, and a bit narrow.
This is something the can be upgraded when they wear out.
It lacks a power tail gate. ~ no biggie for most folks
The 7" touchscreen is vastly smaller by today's standards, but is simple, easy to operate, and rather intuitive.

Short of the Porsche Macan, The pre-2019 QX50 is "THE" PERFORMANCE CUV to covet !
Priced right.
Impressive Performance.
Terrific Handling. ( mechanical - none of this " drive by wire stuff "
Smooth Shifting. ( Sport Mode is fun for longer revs, Manual Mode too if you're so inclined, no paddle shifters, but again, who really cares )
Quality Built in Japan with tight fit and finishes.
It's so Luxurious, Sporty, Comfortable, Nimble, yet still a blast to drive.

Standard Stuff Galore: Real Leather. ( still smells new and of a quality leather years later too )
Standard Moon Roof. ( Larger Panoramic Glass Top would be nice )
Available in al but the base - Power Folding - both up and down - Rear Seats.
& Heated Front Seats.

Other Observations / Features / Likes - Etc.

The Bose Sound System has a superior sound with speakers galore

AWD models are rear wheel biased until the front traction is needed.

Excellent color choices, the metallics are deep and brilliant. ( I have Malbec Black which has a subtle deep plum metallic to it )

Just the right amount of Chrome in all the right places to give it a Luxury Vibe.

I shopped every used AWD Vehicle in the Mid $20,000 range.
The QX50 outdid the competition on so many levels.
Was lucky to find a used unit with super low miles, just 6,800. My '16 had a MSRP of $44,000 when new - 3 yrs later was able to purchase at $24,500 ( can sell today with 15,000 miles for more than what paid for it due to the new car inventory storage caused by microchip processors being in extremely short supply )
Nothing this nice, this powerful, this optioned, in a car, truck, CUV, or SUV, came anywhere as close to the value gotten.

The EX35 / EX37 / QX50 is the REAL Deal.
The True Pioneer of the CUV Movement.
The Godfather that Started this Whole Sensational Crossover Craze to begin with !
Don't settle for less.
Don't overpay for less.

Want a Fun Crossover with Guts, Luxury, Quality . . .
Consider the this 2008 to 20017 Generation in the QX50 or it's earlier named predecessors.

I could not agree more. I bought a 2017 CPO for my daughter during the height of Covid 2020. The deals were so good that I ended up buying a CPO QX60
for my wife at the same time. The QX 50 was mint, loaded with only 19k miles. Fast! handles like as sports car, flies under the radar and I grabbed a factory wrap warranty
and was out the door for $26k. Fabulous cars. I am on my second Infiniti Q50 red sport. I buy all of them CPO for about 45% off sticker 2-3 years later. I'll take that deal all day long.
I get a lot of information for the QX50 from the "Infiniti Q50" forum for information about the engine, much more activity by owners. I also go to the G37 forum, it's the sedan
version of this QX50. Good luck, my daughter loves this car.

 

[Doobster_6]

LQQX50 nailed it! Perfect review of the ‘16/17 QX50. I have reviews on Edmunds and others and my only complaint is mediocre mpg. The again, you’re sitting behind a naturally aspirated high-reving V6 that puts out an honest 325 hp. If you could time-travel it black to the 1960’s/70’s it would humble most of the so-called muscle cars of that era, while easily out-handling them in the twistiest. And to be fair, it does return 29 mpg on the highway!
Mine is a last-year ‘17 in Malbec black with the saddle (maroon-ish) interior and is fully loaded with every available factory and dealer option. I bought it two year as ago with 32k miles for $26k, and consider it among the best value of all of my past car purchases. As in the earlier review, its rear-wheel-biased drivetrain makes it handle like a sports sedan, and it’s almost scary in the fierceness of its acceleration, yet is quite the comfortable cruiser when required. Interior comfort for four 6+ footers is there and cargo space behind the seats exceeds most sedans’ trunk space, and grows to almost 60 cu ft with the rear seats down. I wish it did have Apple CarPlay but otherwise my loaded car offers all of the same safety and advanced cruising features of almost any 2022 model, and its ‘old-fashioned’ hard buttons and knobs for stereo and A/C control are actually a welcome regression from the so-called progress of modern screen menus and haptic controls.
I’ve only managed to add 12k miles so far in my two years of ownership, and take it in twice yearly for service checkups and state inspections. So far, it’s been problem-free, which is anyway what should be expected. My wife has the newer (J55) 2019 model QX50 which is FWD-based and is a totally different animal. I also like it, given its obviously different mission statement, but I don’t think I’ll be giving mine up anytime soon. They literally don’t make anything like this anymore, and owners of these cars enjoy a driving dynamic that is going the way of the dodo, at least for gas-powered cars. If you want an engaging and even thrilling driving experience, can stomach 18 mpg overall, want some utility but don’t need huge cargo or towing capabilities, and want something reliable with a reasonable cost of ownership, these cars are unsung delights and are truly hidden gems. That they can be found for cheap makes them the unrivaled automotive performance SUV bargain of our times.

 

[LQQX50]

Doobster, you nailed it !

Having both Generations ( J50L in the '17 & J55 in the '19 ) in your family; you are indeed a much welcomed resource to this - not so active - Forum.

We can use your inputs here, especially for the J55 folks who have questions.



Malbec Black is an awesome Color
and Paired with Saddle ~ I'm Jealous . . . my interior is Black ( called Graphite Leather )

My '16 Malbec is going to turn 30,000 miles this week, 15,000 put on in the last year as the Daily Commuter doing over 60 miles ad day each work day - 5 days a week -

Was lucky enough to get my " off lease " unit 3 years ago with only 6,700 miles, All Options except the Tech Package

Couldn't agree with you more ~ what an " under the radar " sleeper we have in terms of overall performance and driving experience

 

[CAtoFLin94]

We have a 2017 and could not happier. There were 2 minor issues covered by warranty: 1)Transmission control module 2) wiper fluid tank sensor. I replaced and flushed the brakes twice as they have felt mushy from the beginning. I finally went with an upgraded disc pad and the brakes feel better. We also went up one size on the tires to Continental Pro Conatacts 255/45-19, night and day difference from the stock Turanzas. We bought the car as a CPO with 17K miles and now have 45kmi. Great car that flys under the radar.

 

[LQQX50]

Funny you mention two wear items that went out on your '17 . . .

The ONLY thing my '16 ever needed after 29,999 miles was . . .

Rear Brakes Pads ( got a fluid flush too when rear pads were replaced at 28,000 Miles )

And . . the Sucky Bridgetone Turanza Tires were replaced last week at 29,500 miles
Those tire were awful - Couldn't handle what the Car's output was giving them.
Tread life was terrible, the Square " LI " edges caused a nasty feed back and less than confidence inspiring feeling when pushing the car - Good Riddance Turanzas

Went with a Discount Tire Exclusive - Same Factory Size, but a wider tire . . .

Falken G5 Pro A/S 245/45 19 $780 total out the door w/ tax & disposal fee - Cheapest thing I found

Agreed - Night and Day difference ~ So much more confidence inspiring than the Horrible Bridgestones

 

[CAtoFLin94]

Funny you mention two wear items that went out on your '17 . . .

The ONLY thing my '16 ever needed after 29,999 miles was . . .

Rear Brakes Pads ( got a fluid flush too when rear pads were replaced at 28,000 Miles )

And . . the Sucky Bridgetone Turanza Tires were replaced last week at 29,500 miles
Those tire were awful - Couldn't handle what the Car's output was giving them.
Tread life was terrible, the Square " LI " edges caused a nasty feed back and less than confidence inspiring feeling when pushing the car - Good Riddance Turanzas

Went with a Discount Tire Exclusive - Same Factory Size, but a wider tire . . .

Falkan G5 Pro A/S 245/45 19 $780 total - Cheapest thing I found

Agreeed - Night and Day difference ~

The TCM was a known issue on 2016's, our was an early 2017 model so it probably had the older module. I am on our second Infiniti Q50 Red Sport and my wifer has a 2017 QX60. Unfortunately there is not a lot of traffic on this QX50 forum so I get most of my inforamtion for our 2017 QX50 comes from the Infiniti Q50/60 forum I belong to. The same 3.7 engine etc. was in 2016 q50's back to 2008 at least. It's a great fast car even if it's a bit dated style. I bought it as a CPO with 18k mi during Covid for $24k plus a factory wrap wqarranty till 2025. We plan on continuing with CPO Infinitis.

 

[LQQX50]

First I've heard of the TCM issue being a common thing on the 16s - 17s . . .

Knock on Wood, or - Soldered Plastic - that I've experienced no issues with the TCM

In fact, I can only compliment how smooth shifting and undetectable the shifts are . . .

With the Down Shift Rev Matching . . . sometimes I'm amazed at how intuitive our 7 sp Auto is when pushing the car through twisty roads or on curvy on and off ramps


I was actually directed here by guys on the Q50 Forum - I too went there since any and all QX50 forums were graveyards ~ I'm trying to make this one a bit more active when & where I can

I responded to the " moderator needed " thread and was promptly anointed one with the promise that I'd check in when I can daily - or close to it - during my morning coffee when time allows

Hopefully for the few of us here, we can share in the enthusiasm the QX50 brings to their owners

 

[Doobster_6]

This blows my mind that there seems to be so little interest in the J50 variant of the QX50……or at least in this forum. I see these cars regularly here in central Chester County PA; in fact there are two others within two minutes from my house in my own neighborhood. Maybe we enjoy sneaking around under the radar in our little uber-compact-SUVs? Perhaps our lack of more public enthusiasm helps keep used car prices manageable? Maybe a bit of both…..?
Every time I meet another owner and ask them how they like their car, I get the knowing head-nod or wink similar to the secret hand-shake known only to exclusive members sworn to secrecy. There’s also my theory that forums tend to attract either wildly enthusiastic proponents or wildly unhappy owners complaining about something. If the former are willfully holding their cards close to their vest, and the above-average engineering and quality give the second group little to complain about, well maybe that’s why the forum seems so quiet?
No matter, I smile every time I drive mine and and enjoy my membership in our quasi-exclusive club for ‘…those in the know’.

 

[LQQX50]

Like the Jeep Wrangler Wave ~ or the Corvette Wave ( I've had both ) - I just recently started Waving at other J50 & J50L platform drivers 🖐 when I see one on the road . . .

Most of run ins have been head on and it was too late to see their reactions

Here are US Sales Figures by Calendar Year - 2018 were for the early '19s and the New FWD - current platform

~ Perhaps another reason so few are online sharing their ownership experiences

2021	19,195
2020	20,885
2019	18,616
2018	25,389
2017	16,857
2016	16,973
2015	5,468
2014	2,727
2013	2,164
2012	3,495
2011	6,030
2010	8,312
2009	7,950
2008	12,873
2007	305

 

[Doobster_6]

Like the Jeep Wrangler Wave ~ or the Corvette Wave ( I've had both ) - I just recently started Waving at other J50 & J50L platform drivers 🖐 when I see one on the road . . .

Most of run ins have been head on and it was too late to see their reactions

Here are US Sales Figures by Calendar Year - 2018 were for the early '19s and the New FWD - current platform

~ Perhaps another reason so few are online sharing their ownership experiences

​

2021	19,195
2020	20,885
2019	18,616
2018	25,389
2017	16,857
2016	16,973
2015	5,468
2014	2,727
2013	2,164
2012	3,495
2011	6,030
2010	8,312
2009	7,950
2008	12,873
2007	305

So then, only 83,154 total sales of the J50 variants over eleven years! That’s really not many….and we really are in an exclusive club. What early enthusiasm there appears to have been might have been dampened by the financial collapse of 2008? But this anyway explains a lot. And I note that there was a clear jump in sales in its last two years when the wheelbase, and backseat interior room, were both increased substantially; Infiniti/Nissan obviously addressed a long overdue problem. There’s also no denying that the Infiniti product planners got it right with the J55, at least when viewed from their perspective of increasing sales volume. Insomuch as SUVs are the modern day (less) practical replacement for minivans, soccer moms don’t have the same interest in zippy, sporty vehicles as I expect most of us J50 owners have.

So yes, we of the J50 faithful shall quietly enjoy the uncommon combination of practicality, technology and performance these little miracles are. And I like the idea of having our own ‘wave’ too. Having once owned a ‘94 Wrangler, I think our little QX50s are no less special and so we too should share our enthusiasm with the rest of our J50 cognoscenti!

 

[LQQX50]

Those 85,000 Units of Gen 1 are Sales Figures in the US Only.

Our QX50 is sold in markets Globally under different model names and under the Nissan name in Countries that INFINITI doesn't operate in.

In Japan, the J50 ( J50L - longer version ) was marketed as the " Nissan Skyline 370 GT Crossover "
They're big in Eastern European former Soviet Bloc countries and the Middle East as well.

In fact, it was the Chinese Market that really drove the lengthening on the US Model's 2016 & 2017 refresh of the QX50.
Apparently it is a thing to be driven around in China, and buyers demanded the increased rear leg room.

Here are some online images from the WORLD WIDE WEB of some of the Variants
( Modified Render Versions )