Compare the2023 Acura MDXVS 2022 Infiniti QX60

Both the MDX and the QX60 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front wheel drive, 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, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its standard headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the MDX its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2022, a rating granted to only 81 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The QX60 has not been tested, yet.

Acura pays for scheduled maintenance on the MDX for 2 years and 24,000 miles. Acura will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Infiniti doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the QX60.

There are over 33 percent more Acura dealers than there are Infiniti dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the MDX’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the MDX’s reliability 31 points higher than the QX60.

The MDX Type S’ standard 3.0 turbo V6 produces 60 more horsepower (355 vs. 295) and 84 lbs.-ft. more torque (354 vs. 270) than the QX60’s 3.5 DOHC V6.

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the MDX’s fuel efficiency. The QX60 doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The MDX has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The QX60 doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

A 10-speed automatic is standard on the Acura MDX, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a nine-speed automatic is available for the QX60.

For better stopping power the MDX Type S’ brake rotors are larger than those on the QX60:

For better traction, the MDX Type S’ tires are larger than the largest tires available on the QX60 (275/40R21 vs. 255/50R20).

The MDX’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the QX60’s standard 60 series tires. The MDX Type S’ tires have a lower 40 series profile than the QX60 Luxe/Sensory/Autograph’s 50 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the MDX has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the QX60. The MDX Type S’ 21-inch wheels are larger than the 20-inch wheels on the QX60 Luxe/Sensory/Autograph.

Having a flat tire is dangerous, inconvenient and expensive. The self-sealing tires available on the MDX can automatically seal most punctures up to 3/16 of an inch, effectively preventing most flat tires. The QX60 doesn’t offer self-sealing tires.

The MDX offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The QX60’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The MDX Type S has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The MDX’s height leveling suspension allows the driver to raise ride height for better off-road clearance and then lower it again for easier entering and exiting and better on-road handling. The QX60 doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

The MDX SH-AWD handles at .82 G’s, while the QX60 Sensory AWD pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The MDX SH-AWD executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the QX60 Sensory AWD (27.2 seconds @ .63 average G’s vs. 28 seconds @ .6 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the MDX has a greater minimum ground clearance than the QX60 (7.3 vs. 6.7 inches), allowing the MDX to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The MDX Type S’ minimum ground clearance is 2.7 inches higher than on the QX60 (9.4 vs. 6.7 inches).

The MDX uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The QX60 doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

The MDX has .5 inches more front hip room, 1.3 inches more front shoulder room, .6 inches more rear headroom, .8 inches more rear legroom, 1.1 inches more rear hip room, .6 inches more rear shoulder room, .5 inches more third row headroom and 1.1 inches more third row legroom than the QX60.

The MDX’s cargo area provides more volume than the QX60.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Acura service is better than Infiniti. J.D. Power ranks Acura 6th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 9% lower rating, Infiniti is ranked 9th.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the MDX to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The QX60 doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Acura MDX has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Only the QX60 Sensory/Autograph offers wireless charging.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Acura MDX, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Infiniti QX60 isn't recommended.

The Acura MDX outsold the Infiniti QX60 by over six to one during the 2021 model year.