2020 Acura MDX vs 2019 INFINITI QX50

The 2019 INFINITI QX50 was wider and taller than its predecessor, offering two extra inches of ground clearance and more interior space. The trunk expanded to 31.4 cubic feet, thanks to modular rear seats that both slid and reclined. Despite these changes, rear legroom remained ample, even for a 6’4” individual, although the panoramic sunroof slightly compromised headroom. The redesigned interior was spacious, attractive, and filled with high-quality materials, featuring a new infotainment system and a remarkably quiet cabin, aided by a noise-canceling system.

The base “Pure” trim of the QX50 started at $36,550 and included LED headlights, a hands-free liftgate, keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone auto climate controls, power front seats, and a forward-collision warning and mitigation system. The “Luxe” trim, priced at $39,400, added LED fog lights, a panoramic sunroof, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a blind-spot monitoring system. The top-tier “Essential” trim, at $43,350, included navigation, 3-zone climate controls, auto wipers, parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, and leather seats. Additional packages like the $7,500 Sensory package and the ProPilot assist system offered advanced tech and luxury features, pushing the price of a fully equipped model to $55,285.

The 2020 Acura MDX, while not groundbreaking in its styling, presented a sleek and low-slung profile with chiseled details and a fast roofline. Its signature Jewel Eye LED headlights added a rich look to the front, flanking a trapezoidal grille with a prominent Acura logo. The interior was modern and simple, with a high-quality level of material selection and superior fit and finish. The center stack featured twin infotainment screens, an 8.0-inch LED screen for navigation, and an On Demand Multi-Use Display (ODMD) touchscreen.

The MDX’s interior felt solid and well-built, with knobs and switches that actuated with authority. The three-row SUV offered sliding and reclining second-row seats for easier access to the third row, and headroom was good in all three rows. The cargo space was versatile, with 15.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 43.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 90.9 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded flat. The MDX also featured a flexible center console, multiple storage options, and tri-zone climate control, making it a practical and stylish choice for families.

The 2019 INFINITI QX50 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, the world’s first mass-produced variable-compression engine. This innovative engine could vary its compression ratio between 8:1 and 14:1, aiming for either maximum power or efficiency. However, the engine's 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque were less impressive in practice, with a 0-60 time of 6.4 seconds, slower than the outgoing V6. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) was a significant drawback, struggling to manage the power effectively and resulting in a frustrating driving experience, especially around town.

The QX50’s EPA-estimated fuel economy of 24 city and 31 highway miles per gallon was not particularly outstanding, despite being 35% more efficient than the previous engine. The ride quality leaned towards comfort, but the Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS) system, which lacked a mechanical connection between the steering wheel and tires, was inconsistent and difficult to get used to. Overall, the QX50’s performance was a mixed bag, with innovative technology hampered by execution issues.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain options: a naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a Sport Hybrid model with a 3.0-liter V6 engine and three electric motors, delivering a combined 321 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The gasoline-only model with Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system provided good straight-line performance and nimble handling, thanks to torque-vectoring technology.

The MDX’s four-wheel independent suspension absorbed road imperfections well, making it a comfortable companion for long drives. The SH-AWD system seamlessly directed power to the outside rear wheel during cornering, enhancing stability and handling. The MDX’s performance was impressive, with a well-behaved transmission and a smooth, confident driving experience.

The 2019 INFINITI QX50’s interior was high-quality, with pleasing materials and ample space. However, the abundance of tech and controls made the dash look cluttered and confusing. The infotainment system suffered from input delays, causing frustration, especially with the navigation system. The shifter’s unconventional “PARK” button placement behind the shifter was a safety concern, as it could easily lead to accidental gear selection errors.

The 2020 Acura MDX, designed as a family-friendly three-row SUV, offered sliding and reclining second-row seats for easier access to the third row. The cargo space was versatile, with 15.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 43.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 90.9 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded flat. The MDX featured multiple storage options, including a flexible center console, door panel pockets, and underfloor storage. Tri-zone climate control added to the comfort, making the MDX a practical and stylish choice for families.

The 2019 INFINITI QX50 offered advanced safety tech through the $2,000 ProActive package, including intelligent cruise, blind-spot intervention, lane-departure warning and intervention, and ProPilot assist. However, these features were only available on the top-tier Essential trim, making them inaccessible to those opting for lower trims. The base QX50 was well-equipped with standard tech features, but the infotainment system’s input delays were a significant drawback.

The 2020 Acura MDX simplified its trim levels into packages, each filled with technology features. The base MDX included Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, SMS/MMS text message and email capability, a CD/MP3 player, five USB ports, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an eight-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added rain-sensing windshield wipers, LED puddle lights, parking sensors, navigation, GPS-linked climate control, remote engine start, and a premium audio system. The Advance Package included additional tech features like the Active Damper System suspension, LED fog lights, heated and ventilated front seats, a surround-view camera system, and Head-Up Warning. The Entertainment Package added a DVD rear entertainment system with a 110-volt power outlet and wireless headphones.

The 2019 INFINITI QX50’s safety features were limited to higher trims, with the base trim lacking even a blind-spot monitoring system. The QX50 had not been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), making it difficult to assess its overall safety performance.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with standard AcuraWatch, a suite of passive and active safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and the Advance Package included Head-Up Warning. The MDX’s sophisticated body design, called “Next-Generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure,” was designed to absorb impact in a crash. The MDX received high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with top marks in most categories.