Unlocking the Best: Infiniti SUV Reliability Rankings

Infiniti is brand that most of us are pretty aware of now. They’ve been around in North America since the late 80s and have been selling luxury cars ever since. They are the luxury division of Japanese manufacturer, Nissan, and have made a name for themselves selling high-end yet relatively affordable cars.

While Infiniti is definitely more well known for their sedans and sporty coupes, they have not been immune to the massive demand for SUVs and lost no time in shifting their offerings. Currently, Infiniti offers four SUVs to their singular sedan on sale, indicating just how heavily they invested in the SUV trend. Despite this, they’ve had a hard time finding traction in the states.

Most people have a preconception that luxury vehicles are not particularly reliable. This idea has been challenged in the last couple of years and the improvement is starting to be noticed. For instance, BMW won Consumer Reports’ brand of the year award. We focus specifically on Infiniti in this article and their SUVs, dissecting just how reliable they are and what some of their pros and cons are.

In compiling this article, we have cross-referenced information for vehicle reliability, maintenance, and pricing from sources like J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, RepairPal, CarEdge, and Consumer Reports to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible. Please note that we have ranked the following models based on most reliable to least reliable.

4 2024 Infiniti QX60

Reliability Score: 75/100

The Infiniti QX60 sits in a hyper-competitive segment. Not only is it a midsize SUV, but it stands up against some heavy hitters from the likes of Porsche and BMW. While it sits in the lowest position on our list, one thing that it does have going for it is reliability.

Reliability

While the Infiniti has quite the competition in the midsize luxury SUV segment, it holds its own by being decently reliable and significantly cheaper to maintain than its competitors. J.D. Power rates the QX60 75 out of 100 for quality and reliability, which isn’t a head-turning score, but also isn’t bad by any means.

However, there are some major issues to consider. There are currently three recalls out for the QX60 for exterior lighting modules, seatbelts, and airbags. These are not minor issues and this definitely leaves a black mark. The worst model year to buy used is the 2014 model, with general poor build quality causing major issues with anything from the lighting to the powertrain.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $639 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $10,805 (CarEdge)
• Total Recalls: 17
• Worst QX60 Year To Buy Used: 2014

Performance And Features

(Source: Infiniti)

The 2024 Infiniti QX60 is a handsome looking SUV, both inside and out. However, underneath all the handsome styling is a ton of equipment borrowed from the Nissan Pathfinder. While the Pathfinder isn’t a bad SUV, this means that the QX60 doesn’t quite deliver in terms of performance and handling the way that other luxury SUVs can.

Infiniti has equipped the QX60 with tons of interior space as every model comes with a three-row layout, and it comes in a ton cheaper than any other luxury three-row SUV. Fine materials litter the cabin, providing the high quality feel that you’d expect from a luxury vehicle. Equipment such as a tri-zone climate control system with a built-in air purifier is also available, along with all the nicities you’d expect. However, it’s hard not to view the QX60 as a prettied up Pathfinder.

Infiniti QX60 Common Problems

• Older models exhibit jerking and shuttering from the CVT transmission
• Timing chain rattle and tapping noise
• Erratic and high idle after throttle maintance

3 2024 Infiniti QX55

Reliability Score: 77/100

With a few more points under its belt, the Infiniti QX55 comes in next. It’s a sleeker version of Infiniti’s QX50 and comes with a striking fastback design. Once again Infiniti finds itself against some major competition, this time in the subcompact luxury SUV segment, however, the QX55’s interesting design and attractive price tag make it a unique choice.

Reliability

The QX55 is a fairly new car, with the first model hitting the market for 2022. This means that there isn’t a ton of data available on it. However, since it shares its platform and a ton of its equipment with the QX50, we can safely assume that cost will be fairly similar.

That being said, J.D. Power has rated the QX55 slightly higher than the QX60 in terms of quality and reliability with a score of 77 out of 100. This paired with the fact that the cost to buy and maintain a QX55 is lower than many other compact luxury SUVs makes it a viable competitor.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost (QX50): $608 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years (QX50): $10,657 (CarEdge)
• Total Recalls: 0
• Worst ES Year To Buy Used: N/A

Performance And Features

(Source: Infiniti)

As the more premium version of the QX50, the QX55 comes standard with all-wheel drive. It doesn’t deliver the agility or the power of competitors from the likes of Audi or BMW but it does come at a decent amount cheaper. The QX55 has a starting MSRP of $50,150 and for that price it does deliver a decent amount of equipment. However, despite it being only three years old, it feels insanely outdated.

What is interesting about the Infiniti QX55, however, is that you’re paying a premium for it over the QX50 but in a lot of areas you’re getting less. While the sportback design is definitely attractive, it cuts in the headroom for rear passengers as well as the cargo space. You do get more premium interior materials, but the cabin still features a ton of off-putting Nissan-sourced buttons and controls which detract from the atmosphere.

Infiniti QX55 Common Problems

• Door Lock issues (won’t unlock)
• Door Latch issues (could come open during a crash – recalled)
• CVT shuttering and jerking

2 2024 Infiniti QX80

Reliability Score: 81/100

The Infiniti QX80 is a large SUV which shares its DNA with the Nissan Armada, which is easy to tell in a lot of ways. It is the most expensive Infiniti car you can own with a starting MSRP of $74,150 and comes with a ton of interior space and features which Infiniti hopes will draw you away from its rivals.

Reliability

The Infiniti QX80 shares a lot of its bones with the Nissan Armada which means that it shares a similar level of reliability. The last time J.D. Power tested the QX80 was back in 2021 and they gave it 81 out of 100 for quality and reliability. Since then, not much has changed, bar it getting a better infotainment system and some improved driver assistance tech.

Considering it’s a full-size luxury SUV and comes with tons of space and a V-8 powertrain, the fact that its maintenance is so affordable is definitely impressive. If you got a QX80 over other full-size luxury SUVs, like a Land Rover Range Rover or a BMW X7, you would save costs both upfront and in terms of servicing and maintenance down the line.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $718 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $11,582 (CarEdge)
• Total Recalls: 0
• Worst Year To Buy Used: 2014

Performance And Features

(Source: Infiniti)

The 2024 Infiniti QX80 comes kitted with a large V-8 as standard that pumps out more than enough power to satisfy most. This set up also means that this luxury SUV can tow a whopping 8500 pounds. The biggest downside to the QX80 is the fact that the interior and exterior are both showing signs of aging. This is especially disappointing on the inside where the materials and design don’t justify the large price tag.

Luckily, the QX80 is due for a complete overhaul for the 2025 model year and it looks as though it is leaping forward into the modern age, with and impressive appearance and a new twin-turbo V-6.

Infiniti QX80 Common Problems

• Rattling noise from engine bay
• Faulty backup camera (recalled)
• Fuel pump failure (recalled)

1 2023 Infiniti QX50

Reliability Score: 82/100

Unlike its crossover coupe cousin, the QX55, the Infiniti QX50 delivers a more traditional luxury SUV feel. Its sleek and handsome exterior is more traditional and offers a more spacious interior for all passengers. Its competition hasn’t changed though and a bevy of compact luxury SUVs go head-to-head with the QX50.

Reliability

While J.D. Power hasn’t yet tested the 2024 model year of the QX50, it has consistently sat ahead of its stablemates. The 2023 model year QX50 achieved a score of 82 out of 100 for quality and reliability. This figure is a pretty solid one to work off of for the 2024 model year considering the QX50 has remained unchanged bar some new paint options.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $608 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $10,657 (CarEdge)
• Total Recalls: 1
• Worst Year To Buy Used: 2019

Performance And Features

(Source: Infiniti)

The QX50 shares the same powertrain as the QX55, outputting identical power. However, to gain access to all-wheel drive models you’re going to have to shell out more money. As with the rest of its models, Infiniti prioritizes comfort in the QX50 over performance

High quality materials are used throughout and on all trim levels. If you go for the most expensive models you have the choice of quilted leather seats, wood interior trim, and a faux-suede headliner. The spacious rear seats also mean passengers will always feel comfortable, especially due to the fact that they can recline.

Infinti QX50 Common Problems

• Leaks and noise from moon roof
• Whining noise from under the hood during acceleration
• Engine knock or ping (does not affect operation)
• Faulty fuel pump
• Faulty backup camera (recalled)
• Passenger-side knee airbag mounting (recalled)