Compare the2023 Acura MDXVS 2023 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 and rear seatbelt pretensioners, 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.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Acura MDX is safer than 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 34 points higher than the QX60.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Acura vehicles are better in initial quality than Infiniti vehicles. With 12 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Acura higher than Infiniti.

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.

As tested in Car and Driver the MDX Type S 3.0 turbo V6 is faster than the Infiniti QX60:

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.

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:

The MDX stops shorter than 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 Pure’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 Pure. 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 Type S handles at .87 G’s, while the QX60 Autograph AWD pulls only .85 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver 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.

If the windows are left open on the MDX the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the QX60 can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The MDX has a standard locking fuel door with a remote release located convenient to the driver. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank. The QX60 doesn’t offer a locking fuel door.

Consumer Reports rated the MDX’s headlight performance “Very Good,” a higher rating than the QX60’s headlights, which were rated “Fair.”

Insurance will cost less for the MDX owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the MDX will cost $920 to $2585 less than the QX60 over a five-year period.

The MDX will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the MDX will retain 45.63% to 46.51% of its original price after five years, while the QX60 only retains 43.55% to 44.5%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Acura MDX will be $2292 to $4784 less than for the Infiniti QX60.

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 almost three to one during 2022.