X4 vs QX50
Brand preference aside, the X4 and the QX50 are close competitors, both pitched at compact luxury suv buyers. The numbers lean one way: the QX50 comes out ahead in 2 of the 4 areas we compared, with its clearest lead in the engine & performance category.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance QX50 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range QX50 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance3.1
- Fuel Economy & Range5.0
- Engine & Performance4.2
- Fuel Economy & Range8.1
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The QX50 has better fuel economy
Don’t expect a night-and-day difference here. 26 mpg against 24 mpg is a small but genuine lead for the QX50. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
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The QX50 has 20 hp more power
The QX50 nudges ahead with 268 hp, while the X4 lists 248 hp. The QX50’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
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The QX50 has 22 lb-ft more torque
This one is close enough that other factors could outweigh it, but on paper the QX50 leads with 280 lb-ft to 258 lb-ft. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
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The QX50 has better city fuel economy
Only a little separates them: 23 mpg on the QX50, 21 mpg on the X4. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
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The QX50 has better highway fuel economy
It’s a fine margin, and it favors the QX50 (29 mpg versus 27 mpg). Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | X4 | QX50 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 184.7 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 74.9 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 110.2 in |
Engine & Performance
QX50 leads
If engine & performance is high on your list, the QX50 makes the stronger case by a wide margin. Point to the QX50 for 20 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. On engine & performance alone, the QX50 gets the nod.
Total system output
X4: 248 hp QX50: 268 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
X4: 258 lb-ft QX50: 280 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
QX50 leads
The QX50 dominates the fuel economy & range section, and the gaps are large enough to matter in daily use. The QX50 has the edge with better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. For anyone who cares most about fuel economy & range, the QX50 is the safer choice.
Fuel economy (combined)
X4: 24 mpg QX50: 26 mpg The QX50 uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
X4: 21 mpg QX50: 23 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the QX50 starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Call the space & practicality round a draw. For space & practicality, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
On paper, the off-road & towing comparison ends all square. Treat off-road & towing as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
Safety & Tech
We don’t score this area directly, because the safety & tech specs are labels rather than measurements. The table shows what each lists.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | X4 | QX50 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 (VC-Turbo) |
| Total system output | 248 hp | 268 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | CVT |
| Drivetrain | AWD (xDrive) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | X4 | QX50 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 24 mpg | 26 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 21 mpg | 23 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 27 mpg | 29 mpg (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | X4 | QX50 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 31.4 cu ft Biggest cargo area |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 65.1 cu ft Most room, seats folded |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | X4 | QX50 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | X4 | QX50 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | X4 | QX50 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 184.7 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 74.9 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 110.2 in |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the QX50 if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (26 mpg vs 24 mpg combined)
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (268 hp vs 248 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (280 lb-ft vs 258 lb-ft of torque)
- you mostly drive in town (23 mpg vs 21 mpg in the city)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the X4 or the QX50?
On the specs compared here, the QX50 makes more sense for most buyers; the X4 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
If it were just about the brand, you wouldn’t be here. So let’s talk about the X4 and the QX50 on their merits. What I like most about the QX50 here is better fuel economy. On top of that, the QX50 adds 20 hp more power.
The X4 is for you if the things a spec sheet can’t capture tops your list; the QX50 is for you if engine & performance does.
My pick: the QX50.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.