2021 INFINITI QX50 vs 2020 Acura MDX

The 2020 Acura MDX was a sleek and stylish three-row SUV, though its design was not particularly groundbreaking. It blended in well without drawing much attention, yet it maintained a sophisticated appearance. The Jewel Eye LED headlights added a touch of luxury and functionality, flanking a trapezoidal grille with a prominent Acura logo. The MDX's low-slung profile and chiseled details gave it a refined look, while the interior was modern and simple, featuring twin infotainment screens and high-quality materials that contributed to a solid and well-built feel.

In contrast, the 2021 INFINITI QX50 stood out with its distinctive design and engineering. The large honeycomb grille and athletic hood bulges gave it a sporty appearance, while the unique chrome strip at the rear added character. The panoramic moonroof brightened the cabin, enhancing the spacious feel. However, thick B-pillars and a short rear window slightly hindered visibility. Inside, the QX50 featured soft-touch materials, aluminum trim accents, and a leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel. The front seats offered heating and cooling, adding to the overall comfort and luxury of the cabin.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain options: a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet 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 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. The gasoline-only model with Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) provided good straight-line performance and nimble handling, thanks to torque-vectoring technology. The MDX's four-wheel independent suspension ensured a comfortable ride, making it a reliable choice for long drives.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 featured a single powertrain option: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The QX50's VC-Turbo engine adjusted the compression ratio for optimal power and efficiency. The CVT provided a smooth and quiet operation, with simulated shift points for a more familiar driving experience. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The QX50's drive mode selector offered four modes—Standard, Sport, Eco, and Personal—allowing drivers to customize their driving experience. Sport mode enhanced responsiveness, while Eco mode prioritized fuel efficiency.

The 2020 Acura MDX excelled in interior space and functionality. It featured sliding and reclining second-row seats for easy access to the third row, with good headroom in all three rows. The cargo area offered 15.8 cubic feet of space 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. The MDX also provided ample storage options, including a large glove box, center console bin, and door pockets. Tri-zone climate control ensured comfort for all passengers.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50, despite being a compact vehicle, felt spacious inside. It offered ample hip, shoulder, and headroom, even with the panoramic moonroof. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed 38.7 inches of legroom, and the sliding second-row seats allowed for flexible cargo space. The cargo area provided 31.1 cubic feet of space behind the second row, expanding to 64.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The QX50 also featured numerous storage bins, cupholders, and charging options, including USB ports and a 12-volt charging port.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with a range of technology features, organized into packages. The base model 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 features like 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 such as a surround-view camera system, Head-Up Warning, and third-row USB charge ports. The Entertainment Package offered a rear entertainment system with a 110-volt power outlet and wireless headphones.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 featured the InTouch infotainment system with dual display screens—an 8-inch upper LCD/VGA and a 7-inch lower color unit. It included voice recognition, Infiniti InTouch Services, and a suite of connected services. Pairing a smartphone via Bluetooth was easy, and Apple CarPlay integration worked seamlessly. The 16-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system delivered excellent sound quality. The QX50 also came with ProPilot Assist, an advanced driving assistance system that combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, enhancing the driving experience on long trips.

The 2020 Acura MDX was equipped with AcuraWatch, a suite of 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 and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Advance Package included Head-Up Warning. The MDX also featured a rearview camera, front and side airbags, stability control, Trailer Stability Assist, tire pressure monitoring, LATCH child-seat mounts, and a theft-deterrent system. The MDX received high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 offered a comprehensive set of standard safety features, including blind-spot warning, predictive forward-collision warning, forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking, automatic collision notification, emergency call, rearview monitor, hill-start assist, and high-beam assist. Higher trim levels added lane-departure prevention, blind-spot intervention, and traffic sign recognition. The QX50 received high safety ratings from the IIHS and a four-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.