2022 Acura MDX vs. Infiniti QX60: Perfectly Aligned, Definitely Different

While the three-row luxury SUV segment has swelled with new entries over the past few years, perhaps no two models remain more alike than the Acura MDX and the Infiniti QX60. Both focus on delivering a refined driving experience while making the cabin upscale, practical, and comfortable for families, and they each feature naturally aspirated V-6 engines powering front-drive-based chassis. Plus, the difference between their horsepower numbers can be counted with one hand.

The MDX and QX60 are each fresh for 2022, debuting new generations that make them more attractive, modern, and elegant. And with so many similarities and competitive pricing, it was a clear priority to see how they stack up head to head. So, which of these luxury SUVs is the better choice?

The Acura MDX has been around for more than two decades, and it's proven over that time to be a popular model for the brand and luxury SUV buyers in general. The 2022 Acura MDX marks the start of the fourth generation, debuting a new platform, a fresh design, and an updated interior. With a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that makes 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, our MDX Advance sent its power through the standard 10-speed automatic and on to the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system, which can send up to 70 percent of the torque to the rear axle. It can also shuffle up to 100 percent of that torque to either rear wheel, enhancing handling and stability in slippery conditions. At $62,495, with the Advance package, it packs plenty of features for your buck.

Similarly, the Infiniti QX60 has been its brand's biggest seller. Even though the last time it received an update was back in 2016, the three-row SUV traded on curvaceous design and a spacious interior. Although the QX60 didn't receive an all-new platform or engine as part of its 2022 redesign, Infiniti did work to fix some of its primary shortcomings. The 3.5-liter V-6 is a carry-over from the current model, and it continues to make 295 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, but the unpleasant CVT transmission was dropped in favor of a nine-speed automatic. And there was plenty of effort expended inside and out to make the 2022 Infiniti QX60 more sophisticated, sharper looking, and fully updated in terms of technology and overall feel. Our $62,470 QX60 Sensory AWD sits just below the top Autograph trim, but it bundles plenty of comfort features.

This pair couldn't be closer in price, power, and position in the market.

With both SUVs producing just about the same power, you'd expect they both have about the same acceleration. And that's mostly true, though the MDX feels a bit sportier in how it delivers its muscle than the QX60, offering an emphatic engine sound. And with a firmer suspension, the Acura is more responsive on twisty roads. Its transmission downshifts quicker and holds gears longer, and its steering feels slightly heavier, which helps imbue the MDX with a more agile, eager feel.

This doesn't mean the QX60 feels sluggish, but you can tell Infiniti focused more on luxury and comfort. On canyon roads, the Infiniti is planted, but its slightly taller gearing and more relaxed transmission shifting mean the QX60 takes a beat or two longer to build momentum before delivering full-strength acceleration. A look at our test data backs up these impressions. From 0-30 mph, the MDX is slightly quicker, but above 50 mph the QX60 takes the lead.

"This is a fairly smooth riding three-row SUV," said technical director Frank Markus after taking the QX60 through the ride road at Honda's Proving Center—a loop that mimics broken pavement, undulations, bumps, and ruts. Markus noted a lack of ultimate refinement from the suspension but the ride feels polished overall. Other editors noted its strong performance on the varied surfaces at its home turf. "It handled well on the winding track for a bigger vehicle, had more than enough power, and did really well over the ride road's rougher sections," said director of shared services Mike Floyd.

The MDX has an advantage over the QX60 thanks to its control arm front suspension, which offers a bit more control and quicker responses while cornering than the strut setup of the QX60. But re-tuning the Infiniti's setup for the 2022 model paid off with increased confidence, and a comfortable, composed ride. We ultimately prefer the immediacy with which the MDX drives, but it's a close call, and we wouldn't fault the shopper who prefers the more relaxed philosophy of the QX60.

As similar as the MDX and QX60 are in concept, their interiors are quite different. The QX60 boasts a cleaner look, with a button-free 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen sitting atop the dashboard. The haptic HVAC controls located below the center air vents also give the QX60 a fresh design—you have to press hard to use them, and we still prefer traditional physical controls, but they look modern. We're glad, however, that Infiniti retained knobs to control the audio volume as well as the driver and front passenger temperatures.

We also like the look and usability of the center console. Designers split it in two, leaving the driver's side with all the controls and shifter, while the other side is reserved for cubbies and cupholders. A short shift lever contributes to the cabin's airy feel, and the use of aluminum throughout imparts an upscale look. If you prefer to use the rotary knob to control the infotainment touchscreen, it's conveniently located next to the driver.

The MDX places a 12.3-inch infotainment atop the dashboard, but it must be controlled via a touchpad located on the center console—no touchscreen here. The center stack is also packed with hard buttons, and an enormous knob used to select the drive mode takes up a ton of real estate. Shifting is done via buttons, leaving open space above the center tunnel, but between the HVAC controls, the shifter, and the buttons in the center stack, it feels like the MDX's front cabin is crowded.

Our MDX Advanced was fitted with a handsome tri-tone interior lined with plenty of leather, wood, and aluminum throughout. Its high-resolution, all-digital instrument cluster, a first for Acura, is well executed, and we're fans of the graphics that show other cars around you when the adaptive cruise control is on, a concept pioneered by Tesla but which has since been adapted by other brands. The Acura is a pleasant and comfortable enough SUV in which to pass the miles, but we give the nod to the Infiniti for its more premium feel and cleaner design approach.

Beyond the front seats, it's easier to access the Infiniti's second row thanks to its doors that open to nearly 90 degrees. Both SUVs' second-row seats are comfortable and have plenty of head- and legroom, and both offer easy recline ability. Second-row passengers have access to two USB ports and can enjoy heated seats in each of our entrants, but we preferred the QX60's higher seating position and ceiling-mounted rear air vents . The MDX's air vents are located on the back of the center console, making them knee-coolers.

Getting into the third row is easy on both crossovers: Press and hold a button on the second row and the seats will move out of the way to create ample space to get in. But once you make it back, the Infiniti's wayback is noticeably more comfortable. The low ceiling in the Acura makes headroom tight, and those who are six feet tall or more will need to tilt their head sideways in order to fit. That's not the case in the QX60, which has more headroom. Infiniti also included air vents on the ceiling for those sitting on the third row, something the Acura lacks. Although both serve up two USB connections for third-row passengers, the hard plastics and cheaper materials each of these companies apply as you make your way back are evident. "In general, I seemed to notice the hard plastics less in the QX60, perhaps because I'm distracted by the panoramic roof above," said associate online editor Bob Hernandez. The Infiniti's third row features power recline, while the Acura has only a manual setup. While we recognize that it's easy and effortless to stow the Acura's third-row seats or put them in the upright position, there's nothing easier than pushing a button as you can in the Infiniti.

As vehicles that cater to families, the MDX and QX60 should excel in terms of safety and they do—for the most part. Acura's parent company, Honda, has started baking advanced safety equipment into every model, and the luxury arms has followed suit in now making Acura Watch standard in the MDX. This means every model gets driver assistance technologies such as adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking and traffic jam assist, among others. While the lane keep assist worked relatively well, the adaptive cruise control didn't hold the selected speed on downhill sections. We set the speed at 55 mph, but the MDX routinely allowed us to travel way beyond that speed when cruising down a grade with no one in front, something particularly unusual for a Honda/Acura.

Infiniti, on the other hand, has a smaller number of standard safety features in the QX60 and reserves the full boat of such equipment for the top three trims. Every QX60 comes with front and rear automatic emergency braking, rear cross traffic alert, and blind spot warning. But ProPilot Assist, which is a semi-autonomous driving feature that works best on the highway, where it will follow the car in front and also keep the QX60 centered in its lane, requires you to step up. Our Sensory model with ProPilot was superb on the same stretch of road as the MDX, and it held speeds when going downhill. Engaging ProPilot is easy—simply press and hold the blue button on the steering wheel and the QX60 will maintain the cruising speed while staying centered on its lane. From there, the driver can adjust the speed and following distance to the car in front.

The MDX scored a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS—the highest safety honor. The QX60 hasn't been safety rated by the IIHS or the NHTSA, but the previous generation was a Top Safety Pick according to the former and received five stars from the latter.

As mentioned, each of these SUVs are within a few hundred bucks of each other, and each comes well equipped from the start; in addition to the items discussed above, each has a head-up display, front heated and ventilated seats, premium audio systems (a Bose 17-speaker setup for the Infiniti; an ELS 16-speaker system for the Acura), Android Auto, and wireless Apple CarPlay.

Choosing a winner proved difficult. Both drive well, provide premium experiences, and are essentially equipped the same. The QX60 better leverages its interior space—especially in the third row—and extra conveniences like the powered third row and wide-opening rear doors are further advantages. From its sporty engine note to its more vivacious driving manners, the Acura is more fun behind the wheel, but holistically speaking, the Infiniti is simply a better three-row luxury SUV.