DecodedCars2021 Infiniti Q50
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan 2.0 AWD, 4dr Sedan 3.0 AWD, 4dr Sedan Redsport 400 AWD, Hybrid AWD 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Transmission
- 7-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 20 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- 189 in
- Curb weight
- 3,845–4,213 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 23 MPG combined, 16% below the 2021 midsize car average of 27.4 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 36 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Infiniti Q50 is a midsize car offered with a 3.0L 6-cyl turbo engine and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 189 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,845 lb (4dr Sedan 2.0 AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 29 highway), 16% worse than the 2021 midsize car average of 27.4 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the vehicle speed control.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Q50 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Q50 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Tochigi Plant, Kawachi-Gun, Tochigi
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 2 2021 Q50 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan 2.0 AWD | 189 in | 71.7 in | 57.5 in | 112.2 in | 60.6 / 62.6 in | 3,845 lb | 55/45 |
| 4dr Sedan 3.0 AWD | 189 in | 71.7 in | 57.5 in | 112.2 in | 60.6 / 62.6 in | 3,885 lb | 57/43 |
| 4dr Sedan Redsport 400 AWD | 189 in | 71.7 in | 57.5 in | 112.2 in | 60.6 / 62.6 in | 4,023 lb | 57/43 |
| Hybrid AWD 4dr Sedan | 189 in | 71.7 in | 57.5 in | 112.2 in | 60.6 / 62.6 in | 4,213 lb | 55/45 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q50 | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 23 | -16% | $3,550 | 388 |
| Q50 AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | -20% | $3,750 | 403 |
| Q50 Red Sport | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 22 | -20% | $3,750 | 403 |
| Q50 Red Sport AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | -20% | $3,750 | 411 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 4 DR AWD | Not rated | Not rated | –★ / –★ | Not rated | Not rated | ★★★★★ | 9.7% |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 4 DR RWD | Not rated | Not rated | –★ / –★ | Not rated | Not rated | ★★★★★ | 9.7% |
Similar 2021 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2021 BMW 3 Series | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 BMW 5 Series | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 Lexus IS | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (3)
Back Over Prevention › Display Function · Aug 2, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V599000 · 3,569 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Infinity Q50, Q60, and QX80 vehicles. A software error may deactivate the audio/video control unit screen, preventing the rear-view image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A rear-view camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 14, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R21A9.
Suspension › Rear › Axle › Spindle · May 27, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V402000 · 14,276 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Nissan Murano, INFINITI QX60, 2021 Nissan GT-R, INFINITI QX50, and Q50 vehicles. The front steering knuckle or rear axle housing may have insufficient strength due to improper heat-treatment.
- Risk
- The steering knuckle or rear axle could deform upon impact, such as from hitting a curb, resulting in a loss of steering control, or possible wheel separation. Both of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the front steering knuckle and rear axle housing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2021. Nissan owners may contact customer service at 1-800-867-7669. INFINITI owners may contact customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Engine Control Module (Ecu/Ecm) › Software · Apr 4, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V234000 · 12,943 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (INFINITI) is recalling certain 2021 INFINITI Q50 and Q60 vehicles. After detecting rapid acceleration, the Engine Control Module (ECM) may incorrectly reduce engine power and reduce fuel supply to the engine.
- Risk
- A lack of fuel may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- INFINITI will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ECM software, free of charge. The recall began on May 25, 2021. Owners may contact INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200. INFINITI's number for this recall is R20C5.
Not every 2021 Infiniti Q50 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Infiniti Q50 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 2 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 1 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 1 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 44,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Infiniti Q50. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Q50 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Q50 | 23 | 189 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 Q50 | 23 | 189 in | Not rated | 0 | 8 |
| 2022 Q50 | 23 | 189 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2020 Q50 | 23 | 189 in | Not rated | 0 | 3 |
| 2019 Q50 | 25 | 189 in | Not rated | 1 | 30 |
| 2018 Q50 | 29 | 189 in | Not rated | 3 | 44 |
| 2017 Q50 | 29 | 189 in | Not rated | 4 | 63 |
| 2016 Q50 | 30 | 189 in | Not rated | 4 | 39 |
| 2015 Q50 | 31 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 130 |
| 2014 Q50 | 31 | 189.4 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 138 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Infiniti. How we calculate this →