INFINITI 2021 QX50 vs. 2021 Lexus NX Premium

A Comparison: INFINITI 2021 QX50 vs. Lexus 2021 NX

The premium SUV market is a competitive one, but there are two 2021 models which particularly stand out when combining interior luxury with high-end performance and advanced technology.

The INFINITI QX50 and the Lexus NX both make excellent choices, but which one is right for you? Here are the key differences to help you decide.

• The QX50 has a higher engine output than the NX, creating more horsepower and torque, while also offering slightly better fuel economy.
  The INFINITI features a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the Lexus provides a six-speed automatic transmission.
• The QX50 has an exceptionally advanced range of active safety features as standard, with systems including Backup Collision Prevention and Predictive Forward Collision Warnings that aren't available on the Lexus NX.
• The NX provides a little extra legroom in the front, while the QX50 is more spacious in the rear.
• The QX50 has a more generous cargo capacity, offering up to 1,843L compared to the NX's 1,543L

Price Tag and Trim Level

The 2021 QX50 range covers a lot of ground with six different trims offering their own blends of features and value. The lineup starts with the Pure AWD trim with a price of $45,495 and provides a powerful engine with a solid amount of infotainment and driver-assist technology.

The middle range is occupied by the Luxe trim which upgrades the tech to include navigation, adds a few extra interior comforts, and has a starting price of $51,495. At the very top of the range is the Sensory trim which includes all available options, including a head-up display, ventilated seats, and rear air conditioning, offering excellent value at $57,648.

If you need any advice on selecting the ideal QX50 trim, please contact us and we'll help guide you through the latest offers and most attractive features.

In contrast, the NX range is simpler featuring only a single gas option. The NX 300 has a starting price of $44,600 for the base model, with the various available packages and upgrades adding to the overall figure.

The Journey: Range 

Whether you choose the INFINITI or the Lexus, you'll enjoy a confident and responsive drive, with both cars built around a capable 2.0L turbo inline-four gas engine paired with all-wheel drive as standard. However, the QX50 has the edge in output, with its 268 horsepower and 280lb-ft of torque comfortably outshining the NX's 235 horsepower and 258lb-ft. Both cars are equipped with an automatic transmission, with a continuously variable (CVT) design in the INFINITI and a six-speed automatic in the Lexus.

But even with the extra power, the QX50 offers slightly better fuel economy figures, with a potential 10.2L / 100km in the city compared to the Lexus's 10.7L. It's a similar picture on the highway, with the INFINITI slightly more frugal at 8.1L / 100km against the NX's 8.4L. Couple these figures with the QX50's marginally larger fuel capacity at 60.5L, and the QX50 will drive for longer without refuelling stops.

The Looks: Comfort 

The QX50 is designed with style and comfort in mind, supplementing its sleek exterior looks with impressively upscale interior features. Both cars can seat five adults in spacious comfort, but the space allocation is a little different in each. The NX has slightly better legroom in the front row, boasting 108.7cm compared to the QX50's 100.6cm. But the tables are turned when it comes to the second row, with the INFINITI offering a generous 98.3cm, substantially ahead of the Lexus's 91.7cm.

Heated front seats are standard in both models, an invaluable feature for the colder months, but the NX takes things a step further by also offering heated rear seats, an option that's not currently available with the QX50.

In terms of technology, the QX50 enjoys an advantage starting with the premium Bose sound system available at higher trim levels. Perhaps more importantly, the INFINITI also benefits from more advanced safety tech than the Lexus, with both Backup Collision Prevention and Predictive Forward Collision Warnings included as standard.

The Verdict: Summary 

Choosing either the INFINITI QX50 or the Lexus NX will guarantee a high-end drive that marries performance, luxury, and style at a price that offers exceptional value. But taking the whole range of features into account, the QX50 comes out as the leading choice. With greater power under the hood alongside more economical fuel consumption, the INFINITI takes the edge in performance and engineering terms.

The advanced selection of safety systems also sees the QX50 build a strong advantage, and while the two cars both provide an upscale interior experience, the INFINITI's attention to detail and use of high-quality materials makes it a difficult car to beat.

Lastly, the QX50's superior rear legroom and substantially higher cargo capacity make it a more attractive option for family drivers, combining genuine performance and style with an extra level of practical convenience and value.