2020 Acura RDX vs 2021 INFINITI QX50

The 2020 Acura RDX closely resembled its 2019 predecessor, maintaining its status as one of the best-looking vehicles in its segment. The imposing grille and rakish headlights replaced the outdated "beak" grille, while the large logo within the grille, though comically oversized, fit well within the overall design. The upper character line swooped from the windshield to the rear hatch, intersected by another line that created a spoiler-like appearance. Inside, the RDX featured sharp, precise styling with eye-catching red leather upholstery, creating a strong red-and-black contrast. Standard features included synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power moonroof, and a 10.2-inch infotainment screen. The A-Spec model added visual upgrades like unique 20-inch wheels and ventilated front seats, while the Advance Package offered rain-sensing wipers, heated rear seats, and ambient cabin lighting.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 stood out in the luxury compact crossover segment with its distinctive design and engineering. The large honeycomb grille and athletic-looking hood bulges gave it a sporty appearance, further emphasized by the forward view from the driver's seat. The rear featured a unique chrome strip reminiscent of a lightning bolt, adding character to the design. The panoramic moonroof brightened the cabin and offered stunning views. However, thick B-pillars and a short rear window opening slightly hindered visibility. The Sensory AWD model came with 20-inch alloy wheels and all-season run-flat tires. Inside, the QX50 boasted an attractive cabin with soft-touch materials, aluminum trim accents, and a leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel. The front seats offered heating and cooling, enhancing comfort in various weather conditions.

The 2020 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided solid acceleration and a great engine note. Power was routed through a 10-speed automatic transmission to either the front wheels or the available Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD). The 10-speed auto managed power well, aiding both fuel economy and performance driving. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose from Comfort, Snow, Sport, and Sport-Plus drive modes, adjusting throttle response, shift patterns, steering feel, and power delivery. The A-Spec model with SH-AWD returned an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city, 27 highway, and 24 combined. Despite the large drive-mode dial and proprietary shifter design taking up valuable dash space, the RDX offered fantastic handling and comfort, making it a versatile luxury SUV.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), producing 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The VC-Turbo engine adjusted the compression ratio for optimal power and efficiency. While the engine operated smoothly and quietly, the CVT's simulated shift points provided a more familiar driving experience. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional cost. The QX50's drive mode selector offered Standard, Sport, Eco, and Personal modes, adjusting engine torque, transmission shift points, and steering effort. Sport mode provided brisk acceleration and increased steering effort, while Eco mode conserved fuel but felt sluggish. The QX50 remained composed and stable during various driving conditions, including a long, rainy interstate drive.

The 2020 Acura RDX offered a spacious cabin with comfortable and supportive front seats, ample head- and legroom, and a good driving position. The second row also provided great headroom and decent legroom. The front row featured large water bottle holders in the doors and center console, while the second row had a fold-down center console with cup holders. The RDX had 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 58.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The cargo area was easily accessible, with a helpful cubby and a hidden cargo area beneath the load floor.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 felt spacious inside, with plenty of hip and shoulder room in both the front and rear seats. Headroom was ample, even with the panoramic moonroof. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed 38.7 inches of legroom, allowing for comfortable seating. The sliding second-row seats enabled owners to maximize either rear-seat legroom or cargo space. The cargo area offered 31.1 cubic feet of space behind the second-row seats, expanding to 64.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. Vehicles without the moonroof had slightly more cargo space. The QX50 also featured numerous cupholders, storage bins, and charging options, including USB ports and a 12-volt charging port.

The 2020 Acura RDX's infotainment system was a letdown, despite its vivid widescreen display. The True Touchpad Interface, similar to the Lexus Remote Touch trackpad, lacked the ability to scroll from item to item, making it cumbersome to use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard but not optimized for the touchpad. Other standard tech features included Bluetooth, two USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and a 9-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added two more USB ports, navigation, and the ELS premium audio system. The A-Spec model featured the ELS Studio 3D premium sound system with 16 speakers, while the Advance Package included a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50's InTouch infotainment system featured dual display screens—an 8-inch upper LCD/VGA and a 7-inch lower color unit. It included voice recognition and Infiniti InTouch Services, offering navigation, entertainment, communications, convenience, and safety features. Pairing a smartphone via Bluetooth was easy, and Apple CarPlay integration worked seamlessly. The 16-speaker Bose Performance Series premium audio system delivered crisp, powerful sound. The QX50 also came with Infiniti's Around View Monitor, making parking less stressful. ProPilot Assist, available on all but the base Pure trim, combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, providing a glimpse of the autonomous driving future.

The 2020 Acura RDX came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, LATCH child-seat mounting systems, a tire pressure monitoring system, hill-start assist, and a rear-view camera. It also included driver-assistance features like lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, road-departure mitigation, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow. The Technology Package added front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic monitoring. The Advance Package included a 360-degree surround-view camera and a rear-view camera washer nozzle. The 2019 RDX received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 offered a comprehensive suite 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. Lane-departure prevention and blind-spot intervention were standard on all but the base Pure trim, while traffic sign recognition was standard on Essential and higher trims. The QX50 received a four-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Good ratings for moderate overlap front and side crash protection from the IIHS. It also earned a Superior rating for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention.