The 2021 Infiniti Q50 AWD 3.0L gets 22 MPG combined, which isn’t especially economical, but suits its target buyer. This car isn’t bought for hypermiling, but for its blend of luxury, performance from the turbocharged V6, and all-weather confidence. Fuel efficiency matters, but it’s less important than the driving experience and the Infiniti name.

City and highway performance

EPA estimates for the 2021 Q50 AWD with the 3.0L twin-turbo V6 are 19 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the engine’s quickness to deliver power, encouraging drivers to accelerate more. The highway number is better, but still limited by the vehicle’s weight and less than ideal aerodynamics. The seven-speed automatic transmission is smooth and responsive, but isn’t the newest. Many competitors have more gears, which helps their highway fuel economy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Infiniti Q50 AWD 3.0L at $2,650. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Premium fuel is recommended for best turbocharged engine performance, but not required. Regular fuel might reduce costs a little, but could hurt engine responsiveness and long-term reliability. That $2,650 figure is a baseline; your actual costs will depend on your driving and fuel choices.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides standardized testing, but real-world fuel economy depends on driving, traffic, and maintenance. Aggressive driving, short trips, and neglecting maintenance (like tire inflation) hurt fuel consumption. Owners who accelerate smoothly, anticipate traffic, and maintain their Q50 may see figures close to the EPA estimates, perhaps exceeding the highway number on long trips. However, drivers who often use the engine’s power might see numbers closer to the city MPG figure.

How it compares

The 2021 Infiniti Q50’s fuel economy is average compared to its competitors. The BMW 330i xDrive gets 28 MPG combined, a noticeable improvement. The Lexus IS 350 AWD, another competitor, gets 22 MPG combined, matching the Q50, but offers a more refined drive and better reliability. The Acura TLX SH-AWD, with its turbocharged 2.0L, gets 24 MPG combined according to the EPA. This comparison matters because more power and a larger engine reduce fuel economy. All all Infiniti fuel economy data can be found on this site, as well as Q50 MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Q50’s turbocharged engine responds well to smooth throttle inputs. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking, as these significantly reduce fuel economy. Focus on keeping a consistent speed and anticipating traffic to reduce sudden acceleration or braking.

Make sure the tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure, found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Regularly check and adjust tire pressure, especially with temperature changes.

Regular maintenance, including oil changes and air filter replacements, is critical for best engine performance and fuel efficiency. A clean air filter ensures proper airflow to the engine, and fresh oil reduces friction and helps the engine run smoothly. Follow the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual.

Minimize idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart quickly, and idling burns fuel without going anywhere.

Consider using premium fuel as recommended by Infiniti. Regular fuel can be used, but premium fuel better prevents engine knocking and maintains the best performance, which can improve fuel economy. Experiment to see if the added cost of premium fuel is offset by better MPG in your driving conditions.