2019 INFINITI QX50 vs 2019 Acura MDX

The 2019 INFINITI QX50 had undergone significant changes when compared to its previous iterations. It was wider and taller, providing two extra inches of ground clearance, which translated into a more spacious interior. The trunk space expanded by 13 cubic feet, delivering 31.4 cubic feet of total space behind modular rear seats that could slide and recline. Impressively, the rear legroom had not been compromised, allowing even a 6’4” individual to sit comfortably in the back. However, the panoramic sunroof brought the headliner a bit too close for comfort. The interior of the QX50 had been redesigned, boasting high-quality materials and a new infotainment system set in a quiet cabin partly due to noise-cancelling technology. Conversations at highway speeds were effortless. Starting at $36,550 for the base “Pure” trim, it offered LED headlights, a hands-free liftgate, keyless ignition, and entry as standard features. Upgrading to the “Luxe” trim provided additional features like LED fog lights, a panoramic sunroof, and blind-spot monitoring, all for $39,400. The top-tier “Essential” trim, priced at $43,350, included navigation, 3-zone climate controls, auto wipers, and a 360-degree camera. It also offered real leather seats. This trim was the gateway to coveted options like the $7,500 Sensory package, which added heated and cooled seats, a Bose stereo, and adaptive LED headlights. Additional safety packages were available, including ProPilot Assist, a mild autonomous system assisting in steering, acceleration, and braking. My test vehicle, equipped with the Sensory, ProASSIST, and ProACTIVE packages, totaled $55,285. Conversely, the 2019 Acura MDX maintained its dominance in the midsize, 3-row crossover segment. For over a decade, it was the go-to option with few competitors. The 2019 MDX introduced the A-Spec Package trim, improved interior materials, an adaptive damping suspension with the Advance Package, and transmission modifications. My A-Spec trim test vehicle came with the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, priced at $55,795. It featured a unique front bumper design, Shark Gray 20-inch wheels, and a mix of dark chrome and gloss black trim elements. Inside, it had heated and ventilated front seats upholstered in red leather and black Alcantara suede, a sporty steering wheel with paddle shifters, and red instrument panel illumination. The MDX's interior maintained a sense of luxury with a dual-cowl dashboard design and high-quality materials. The A-Spec’s special seats added a touch of colorful whimsy and Japanese practicality.

The driving experience of these two vehicles differed notably. The QX50's highlight was its turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine featuring a variable-compression mechanism. It boasted 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. However, despite the technological innovation, its 6.4-second 0-60 time was a second slower than the outgoing V6 model. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) was one of the weakest links, often feeling confused and unresponsive, especially at lower speeds. The QX50's ride shifted more towards comfort, sacrificing some sportiness, with steering through the Direct Adaptive Steering system feeling disconnected and inconsistent. In terms of fuel efficiency, the QX50’s EPA-estimated 24 city and 31 highway miles per gallon barely outpaced competitors’ traditional turbo-4 engines. The combined rating of 27 MPG and real-world test figures around 24 MPG were underwhelming. Adding all-wheel drive further reduced efficiency. The 2019 Acura MDX, on the other hand, came standard with a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The optional SH-AWD system, essential for the A-Spec Package, enhanced performance with torque vectoring and improved weight distribution. The MDX Sport Hybrid model, featuring a 3.0-liter V6 engine and three electric motors, produced 321 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque. It offered improved city fuel economy and a more engaging driving experience. My A-Spec test model demonstrated quick acceleration and resolved previous issues with the 9-speed automatic transmission, providing solid, predictable handling. Despite some initial brake fade during aggressive driving, the MDX handled well under most conditions. The A-Spec returned 19.7 MPG in real-world tests, slightly below its EPA rating of 21 MPG in combined driving.

The 2019 INFINITI QX50 offered a mixed bag in terms of interior design. While the cabin materials were high quality and visually appealing, the overall layout felt cluttered due to the abundance of tech features. The use of multiple screens, buttons, and dials for controls often created confusion. The infotainment system had notable input delays and inconsistency, particularly in the navigation system. The unconventional placement of the Park button behind the shifter also posed a safety concern. The Acura MDX, by comparison, had a more practical and comfortable interior. The front seats provided excellent cushioning and support, with a wide, adjustable center armrest. The GPS-linked triple-zone climate control was a standout feature, pleasing both adults and children. The second-row seats were spacious and suitable for adults. However, the third-row seats were less practical for everyday use, better suited for occasional passengers. In terms of cargo capacity, the MDX excelled with 38.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row seats, expandable to 68.4 cubic feet with the second row folded down. When the third row was in use, it offered 15 cubic feet of cargo space. The QX50’s trunk provided 31.4 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, which was modular but fell short of the MDX’s capacity.

The 2019 INFINITI QX50 offered a wealth of technology and safety features, but with a caveat. To access advanced safety tech like intelligent cruise control, blind-spot intervention, and lane-departure warning, one needed to opt for the $2,000 ProACTIve package on the top-tier Essential trim. This pushed the starting price for these features to at least $45,900. Despite these limitations, even the base model came well equipped with standard technological features. The Acura MDX received an updated infotainment system in the previous model year, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the dual-screen layout still felt outdated and confusing. The upper screen, used for navigation and vehicle settings, was operated via buttons and a knob, while the lower touchscreen handled radio and secondary climate controls. The system had shortcomings, such as small screen sizes and a subpar voice-recognition system. It often took time to adjust to the dual-screen setup, which could be frustrating.

Safety was an area where the 2019 QX50 lagged behind due to the limited availability of advanced safety features across trim levels. The INFINITI had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, which made it difficult to assess its safety performance comprehensively. The Acura MDX, on the other hand, had impressive crash-test ratings, and the 2019 model included the AcuraWatch suite of safety systems as standard across all trims. However, a blind-spot monitoring system and rear cross-traffic alert were only available in the Technology Package. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with Acceptable ratings for headlight performance and child safety seat anchor accessibility.