2022 INFINITI QX60 vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the optional A-Spec Package, was a visually appealing SUV. Its styling changes were subtle yet effective, conveying sportiness without overpromising on acceleration and handling. Acura avoided making the RDX look like an off-roader, focusing instead on its daily driving and road-tripping capabilities. The A-Spec Package added sporty interior elements like front sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, and red ambient cabin lighting, enhancing the overall sporty look and feel of the vehicle.

In contrast, the 2022 INFINITI QX60 underwent a complete makeover, featuring a new exterior design, interior, powertrains, and technologies. The exterior changes resulted in a dramatic and attractive crossover SUV with a prominent grille, slim LED headlights, and oversized air intakes. The interior of the QX60 felt wide and open, with quilted leather upholstery and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The QX60 models displayed a high level of craftsmanship and build quality, as expected from Infiniti vehicles.

The 2021 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and an optional Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which significantly improved handling. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes, adjusting powertrain response, steering effort, and suspension firmness. The RDX A-Spec was equipped with 20-inch alloy wheels and performance all-season tires, enhancing its handling capabilities.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 featured a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. It came with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which provided a superior driving experience compared to the previous CVT. The QX60's suspension was reworked for a smooth and serene ride, with MacPherson struts up front and an independent multilink setup in the rear. The QX60 delivered a comfortable ride for passengers in all three rows, with generous leg and headroom. The vehicle was designed for smooth highways and suburban streets rather than off-road adventures.

The 2021 Acura RDX offered remarkable passenger and cargo space for a compact SUV. The front seats were comfortable and featured 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised due to the need to maximize utility. The cargo area measured 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The RDX also had a deep storage well and three separate storage compartments under the cargo floor.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 catered to all passengers with ample storage, charging ports, and comfort features. The second-row seats could slide fore and aft to share space between rows, and the third row was accessible and comfortable for adults. The QX60 offered 14.5 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, 41.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 75.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. The vehicle also had a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds with the optional towing package.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad on the center console instead of a touchscreen. While the TTI mirrored the screen and was an improvement over similar systems, it still required a learning curve and could be distracting. The A-Spec trim included a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, which provided excellent sound quality.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 came with a 12.3-inch InTouch Interactive display, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto connectivity. It also featured an AT&T WiFi hotspot, multiple USB charge points, and a wireless charging pad. The Autograph trim level included a 10.8-inch head-up display and a smart rearview mirror. The QX60 offered a nine-speaker audio system in the base trims and a 17-speaker Bose Performance series sound system in higher trims.

The 2021 Acura RDX was equipped with AcuraWatch, a collection of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, 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.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 came with a comprehensive set of safety features, including multiple airbags, forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, predictive forward-collision warning, rear automatic braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot warning. ProPilot Assist was standard on all trim levels except Pure. The QX60 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the previous generation received high safety ratings.