INFINITI QX50 2021 Owner's Manual

WARNING
• It is extremely dangerous to ride in
a cargo area inside a vehicle. In a
collision, people riding in these ar-
eas are more likely to be seriously
injured or killed.
• Do not allow people to ride in any
area of your vehicle that is not
equipped with seats and seat
belts.
• Be sure everyone in your vehicle is
in a seat and using a seat belt
properly.TERMS
It is important to familiarize yourself
with the following terms before load-
ing your vehicle:
• Curb Weight (actual weight of your vehicle) - vehicle weight including:
standard and optional equipment,
fluids, emergency tools, and spare
tire assembly. This weight does not
include passengers and cargo.
• GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) - curb weight plus the combined weight of
passengers and cargo.
• GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rat- ing) - maximum total combined
weight of the unloaded vehicle, pas-
sengers, luggage, hitch, trailer
tongue load and any other optional
equipment. This information is lo-
cated on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S.
certification label. •
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) -
maximum weight (load) limit specified
for the front or rear axle. This infor-
mation is located on the F.M.V.S.S./
C.M.V.S.S. certification label.
• GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) - The maximum total weight
rating of the vehicle, passengers,
cargo, and trailer.
• Vehicle Capacity Weight, Load limit, Total load capacity - maximum total
weight limit specified of the load
(passengers and cargo) for the ve-
hicle. This is the maximum combined
weight of occupants and cargo that
can be loaded into the vehicle. If the
vehicle is used to tow a trailer, the
trailer tongue weight must be in-
cluded as part of the cargo load. This
information is located on the Tire
and Loading Information label.
• Cargo capacity - permissible weight of cargo, the subtracted weight of
occupants from the load limit.
VEHICLE LOADING INFORMATION
Technical and consumer information10-15

VEHICLE LOAD CAPACITY
Do not exceed the load limit of your
vehicle shown as “The combined
weight of occupants and cargo” on the
Tire and Loading Information label. Do
not exceed the number of occupants
shown as “Seating Capacity” on the
Tire and Loading Information label.
To get “the combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo”, add the weight of all
occupants, then add the total luggage
weight. Examples are shown in the
following illustration.
Steps for determining correct load
limit1. Locate the statement “The com-bined weight of occupants and
LTI2320
Example
10-16Technical and consumer information

cargo should never exceed XXX lbs.
or XXX kg” on your vehicle’s
placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will
be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from
XXX lbs. or XXX kg.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and lug-
gage load capacity. For example, if
the XXX amount equals 1,400 lbs.
and there will be five 150 lbs. pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount
of available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lbs. (1,400-
750 (5 X 150) = 650 lbs.) or (640-
340 (5 X 70) = 300 kg.) 5. Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not
safely exceed the available cargo
and luggage load capacity calcu-
lated in step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult
this manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and
luggage load capacity of your
vehicle.
Before driving a loaded vehicle, con-
firm that you do not exceed the GVWR
or the GAWR for your vehicle. For ad-
ditional information, see “Measure-
ment of weights” (P. 10-18).
Also check tires for proper inflation
pressures. For additional information,
see “Tire and Loading Information la-
bel” (P. 8-28).
SECURING THE LOAD
There are luggage hooks located in the cargo
area as shown. The hooks can be used to
secure cargo with ropes or other types of
straps.
When securing items using luggage hooks
located on the side finisher do not apply a
load over more than 6.5 lbs. (29 N) to a single
hook.
The luggage hooks that are located on the
floor should have loads less than 110 lbs.
(490 N) to a single hook.
LTI2331
Cargo area luggage hooks
Technical and consumer information10-17

WARNING
• Properly secure all cargo with ropes or
straps to help prevent it from sliding or
shifting. Do not place cargo higher than
the seatbacks. In a sudden stop or colli-
sion, unsecured cargo could cause per-
sonal injury.
• The child restraint top tether strap may
be damaged by contact with items in the
cargo area. Secure any items in the cargo
area. Your child could be seriously injured
or killed in a collision if the top tether
strap is damaged.
• Do not load your vehicle any heavier than
the GVWR or the maximum front and
rear GAWRs. If you do, parts of your ve-
hicle can break, tire damage could occur,
or it can change the way your vehicle
handles. This could result in loss of con-
trol and cause personal injury.
LOADING TIPS
•The GVW must not exceed GVWR or
GAWR as specified on the F.M.V.S.S./
C.M.V.S.S. certification label.
• Do not load the front and rear axle to the GAWR. Doing so will exceed
the GVWR.
WARNING
• Properly secure all cargo with
ropes or straps to help prevent it
from sliding or shifting. Do not
place cargo higher than the seat-
backs. In a sudden stop or colli-
sion, unsecured cargo could cause
personal injury.
• Do not load your vehicle any
heavier than the GVWR or the
maximum front and rear GAWRs.
If you do, parts of your vehicle can
break, tire damage could occur, or
it can change the way your vehicle
handles. This could result in loss of
control and cause personal injury.
• Overloading not only can shorten
the life of your vehicle and the tire,
but can also cause unsafe vehicle
handling and longer braking dis-
tances. This may cause a prema-
ture tire failure which could result
in a serious accident and personal injury. Failures caused by over-
loading are not covered by the ve-
hicle’s warranty.
MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTS
Secure loose items to prevent weight
shifts that could affect the balance of
your vehicle. When the vehicle is
loaded, drive to a scale and weigh the
front and the rear wheels separately
to determine axle loads. Individual axle
loads should not exceed either of the
gross axle weight ratings (GAWR). The
total of the axle loads should not ex-
ceed the gross vehicle weight rating
(GVWR). These ratings are given on
the vehicle certification label. If weight
ratings are exceeded, move or remove
items to bring all weights below the
ratings.
10-18
Technical and consumer information

Tow Hitch Receiver (with Tow Package)
WARNING
Overloading or improper loading of a
trailer and its cargo can adversely affect
vehicle handling, braking and performance
and may lead to accidents.
CAUTION
• Do not tow a trailer or haul a heavy load
for the first 500 miles (805 km). Your
engine, axle or other parts could be
damaged. •
For the first 500 miles (805 km) that you
tow a trailer, do not drive over 50 mph
(80 km/h) and do not make starts at full
throttle. This helps the engine and other
parts of your vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.
NOTE:
Tow hitches are available as an accessory for
this vehicle. If a tow hitch is installed, the
liftgate electronic control unit (ECU) needs
to be replaced with an ECU programmed
with towing logic for the Motion-Activated
Liftgate to function properly.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo. Re-
member that towing a trailer places addi-
tional loads on your vehicle's engine, drive
train, steering, braking and other systems.
An INFINITI Towing Guide (U.S. only) is avail-
able on the website at www.InfinitiUSA-
.com. This guide includes information on
trailer towing capability and the special
equipment required for proper towing. Lifestyle Receiver (without Tow Package)
WARNING
The Lifestyle Receiver cannot be used for
towing a trailer. Only use the Lifestyle Re-
ceiver for receiver mounted accessories
that meet the below requirements.
• The maximum allowable load is 300 lbs.
(136 kg) including the weight of the in-
stalled accessory carrier.
• Do not exceed allowable cargo weight
capacity of your vehicle.
Failure to use the Lifestyle Receiver as in-
tended can result in serious injury or death.
LTI2339LTI2338
TOWING A TRAILER
Technical and consumer information10-19

CAUTION
If your vehicle is equipped with the Life-
style Receiver to avoid damage to your ve-
hicle do not tow a trailer with your vehicle.
Do not tow a trailer with your vehicle with the
Lifestyle Receiver (if so equipped). The Life-
style Receiver should be used for receiver-
mounted accessories only. The Lifestyle Re-
ceiver is designed for carrying bikes, snow
boards/skis, camping gear and various other
bulky items.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loads
Never allow the total trailer load to exceed
the value specified in the following Towing
Load/Specification Chart found in this sec-
tion. The total trailer load equals trailer
weight plus its cargo weight.
The maximum Gross Combined Weight Rat-
ing (GCWR) should not exceed the value
specified in the following Towing Load/
Specification Chart. The GCWR equals the combined weight of
the towing vehicle (including passengers and
cargo) plus the total trailer load. Towing
loads greater than these or using improper
towing equipment could adversely affect ve-
hicle handling, braking and performance.
The ability of your vehicle to tow a trailer is
not only related to the maximum trailer loads,
but also the places you plan to tow. Tow
weights appropriate for level highway driving
may have to be reduced for low traction situ-
ations (for example, on slippery boat ramps).
Temperature conditions can also affect tow-
ing. For example, towing a heavy trailer in
high outside temperatures on graded roadscan affect engine performance and cause
overheating. The engine protection mode,
which helps reduce the chance of engine
damage, could activate and automatically
decrease engine power. Vehicle speed may
decrease under high load. Plan your trip care-
fully to account for trailer and vehicle load,
weather and road conditions.
WARNING
Overheating can result in reduced engine
power and vehicle speed. The reduced
speed may be lower than other traffic,
which could increase the chance of a colli-
sion. Be especially careful when driving. If
the vehicle cannot maintain a safe driving
speed, pull to the side of the road in a safe
area. Allow the engine to cool and return to
normal operation. For additional informa-
tion, see “If your vehicle overheats”
(P. 6-7)
CAUTION
Vehicle damage resulting from improper
towing procedures is not covered by
INFINITI warranties.
LTI2030
10-20Technical and consumer information

Tongue load
When using a weight carrying or a weight
distributing hitch, keep the tongue load be-
tween 10 - 15% of the total trailer load or use
the trailer tongue load specified by the trailer
manufacturer. The tongue load must be
within the maximum tongue load limits
shown in the following “Towing Load/
Specification” chart. If the tongue load be-
comes excessive, rearrange cargo to allow
for proper tongue load.
Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight
(GVW)/maximum Gross Axle
Weight (GAW)
The GVW of the towing vehicle must not
exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) shown on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S.
certification label. The GVW equals the com-
bined weight of the unloaded vehicle, pas-
sengers, luggage, hitch, trailer tongue load
and any other optional equipment. In addi-
tion, front or rear GAW must not exceed the
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) shown on
the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label.Towing capacities are calculated assuming a
base vehicle with driver and any options re-
quired to achieve the rating. Additional pas-
sengers, cargo and/or optional equipment,
such as the trailer hitch, will add weight to the
vehicle and reduce your vehicle’s maximum
towing capacity and trailer tongue load.
The vehicle and trailer need to be weighed to
confirm the vehicle is within the GVWR,
Front GAWR, Rear GAWR, Gross Combined
Weight Rating (GCWR) and Towing capacity.
All vehicle and trailer weights can be mea-
sured using platform type scales commonly
found at truck stops, highway weigh stations,
building supply centers or salvage yards.
To determine the available payload capacity
for tongue/king pin load, use the following
procedure.
1. Locate the GVWR on the F.M.V.S.S./
C.M.V.S.S. certification label.
2. Weigh your vehicle on the scale with all of the passengers and cargo that are nor-
mally in the vehicle when towing a trailer.
3. Subtract the actual vehicle weight from the GVWR. The remaining amount is the
available maximum tongue/king pin load.
WTI0160LTI2031
Technical and consumer information10-21

To determine the available towing capacity,
use the following procedure.
1. Find the GCWR for your vehicle on the"Towing Load/Specification" chart found
in this section.
2. Subtract the actual vehicle weight from the GCWR. The remaining amount is the
available maximum towing capacity.
To determine the Gross Trailer Weight, weigh
your trailer on a scale with all equipment and
cargo, that are normally in the trailer when it
is towed. Make sure the Gross trailer weight
is not more than the Gross Trailer Weight
Rating shown on the trailer and is not more
than the calculated available maximum tow-
ing capacity.
Also weigh the front and rear axles on the
scale to make sure the Front Gross Axle
Weight and Rear Gross Axle Weight are not
more than Front Gross Axle Weight and Rear
Gross Axle Weight on the F.M.V.S.S./
C.M.V.S.S. certification label. The cargo in the
trailer and vehicle may need to be moved or
removed to meet the specified ratings. Example:
• Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) as weighed
on a scale - including passengers, cargo
and hitch - 4,650 lbs. (2,109 kg).
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) from F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label -
4,916 lbs. (2,230 kg).
• Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) from “Towing Load/Specification" chart -
7,320 lbs. (3,320 kg).
• Maximum Trailer towing capacity from “Towing Load/Specification" chart -
3,000 lbs. (1,361 kg).
4,916 lbs. (2,230 kg) GVWR
– 4,650 lbs. (2,109 kg) GVW = 266 lbs. (121 kg) Available for tongue weight
7,320 lbs. (3,320 kg) GCWR
– 4,650 lbs. (2,109 kg) GVW = 2,670 lbs. (1,211 kg) Capacity available for towing
266 lbs. (121 kg) Available tongue weight
= 2,670 lbs. (1,211 kg) Available capacity = 10 % tongueweight The available towing capacity may be less
than the maximum towing capacity due to
the passenger and cargo load in the vehicle.
Remember to keep trailer tongue weight be-
tween 10 - 15% of the trailer weight or within
the trailer tongue load specification recom-
mended by the trailer manufacturer. If the
tongue load becomes excessive, rearrange
the cargo to obtain the proper tongue load.
Do not exceed the maximum tongue weight
specification shown in the “Towing Load/
Specification” chart even if the calculated
available tongue weight is greater than 15%.
If the calculated tongue weight is less than
10%, reduce the total trailer weight to match
the available tongue weight.
Always verify that available capacities are
within the required ratings.
10-22Technical and consumer information

TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION
WARNING
The towing capacities provided in this
manual are for general reference only. The
safe towing capacity of your vehicle is af-
fected by dealer and factory installed op-
tions and passenger and cargo loads. You
must weigh the vehicle and trailer as de-
scribed in this manual to determine the ac-
tual vehicle towing capacity. Do not exceed
the published maximum towing capacity or
the GCWR or the GVWR shown on the
FMVSS/CMVSS label. Doing so can result
in an accident causing serious injury or
property damage.
TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION CHART
Axle type AWD2WD/AWD
With Tow Package Without Tow Package
Maximum Towing Capacity*1 3,000 lbs. (1,361 kg)Do not tow with your vehicle
Maximum Tongue Load 300 lbs. (136 kg)Do not tow with your vehicle
Maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating 7,320 lbs. (3,320 kg)Do not tow with your vehicle
*1: The towing capacity values are calculated assuming a base vehicle with driver and any options required to achieve the rating. Additional passengers, cargo and/or
optional equipment will add weight to the vehicle and reduce your vehicle's maximum towing capacity.
Technical and consumer information10-23

TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitch
Your vehicle may be equipped with an op-
tional trailer tow package. The trailer tow
package includes a receiver-type frame
mounted hitch. This hitch is rated for the
maximum towing capacity of this vehicle
when the proper towing equipment is used.
Choose a proper ball mount and hitch ball
that is rated for the trailer to be towed. Genu-
ine INFINITI ball mounts and hitch balls are
available from an INFINITI retailer.
If your vehicle is not equipped with the op-
tional trailer tow package, check the towing
capacity of your bumper hitch or receiver-
type frame mounted hitch. Choose a proper
hitch for your vehicle and trailer. A Genuine
INFINITI trailer hitch is available from an
INFINITI retailer. Make sure the trailer hitch is
securely attached to the vehicle to help avoid
personal injury or property damage due to
sway caused by crosswinds, rough road sur-
faces or passing trucks.
WARNING
Trailer hitch components have specific
weight ratings. Your vehicle may be ca-
pable of towing a trailer heavier than the
weight rating of the hitch components.
Never exceed the weight rating of the hitch
components. Doing so can cause serious
personal injury or property damage.
Hitch ball
Choose a hitch ball of the proper size and
weight rating for your trailer:
• The required hitch ball size is stamped on most trailer couplers. Most hitch balls also
have the size printed on the top of the ball.
• Choose the proper class hitch ball based on the trailer weight.
• The diameter of the threaded shank of the hitch ball must be matched to the ball
mount hole diameter. The hitch ball shank
should be no more than 1/16” smaller than
the hole in the ball mount.
• The threaded shank of the hitch ball must be long enough to be properly secured to
the ball mount. There should be at least 2
threads showing beyond the lock washer
and nut.
Ball mount
The hitch ball is attached to the ball mount
and the ball mount is inserted into the hitch
receiver. Choose a proper class ball mount
based on the trailer weight. Additionally, the
ball mount should be chosen to keep the
trailer tongue level with the ground.
Weight carrying hitches
A weight carrying or “dead weight” ball
mount is one that is designed to carry the
whole amount of tongue weight and gross
weight directly on the ball mount and on the
receiver.
Weight distribution hitch
This type of hitch is also called a “load-
leveling” or “equalizing” hitch. A set of bars
attach to the ball mount and to the trailer to
distribute the tongue weight (hitch weight) of
your trailer. Many vehicles can't carry the full
tongue weight of a given trailer, and need
some of the tongue weight transferred
through the frame and pushing down on the
front wheels. This gives stability to the tow
vehicle.
10-24Technical and consumer information