Compare the2022 Infiniti QX55VS 2021 Acura RDX

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The QX55 has standard Rear Automatic Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The RDX doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the QX55. But it costs extra on the RDX.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the QX55 has a standard cross-path warning system, which uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. Cross-path warning costs extra on the RDX.

Both the QX55 and the RDX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras and available around view monitors.

The QX55 comes with a full 4-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The RDX’s 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty expires 10,000 miles sooner.

The QX55’s corrosion warranty is 2 years longer than the RDX’s (7 vs. 5 years).

The RDX’s redline is at 7000 RPM, which causes more engine wear, and a greater chance of a catastrophic engine failure. The QX55 has a 6000 RPM redline.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2020 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Infiniti vehicles are better in initial quality than Acura vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Infiniti 15th in initial quality. With 12 more problems per 100 vehicles, Acura is ranked 23rd.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Infiniti vehicles are more reliable than Acura vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Infiniti 17 places higher in reliability than Acura.

The QX55 has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The RDX doesn’t offer a CVT.

For better stopping power the QX55’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the RDX:

The QX55’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the RDX are solid, not vented.

For better traction, the QX55 has larger tires than the RDX (255/45R20 vs. 235/55R19).

The QX55’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the RDX’s standard 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the QX55 has standard 20-inch wheels. Smaller 19-inch wheels are standard on the RDX.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the QX55 can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The RDX doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the QX55’s wheelbase is 1.9 inches longer than on the RDX (110.2 inches vs. 108.3 inches).

For better maneuverability, the QX55’s turning circle is 2.5 feet tighter than the RDX’s (36.4 feet vs. 38.9 feet).

For greater off-road capability the QX55 has a greater minimum ground clearance than the RDX (8.6 vs. 8.2 inches), allowing the QX55 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The QX55 has .3 inches more front headroom, .6 inches more front hip room, .3 inches more rear legroom, 3.9 inches more rear hip room and .5 inches more rear shoulder room than the RDX.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the QX55’s rear seats recline. The RDX’s rear seats don’t recline.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Infiniti service is better than Acura. J.D. Power ranks Infiniti third in service department satisfaction. With a 20% lower rating, Acura is ranked 6th.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the QX55 (except Luxe) offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The RDX doesn’t offer cornering lights.