2021 INFINITI QX50 vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the A-Spec Package, presented a sleek and sporty appearance without excessive embellishments. Its design changes were subtle yet effective, conveying a sense of sportiness without overpromising on performance. Acura avoided the rugged off-road look, focusing instead on a design meant for daily driving and road trips. The A-Spec trim, positioned in the middle of the RDX's hierarchy, offered a sporty interior with features like front sport seats, a sport steering wheel, and unique gauges, though the red-on-silver gauge markings were difficult to read.

In contrast, the 2021 INFINITI QX50 stood out with its distinctive design and engineering, particularly its VC-Turbo engine. The QX50's large honeycomb grille and athletic hood bulges gave it a sporty look, while the rear featured a unique chrome strip. The interior felt spacious, enhanced by a panoramic moonroof, though visibility was slightly hindered by thick B-pillars. The QX50's cabin boasted soft-touch materials and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, with controls that were generally intuitive, though the gear shift system was a mix of traditional and modern elements.

The 2021 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered an optional SH-AWD system, enhancing handling and driving enjoyment. The RDX's Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to select from various driving modes, adjusting powertrain and suspension settings. The A-Spec trim included exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels and performance tires, though it lacked adaptive dampers, which could have improved ride quality on uneven roads.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50, on the other hand, offered a single powertrain option: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The QX50's VC-Turbo engine adjusted compression ratios for a balance of power and efficiency. The CVT provided a smooth driving experience, with simulated shift points for a more conventional feel. The QX50 offered a drive mode selector with Standard, Sport, Eco, and Personal modes, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience to their preferences. The AWD system provided reassurance on slippery surfaces, though the QX50 was primarily designed for on-road use.

The 2021 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered impressive passenger and cargo space. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with 12-way power adjustment and heating and ventilation in the A-Spec trim. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised by a low and flat cushion, affecting leg support. The RDX's cargo area measured 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 58.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. Additional storage compartments under the cargo floor added practicality.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 provided a spacious interior with 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 space management. The cargo area offered 31.1 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, expanding to 64.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The optional Cargo package added practical features like a reversible cargo area protector and cargo nets.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad instead of a touchscreen. While it mirrored the screen layout, it required a learning curve and could be distracting. The RDX included physical controls for stereo and climate settings, along with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice recognition. The A-Spec trim boasted a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D audio system, delivering excellent sound quality.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 came with the InTouch infotainment system, featuring dual display screens and voice recognition. It offered seamless smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and a 16-speaker Bose audio system. The QX50's navigation system was less intuitive than using CarPlay, but the Around View Monitor and ProPilot Assist added convenience and safety. ProPilot Assist combined adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance, enhancing long-distance driving comfort.

The 2021 Acura RDX was equipped with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available with the Technology Package. The RDX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four stars for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 offered a comprehensive set of standard safety features, including blind-spot warning, forward-collision warning, and pedestrian detection. Lane-departure prevention and blind-spot intervention were standard on higher trims. The QX50 received a four-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA, while the IIHS awarded it Good ratings for crash protection and a Superior rating for front crash prevention.