Compare the2023 Infiniti Q50VS 2023 Lexus LS

Both the Q50 and the LS have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available all wheel drive.

The Q50 comes with a full 4-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The LS’ 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty expires 10,000 miles sooner.

The Q50’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the LS’ (7 vs. 6 years).

Infiniti pays for scheduled maintenance on the Q50 for 2 years and 26000 miles longer than Lexus pays for maintenance for the LS (3/36,000 vs. 1/10,000).

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Q50’s reliability 20 points higher than the LS.

The Q50 Red Sport 400’s standard 3.0 turbo V6 produces 46 more horsepower (400 vs. 354) than the LS 500h’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 hybrid.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Infiniti Q50 3.0 is faster than the LS 500 3.4 turbo V6:

On the EPA test cycle the Q50 gets better mileage than the LS:

The Q50 stops much shorter than the LS:

The Q50 Red Sport 400’s 245/40R19 front and 265/35R19 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series front and 35 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the LS 500 F Sport’s 45 series front and 40 series rear tires.

The Q50 has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The LS doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

The Q50 Sport’s optional drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The LS doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

The Q50 Red Sport 400 handles at .88 G’s, while the LS 500 AWD pulls only .83 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the Q50’s turning circle is .1 feet tighter than the LS’ (36.7 feet vs. 36.8 feet). The Q50 AWD’s turning circle is 2 feet tighter than the LS AWD’s (37.4 feet vs. 39.4 feet).

The Infiniti Q50 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 950 to 1100 pounds less than the Lexus LS.

The Q50 is 1 foot, 4.5 inches shorter than the LS, making the Q50 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The design of the Infiniti Q50 amounts to more than styling. The Q50 offers aerodynamic coefficients of drag from .26 to .29 Cd (depending on bodystyle and options). That is lower than the LS (.28 to .3) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the Q50 get better fuel mileage.

The Q50 has 2.2 inches more front headroom and 3.5 inches more front legroom than the LS.

The Q50’s standard rear seats fold to accommodate long and bulky cargo. The LS doesn’t offer folding rear seats.

The Q50 will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Q50 will retain 43.31% to 44.42% of its original price after five years, while the LS only retains 40.94% to 41.36%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Infiniti Q50 will be $16434 to $27838 less than for the Lexus LS.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Infiniti Q50, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Lexus LS isn't recommended.

The Infiniti Q50 outsold the Lexus LS by 78% during 2022.