The 2019 Infiniti QX50 AWD, with its 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, gets a combined fuel economy of 26 MPG. While this isn’t groundbreaking for a compact luxury crossover, it’s an acceptable trade-off for buyers who value style, a clever variable compression engine, and a comfortable, tech-filled interior more than being the most efficient in its class. These owners are willing to trade a few miles per gallon for distinctive styling and the promise of a refined driving experience.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2019 Infiniti QX50 AWD gets 24 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. These numbers are competitive within its segment. The real-world experience can change based on how you drive and the road conditions. The city MPG reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban driving, which can be a challenge for any vehicle, especially one with all-wheel drive, which adds weight.

The highway MPG, shows the engine’s ability to perform more efficiently during sustained cruising. Being gentle with the accelerator and using cruise control will improve your gas mileage, but aggressive acceleration will decrease it quickly. Understanding these factors is important for QX50 drivers who want to get the best fuel consumption.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Infiniti QX50 AWD is $2,250. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Actual fuel costs will depend on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of fuel you use. Drivers who mostly drive in the city or accelerate quickly will probably spend more than this estimate, while drivers who are more conservative may be able to spend less. To see all Infiniti fuel economy data, check our make page.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standard, but real-world fuel economy usually differs from the official numbers. The QX50’s VC-Turbo engine is innovative, but it can be sensitive to driving style. Stepping hard on the accelerator will eliminate any potential fuel-saving benefits of the variable compression technology. Factors like tire pressure, vehicle maintenance, and air conditioning use can also change fuel consumption.

Based on owner reports, expect to see numbers that are slightly above or below the official estimates. Some drivers report closer to 22-23 MPG in combined driving, while some efficient drivers see numbers closer to 28 MPG. See the QX50 MPG across all years on our model page.

How it compares

The 2019 Infiniti QX50 AWD is in a very competitive segment. The Acura RDX SH-AWD gets a combined 23 MPG, which makes the QX50 appear slightly better on gas. The BMW X3 xDrive30i gets a combined 24 MPG, which puts it behind the QX50. The Lexus NX 300h AWD, which is a hybrid, gets a combined 31 MPG, showing that better fuel economy is possible in the compact luxury crossover segment, but it may cost more. These differences can add up over time, and influence how much QX50 buyers spend to own their vehicle.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The QX50’s VC-Turbo engine works best with smooth acceleration. Avoid sudden bursts of speed and hard braking to get the best gas mileage. Accelerating gently allows the engine to operate at its most efficient compression ratio more often.

Check and maintain the correct tire pressure on a regular basis. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which makes the engine work harder, and lowers fuel economy. Look at the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb for the recommended pressure.

Avoid idling. If you think you’ll be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines start quickly and efficiently. Idling consumes fuel without moving the car.

Use cruise control on the highway when you can. Keeping a consistent speed helps the engine use less gas. Minimizing unnecessary acceleration and deceleration also helps on long drives.

Reduce the weight you carry in the QX50. Remove unnecessary items from the trunk and back seats. The less weight the engine has to move, the less fuel it will consume.