2022 Acura MDX vs 2022 Infiniti QX60
It has to be tough introducing a new three-row crossover in the luxury segment. Not only is competition fierce from nearly all the premium brand offerings, but the mainstream machines are darned good these days too.
When the premium brand is based on a modestly-disguised and more affordable version of itself, it’s got to be particularly challenging to stand out.
Such is the case with both the refreshed 2022 Acura MDX and new 2022 Infiniti QX60 that borrow heavily from the Honda Pilot and Nissan Pathfinder, respectively. Still, with each of these SUVs saddled with the bulk of their manufacturers’ sales in Canada, their importance can’t be overstated, and the good news is that they each offer solid value and luxury within the category. One of these two, stands out as a true luxury SUV.
Styling
- Our pick: Infiniti QX60
- Why we like it: Tasteful, contemporary design, inside and out.
2022 QX60 | Photo: Infiniti
On the one hand, there’s an awful lot of similarity in design across the segment these days. A mid-sized SUV that has to meet all the safety and space mandates of governments and consumers can only be re-skinned in so many ways. Still, designers work hard to make their creations stand out as best they can while working within the brand’s stylistic confines.
The MDX, though updated subtly, is still clearly an Acura, with its grille, lights, and profile being an evolution of the last generation MDX, and looking like a slightly oversized RDX. It’s a big-boned SUV, but it masks its bulk well with fluid lines and creases throughout its body work.
The QX60, on the other hand, isn’t ashamed of its bulk, using its taller grille and upright profile to declare its presence as an imposing luxury machine. The available two-tone paint scheme and big, bold letters spell out I N F I N I T I across the stern in a nod to the design language embraced by the high-roller Euro-brand marques, giving the QX60 additional cachet.
Interior
- Our pick: Infiniti QX60
- Why we like it: With both luxury and functionality, the Infiniti is tops
Like its exterior, the QX60’s interior is a blend of classiness and contemporary design. Our top trim Autograph tester wears buttery-soft leather seats, with diamond stitching and contrast piping along the edges, again, doing a pretty convincing impression of a six-figure Range Rover. And while the MDX Platinum Elite is also poshly finished and equally well-assembled, it appears Acura’s designers prioritized a sporty cockpit over a lavish one.
Shortcomings inside the Acura MDX
Styling is subjective, and the Acura’s design language will surely speak to buyers too, but where the MDX’s design falls far short is in functionality. There are minor annoyances, like the tedious push-button gear selector, and over-sized drive-mode dial (that’s right where a volume knob should be), and one major ergonomic gaffe.
The Acura’s large 12.3-inch infotainment display does not offer touch-screen functionality, instead relying solely on the driver interacting with a centre console touch pad that was tedious at best, and dangerously distracting at worst. Buyers will need to hope the Acura’s voice command system understands them and rely on that.
QX60 interior
Like the Acura, the Infiniti also has wireless smart phone connectivity and a 12.3-inch display with bright, sharp graphics. The difference is that the QX60’s is a touch screen that makes use of the screen far more intuitive. There’s a redundant rotary controller and push buttons too, for those who prefer it.
Both machines are loaded up with features to ensure passenger comfort, including high-end audio systems, panoramic sunroofs, and head-up driver displays, but Infiniti also throws in massaging front seats topping what are already some of the comfiest thrones available in any car.
Three-row SUVs with plenty of cargo space
With three rows of seats, there’s plenty of space for passengers in both machines. The second row in each SUV is a pair of heated captain’s chairs that offer nearly as much room and comfort as the front seats. In both machines, there’s a sizable console between the rear seats that can be folded in the Infiniti, or removed altogether in the Acura, optimizing utility.
The Acura’s second and third row offer more passenger space than the Infiniti’s, though both are spacious, even for adults, but the MDX also provides a larger cargo hold, too, with rear seats up or folded.
Performance
- Our pick: Acura MDX
- Why we like it: the sportier MDX is more rewarding to drive
While it seems silly to favour a sportier machine in a luxury SUV comparison test, Acura’s MDX is simply more engaging to drive. Both crossovers are powered by 3.5 L, normally-aspirated V6s, with the Acura’s delivering slightly less power and torque, and yet it’s the MDX that feels more engaging and responsive under normal driving and when asked to hustle.
Infiniti has done a great job with the QX60 as well, but its responses have been tuned for smoothness instead of immediacy. In reality, the differences between the two are relatively subtle, but when driven back-to-back, apparent.
Similarly, the Infiniti’s ride is smoother, giving more of an on-a-cloud feel than the Acura, which features a tauter suspension, enabling quicker reactions to driver inputs and better road feel through the steering wheel. And while engine and road noise has been thoroughly suppressed in both SUVs, the Acura hushes wind noise better than the Infiniti.
Buyers looking to haul a trailer with their SUV will want to factor in the QX60’s maximum tow rating of 2,722 kg (6,000 lbs) versus the Acura’s 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) limit.
For a full idea of on-road performance and drive impressions for both SUVs, you can check out our reviews here:
Verdict & specs: three-row SUV performance or looks?
On paper these two three-row luxury SUVs are very closely matched with similar dimensions, drivetrains, efficiency and capabilities. In reality, there are key differences between the two in the way they go about their mission that sets them notably apart.
The Acura offers surprising driving engagement for such a large utility vehicle – a trait that may not be appreciated by most buyers in this segment. Meanwhile, Infiniti’s new QX60 looks sensational inside and out, offers more luxury and features, for a slightly better price, making it a tremendous value. Throw in the superior towing capability and a more usable driver interface and the Infiniti becomes a decisive winner in this test.
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Specs: Acura MDX vs Infiniti QX60
|
Acura MDX Platinum Elite |
Infiniti QX60 Autograph |
|
|
Base Price |
$68,900 |
$67,995 |
|
Engine |
3.5L V6 |
3.5L V6 |
|
Transmission |
10-speed automatic |
9-speed automatic |
|
Drivetrain |
All-wheel-drive |
All-wheel-drive |
|
Peak Horsepower |
290 hp |
295 hp |
|
Peak Torque |
267 lb-ft |
270 lb-ft |
|
Fuel Economy |
12.6 / 9.4 / 11.2 L/100 km cty/hwy/cmb |
11.9 / 9.5 / 10.8 L/100 km cty/hwy/cmb |
|
Cargo Space behind 3rd Row |
512.5 L |
411 L |
|
Cargo Space behind 2nd Row |
1,367.7 L |
1,178 L |
|
Cargo Space behind 1st Row |
2,690.1 L |
2,135 L |
|
Towing Capacity |
2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) |
2,722 kg (6,000 lbs) |
|
Standard wheel - inches |
20-inch |
20-inch |
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