2021 INFINITI QX50 vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 made an impactful impression with its unique design and engineering attributes. It featured a prominent honeycomb grille with a curvature and bulges on the hood that evoked a sporty aesthetic. The distinctive forward view from the driver's seat mimicked that of a sports car with a low-slung hood and tall fenders. One of the highlights of the QX50's exterior was a lightning bolt-like chrome strip aft of the C-pillar, adding character to its appearance.

Inside, the QX50 focused on comfort and elegance. The cabin, adorned with soft-touch materials, aluminum trim accents, and a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, offered a luxurious feel. The panoramic moonroof stretched across the entire roof, bringing natural light into the cabin and enhancing the open feel of the interior. The controls were user-friendly, with easy-to-navigate knobs and buttons for radio and climate settings. The seats provided heating and cooling functions, catering to various weather conditions. The presence of exterior elements like thick B-pillars and a shorter rear window necessitated slight improvements in visibility, yet overall, the QX50's aesthetics were appreciable.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura MDX stepped up with a sportier and more modern outlook. Built on a dedicated platform, the MDX flaunted tweaked proportions—a longer wheelbase, overall length, a wider body, and track. The dash-to-axle distance was increased by over four inches, infusing a sense of elegance. The Jewel Eye LED headlights, underlined with linear LED daytime running lights and large wheels, contributed to its assertive demeanor.

The MDX's interiors matched its aggressive exterior vibe. The lower, layered dashboard amplified the cabin's width, contributing to an expansive feel. It boasted authentic materials like natural wood, genuine aluminum, and real leather, supplementing an overall rich aura. One distinctive interior feature was the center console's unique gear selector, resembling a setup from a fighter jet. A meticulously arranged center console housed various controls including a touchpad for infotainment and a rotary drive mode selector. The front seats were ergonomically designed and well-suited for the American physique. The MDX presented an array of vibrant exterior colors and diverse interior themes, lending a personalized touch to potential buyers.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 offered a single powertrain across its lineup—a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The powertrain delivered 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The engine's unique VC-Turbo technology allowed for seamless adjustments between power and efficiency by altering the compression ratio. Despite its technical ingenuity, the average consumer might focus more on the engine’s smoothness and quiet operation, both of which the QX50 successfully delivered.

During evaluation, the CVT performed well, integrating simulated shift points to mimic a conventional transmission, making the driving experience more familiar. The QX50’s drive mode selector allowed customization with Standard, Sport, Eco, and Personal modes, catering to different driving preferences. Sport mode heightened the vehicle's responsiveness and steering effort, while Eco mode, although not impressive in acceleration, improved fuel efficiency for long highway drives. The all-wheel-drive system provided confidence during a rain-soaked interstate journey, ensuring a composed and controlled ride.

The 2022 Acura MDX, on the other hand, was equipped with a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission. The MDX’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, available on higher trims, featured torque vectoring, enhancing cornering control by distributing up to 70% of torque to rear wheels and up to 100% of that torque to either side during turns. This system significantly improved off-the-line performance and cornering feel.

Suspension upgrades in the MDX included a double-wishbone front setup and revised rear multi-link suspension, enhancing sporty handling and ride quality. The steering system featured a variable gear ratio for improved maneuverability at different speeds. A robust body structure increased stiffness and rigidity, minimizing noise and ensuring a smooth ride. The new 10-speed transmission complemented these enhancements, providing smooth and prompt gear shifts.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50's interior prioritized spaciousness and comfort. The interior boasted ample hip, shoulder, and headroom, even with the expansive panoramic moonroof. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed 38.7 inches of legroom, allowing flexibility in seating positions, supported by sliding second-row seats. The cargo area was accommodating, offering 31.1 cubic feet of space behind the second-row seats, expanding to 64.4 cubic feet with seats folded. QX50s without the moonroof provided a tad more cargo volume.

Furthermore, the QX50 came with practical storage solutions, including an optional Cargo package featuring a reversible cargo area protector, cargo blocks, and nets. The numerous cupholders, storage bins, and charging options provided convenience for passengers.

The 2022 Acura MDX offered even more versatility with its three-row seating configuration. The front and second rows were designed for comfort, with the second row featuring a removable center section and reclining capability. The third row, while suitable for younger occupants, made the MDX a practical choice for family use. The MDX’s cargo capacity ranged from 16.3 to 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 39.1 to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded. With both the second and third rows folded, a cavernous space of 71.4 to 95 cubic feet was revealed.

Innovative features like the power tailgate with “Grab ‘N Go,” customizable interior lighting, and extensive USB connectivity across all three rows underscored the MDX’s commitment to convenience and adaptability.

Technology was a significant highlight for the 2021 INFINITI QX50. The InTouch infotainment system featured dual 8-inch and 7-inch touchscreens, voice recognition, and an array of connected services. Pairing smartphones and integrating Apple CarPlay was straightforward, and the Bose Performance Series audio system excelled in sound clarity. However, using the native navigation system was slightly cumbersome compared to the seamless experience offered by Apple CarPlay. Features like the Around View Monitor and ProPilot Assist added to the vehicle's tech-savvy image.

The 2022 Acura MDX came loaded with advanced technology packages. The available ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System, with its 16 speakers and superior sound quality, was a notable feature. All models came with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and configurable digital instrument panel. The inclusion of Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Qi-compatible wireless device charging, and a head-up display put the MDX at the forefront of in-car technology. OTA updates and a WiFi hotspot ensured the vehicle stayed up-to-date with the latest features.

Safety was paramount for the 2021 INFINITI QX50, equipped with extensive standard features like blind-spot warning, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trim levels added lane-departure prevention and blind-spot intervention. The QX50 earned favorable ratings from the IIHS and an impressive four-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Acura MDX aimed for top safety ratings, incorporating more high-strength steel and an advanced safety structure. The front-end redesign improved pedestrian protection and included a low-speed braking control system to avoid collisions. The AcuraWatch suite of safety features, standard on all models, included collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, and more.