2021 INFINITI QX50 vs 2021 Lexus NX

For 2021, Lexus presented three versions of the NX: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. For this comparison, we considered the Lexus NX 300 and the performance-centric NX 300 F Sport gasoline models. The NX retained Lexus’s sharp design language, characterized by sculpted lines reminiscent of the smaller UX and the larger RX in Lexus’s lineup. Size-wise, the NX was akin to the Toyota RAV4, featuring standard power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels.

The NX F Sport differentiated itself with sporty flair, enhanced by a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and a lower bumper with chrome accents. At the rear, it boasted a distinctive laser fog light housing, larger exhaust outlets, and 18-inch F Sport wheels available with all-season or summer tires.

Internally, the NX F Sport offered unique quilted NuLuxe sport seats with exclusive Circuit Red interior color options, alongside traditional colorways like Black and Arctic White/Black. This was complemented by optional leather and wood trims. The material quality was top-notch, as expected from a luxury brand like Lexus. The gauge cluster featured a four-dial setup with a 3D speedometer and tachometer, bolstered by a 4.2-inch multi-information display. Although the design was functional and historically familiar to Lexus drivers, it felt dated compared to the digital displays found in competitors like the 2022 Hyundai Tucson and 2021 Nissan Rogue.

The F Sport model included a G-Force meter derived from the Lexus LFA supercar, displaying the SUV’s steering angle, throttle opening angle, and brake pressure. However, this feature felt more gimmicky than functional for everyday suburban driving. The center stack of the NX housed a rare CD player alongside elevated climate-control buttons, which, while functional, contributed to a lack of open storage space between the driver and passenger.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 stood out with its unique VC-Turbo engine, and it carried a distinctive design. Its wide honeycomb grille, flanked by a curved hood with athletic bulges, gave it a sporty appearance. From the driver’s seat, the forward view was similar to that of a sports car, with a low-slung hood and tall fenders.

The rear of the QX50 featured a chrome strip in a lightning-bolt shape—an unnecessary yet character-adding element. Our test model sported a panoramic moonroof, enhancing the cabin’s airy feel and offering impressive sky views.

Despite its striking appearance, the QX50 had some visibility issues due to thick B-pillars and a short rear window, complicating the driver’s view of surrounding traffic. However, its 20-inch silver-painted alloy wheels added to the vehicle’s visual appeal. Inside, the QX50 flaunted a plush cabin with soft-touch materials and aluminum accents. Heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and intuitive interior controls heightened the comfort and convenience factor.

The 2021 Lexus NX, fitted with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Its six-speed automatic transmission was competent but not as smooth as the newer eight-, nine-, or ten-speed variants found in competitors. The NX accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in approximately seven seconds, which was competitive within its segment. The powertrain grew noisy under hard acceleration but was otherwise relatively quiet.

The NX came standard with front-wheel drive (FWD) and offered all-wheel drive (AWD) across all trims. The AWD system could transfer up to 50% of torque to the rear axle but lacked individual-wheel torque vectoring. The fuel economy stood at 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined for FWD models, with AWD models delivering a combined 24 mpg.

The F Sport featured an adaptive suspension system capable of making up to 650 compression and damping adjustments based on the LC 500 sport coupe system, enhancing the ride quality. Though agile, the NX's steering lacked feedback. It performed smoothly across three drive modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport, each altering throttle response and power-steering assist curves. The NX had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed electronically limited to 124 mph.

Infiniti offered the 2021 QX50 with a singular powertrain—a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) featuring paddle shifters and downshift rev-matching. This combination produced 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The QX50's VC-Turbo engine was notable for its continually adjusting compression ratio, balancing efficiency and power.

Despite its advanced technology, the engine’s operation was smooth and quiet. The CVT, though traditionally criticized for droning, performed well, with simulated shift points for a familiar driving experience. Front-wheel drive (FWD) came standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available for an additional cost across most trims. Our AWD test model remained composed and stable, even on uneven and slippery surfaces during long drives.

The drive mode selector allowed customization of engine output, steering ratios, and transmission shift points across Standard, Sport, Eco, and Personal modes. Sport mode heightened steering effort and responsiveness, while Eco mode prioritized fuel conservation but at the expense of slower acceleration.

The Lexus NX’s interior balanced style and comfort, offering ample front seat space and decent legroom for rear passengers. While engine noise was noticeable, road and wind noise were well-contained within the cabin. The NX offered a power liftgate with kick sensor technology and available power-folding rear seats.

However, cargo capacity was limited. With the rear seats upright, the NX provided 17.7 cubic feet of storage space, expanding to 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. These figures positioned the NX as one of the lesser cargo-capacious models within its class.

In contrast, the QX50’s interior felt spacious with good hip and shoulder room and ample headroom—unaffected by the panoramic moonroof. Rear passengers enjoyed 38.7 inches of legroom, facilitated by sliding second-row seats which adjusted for either maximum legroom or cargo space.

The cargo area was significantly more accommodating than the Lexus NX. With the panoramic moonroof, the QX50 offered 31.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 64.4 cubic feet with seats folded down. Versions without the moonroof provided slightly more space, at 31.4 and 65.1 cubic feet respectively. The practical Cargo package, including a reversible cargo protector and nets, was a useful addition for daily utility.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen standard, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. This package added features like predictive traffic information and fuel station guidance. New for 2021 was HomeLink integration.

Standard technology included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and a WiFi hotspot. Lexus Enform Premium Audio, with eight speakers, was standard, and the Navigation package upgraded to a ten-speaker system. A 14-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was available on top trims.

Lexus Enform Remote allowed control of various vehicle functions via a mobile app. Another notable feature was the Lexus Enform Services Connect, offering maintenance alerts and a ten-year subscription with purchase. While the system had extensive capabilities, the infotainment system’s complexity and less user-friendly design were points of contention.

The QX50’s technology suite met luxury market expectations with standard Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Its InTouch infotainment system featured dual display screens (8-inch and 7-inch), voice recognition, and Infiniti InTouch Services, encompassing a range of connected features.

Pairing smartphones was straightforward, and the 16-speaker Bose audio system delivered excellent sound quality. Though the onboard navigation system was less intuitive, CarPlay's Maps app provided a more user-friendly alternative.

The Around View Monitor with sonars and moving-object detection facilitated parking, while ProPilot Assist offered advanced driver assistance on higher trims, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance for a semi-autonomous driving experience.

The 2021 Lexus NX came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including features like a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, traffic-sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard.

Further safety options included park assist and a surround-view camera system. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the NX top ratings in crash tests, while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) granted it a five-star overall rating. Lexus backed the NX with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Safety features were a strong suit for the QX50, with standard inclusions like blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, and forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Lane-departure prevention and blind-spot intervention were standard from the Essential trim up, and traffic sign recognition was included at higher levels.

While the NHTSA hadn't tested the 2021 model at the time, the 2020 model received high ratings. The IIHS also rated the QX50 highly for crash protection and front crash prevention.