20 MPG combined isn’t going to win any fuel economy awards, but for the 2017 Infiniti QX50, it’s the price of entry into a specific club. This compact luxury crossover, powered by Nissan’s reliable 3.7L V6, prioritized performance and a distinct driving experience over outright efficiency. Buyers weren’t shopping for a Prius; they were looking for engaging dynamics and premium comfort in a smaller package. They accepted the fuel economy trade-off for what the QX50 delivered in return.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2017 Infiniti QX50 equipped with the 3.7L V6 and seven-speed automatic transmission are 17 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The city figure, while not great, reflects the engine’s need to work harder in stop-and-go traffic, exacerbated by the QX50’s relatively heavy curb weight. The highway number, however, is more respectable, allowing for reasonable cruising range on road trips. This split suggests the QX50 is better suited for drivers who spend more time on the open road compared to dense urban environments. The engine’s power delivery is strongest at higher RPMs, encouraging a more aggressive driving style that directly impacts fuel consumption, especially in city driving.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Infiniti QX50 at $2,625. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year with a fuel price that represents a national average. Individual spending may vary based on driving habits, local fuel costs, and the type of fuel used. While the QX50 doesn’t specifically *require* premium fuel, many owners report improved performance and potentially better fuel economy when using higher octane gasoline, which would, in turn, increase the annual fuel cost.

Real-world expectations

Real-world fuel economy often deviates from EPA estimates. QX50 owners frequently report figures close to the EPA’s, but individual results depend heavily on driving style. Frequent acceleration and hard braking will significantly decrease fuel efficiency. Similarly, driving primarily in congested city conditions will likely result in MPG figures lower than the EPA’s 17 MPG city estimate. Conversely, highway driving at consistent speeds may yield results that slightly exceed the EPA’s 24 MPG highway estimate.

Tire pressure, vehicle maintenance, and even the weather conditions can play a role in achieving optimal fuel efficiency.

How it compares

Compared to its contemporaries, the 2017 Infiniti QX50 lagged in fuel efficiency. The Acura RDX, for example, achieved 20 MPG city and 28 MPG highway with its 3.5L V6. Even selecting a BMW X3 xDrive28i with its turbocharged 2.0L inline-4 resulted in a significantly better 21 MPG city and 28 MPG highway. This difference mattered to buyers prioritizing fuel savings, pushing them towards alternatives. Those who valued the QX50’s larger V6 and slightly more aggressive styling were more willing to overlook the MPG deficit. Looking elsewhere within the Infiniti lineup, you can find all Infiniti fuel economy data for alternative models. See QX50 MPG across all years for a broader view.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The QX50’s 3.7L V6 responds well to smooth acceleration. Avoid sudden bursts of power, especially from a standstill.

Increase your speed gently, allowing the automatic transmission to shift smoothly. Minimizing rapid acceleration will significantly reduce fuel consumption, particularly in city driving where this engine tends to burn more fuel due to its high-revving nature.

Maintaining proper tire inflation is critical for optimal fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly (when the tires are cold) and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the driver’s side doorjamb. Under-inflated tires create more rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. This is a simple yet effective way to improve your QX50’s MPG.

The QX50’s seven-speed automatic transmission offers a manual shift mode. While engaging, using it frequently in city driving can actually decrease fuel economy, as it encourages higher engine RPMs. Let the automatic transmission do its job, only using the manual shift mode when you truly need more control, such as when descending steep hills or for spirited driving on winding roads when fuel economy is not a concern.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Extra cargo in the trunk or back seat adds to the vehicle’s overall weight, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Remove any unnecessary items to lighten the load and improve fuel efficiency. Even small reductions in weight can make a noticeable difference over time.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed helps optimize fuel consumption compared to constantly accelerating and decelerating. Of course, use cruise control judiciously and disengage it in heavy traffic or inclement weather.