Compare the2024 Infiniti Q50VS 2024 Lexus IS

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Q50 has standard Rear Cross Traffic Alert with Back-up Collision Intervention, systems which detect vehicles approaching from the sides and can automatically apply the brakes to prevent a collision. Rear Cross-Traffic Braking costs extra on the IS.

Both the Q50 and the IS 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 IS’ 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty expires 10,000 miles sooner.

The Q50’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the IS’ (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 IS (3/36,000 vs. 1/10,000).

A hardened steel chain, with no maintenance needs, drives the camshafts in the Q50’s engine. A rubber cam drive belt that needs periodic replacement drives the IS’ camshafts. If the IS’ belt breaks, the engine could be severely damaged when the pistons hit the opened valves.

The Q50 has more powerful engines than the IS:

As tested in Consumer Reports the Infiniti Q50 3.0 is faster than the IS 300 AWD 3.5 DOHC V6:

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

The Q50 has 2.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the IS (20 vs. 17.4 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Q50 stops shorter than the IS:

For better traction, the Q50 Red Sport 400’s front tires are larger than the largest tires available on the IS (F:245/40R19 & R:265/35R19 vs. F:235/40R19 & R:265/35R19).

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 IS doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the Q50 can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The IS doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

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 IS doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Q50’s wheelbase is 2 inches longer than on the IS (112.2 inches vs. 110.2 inches).

To almost totally eliminate engine vibration in the passenger area, the Q50 has liquid-filled engine mounts. The liquid helps further dampen engine harshness. The IS uses conventional solid rubber engine mounts.

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 IS (.28 to .3) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the Q50 get better fuel mileage.

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the Q50 a Mid-size car, while the IS is rated a Compact.

The Q50 has 9.8 cubic feet more passenger volume than the IS (100 vs. 90.2).

The Q50 has 1.3 inches more front headroom, .8 inches more front shoulder room, 2.9 inches more rear legroom and 2.7 inches more rear shoulder room than the IS.

The Q50 has a much larger trunk than the IS (13.5 vs. 10.8 cubic feet).

The Q50’s power window and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The IS’ cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The Q50’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The IS’ standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the Q50 has standard extendable sun visors. The IS doesn’t offer extendable visors.

The Q50 has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the car heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the IS.

Insurance will cost less for the Q50 owner. The Car Book by Jack Gillis rates the Q50 with a number “1” insurance rate while the IS is rated higher at a number “5” rate.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Q50 is less expensive to operate than the IS because typical repairs cost much less on the Q50 than the IS, including $297 less for a water pump, $508 less for a starter, $251 less for fuel injection, $596 less for a timing belt/chain and $56 less for a power steering pump.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Infiniti Q50 and the Lexus IS, based on reliability, safety and performance.