| Engine | 2.0L 4-cyl |
| Transmission | Automatic (AV-S8) |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Premium Gasoline |
| Vehicle Class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD |
| Engine Desc | SIDI & PFI |
| Start-Stop | No |
| EPA Vehicle ID | 45880 |
The 2023 Infiniti QX50 2.0L turbo gets 26 MPG combined, putting it in the middle of the pack for compact luxury crossovers. People usually buy this car for its unique style, comfortable interior, and many tech features instead of saving a lot on gas. The fuel economy is a reasonable price for that experience.
City and highway performance
The EPA estimates the QX50’s fuel economy at 23 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. The city number is close to what you’ll probably get in stop-and-go traffic. The highway number is possible when driving at a constant speed. The QX50’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, a popular choice in colder areas, will lower both numbers a bit. This system watches the road and sends power to the wheels that grip best, improving traction and stability, but using a little more fuel.
Annual fuel cost
The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Infiniti QX50 2.0L at $2,250. This is calculated using 15,000 miles per year and national average gas prices. Your actual fuel costs could be higher or lower depending on your driving habits, fuel type, and local gas prices. Premium fuel (91 octane or higher) is recommended, but not required, so that will affect the total cost each year. If you drive less or live where gas is cheaper, you’ll likely spend less. But hard acceleration or high speeds will increase your fuel expenses beyond the EPA estimate.
Real-world expectations
While the EPA numbers are a good guide, keep in mind that real-world fuel economy can change. The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine in the QX50 is responsive and has plenty of power for everyday driving, but that power has a trade-off. If you drive aggressively, you will get lower gas mileage. The QX50’s continuously variable transmission (CVT), marketed as an “AV-S8” automatic, focuses on smoothness and efficiency. It can sometimes feel less exciting than a normal automatic, especially when accelerating quickly. Your driving style will greatly impact your MPG.
How it compares
Competitors like the Acura RDX (23 MPG combined) and Lexus NX 350 (25 MPG combined) have similar fuel economy, so the QX50 is in a similar spot in its class. The BMW X3 sDrive30i, with rear-wheel drive, gets slightly better fuel economy at 28 MPG combined. The Genesis GV70 2.5T is a bit lower at 24 MPG combined. These fuel economy differences are often not the main concern for buyers in this category, who usually care more about style, features, and how the car drives. See QX50 MPG across all years on our site for a complete performance overview.
Tips to maximize efficiency
Accelerating smoothly and steadily is important for getting the best fuel economy in the QX50. Avoid sudden starts and stops, and try to keep a consistent speed when you can. The CVT is designed to maximize efficiency, so let it do its job by not pressing the gas pedal too hard.
Tire pressure is very important for fuel efficiency. Make sure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure, which you can find on the driver’s side door or in the owner’s manual. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, which lowers gas mileage.
Remove extra weight from the car. Extra items in the trunk or on the roof rack increase the car’s weight, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Take out anything you don’t need to carry regularly.
Consider using the QX50’s drive mode selector. The “Eco” mode changes certain settings, like how the throttle responds and how the transmission shifts, to prioritize less gas. It may reduce performance slightly, but it can make a noticeable difference on longer trips.
Regular maintenance is important for getting the best fuel economy. Keep up with oil changes, air filter replacements, and other maintenance to keep the engine running efficiently. Dirty air filters and old oil can hurt fuel consumption. Check all Infiniti fuel economy data on this site.