2022 INFINITI QX60 vs 2023 Acura MDX

Infiniti completely revamped the QX60 for the 2022 model year, introducing a new exterior design, interior, powertrains, and technologies. This redesign paralleled updates to its Nissan cousin, the Pathfinder, as both SUVs utilized the Nissan D platform. The QX60's second generation began with this model, featuring a striking front grille, slim LED headlights, and oversized air intakes. The long hood and steeply-raked windshield added elegance, while blacked-out pillars created a floating roof effect. The top Autograph trim level included a contrasting black roof and 20-inch wheels, enhancing its sophisticated look. However, the chromed panels on the rear fascia of the Autograph trim were a slight misstep, appearing as fake exhaust outlets.

Inside, the QX60 felt spacious and open, with horizontal lines and layers emphasizing this feeling. The Autograph trim level featured quilted leather upholstery on the seats and dash, adding a touch of luxury. The 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display was well-placed for easy driver access, and the TFT instrument panel provided crisp graphics. The center console's hard buttons and controls were intuitive and easy to master. The QX60 models for the U.S. market were built at the Nissan plant in Smyrna, Tennessee, showcasing a high level of craftsmanship and build quality.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S offered standard and Type S versions, each with trim packages that increased equipment levels. The standard MDX came in base, Technology, A-Spec, and Advance packages, while the Type S was available in standard spec or with an Advance package. Prices ranged from $49,550 to $73,200, plus a destination charge of $1,195. The Type S Advance trim, with extra-cost Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid interior, had an MSRP of $74,995. Despite the high price, the MDX Type S fell short of expectations for quality, luxury, and driving dynamism.

The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to wear the Type S badge, featuring chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and 21-inch wheels. The Type S Advance added open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard. However, the body tapering at the doors made it look like the MDX had a massive dent from some angles. The gloss black plastic on the dashboard made it challenging to find and use some controls, and the electronic transmission switchgear was confusing. Despite these issues, the MDX Type S remained a fundamentally attractive luxury SUV.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous CVT, significantly improving the driving experience. The new transmission shifted cleanly and crisply, enhancing acceleration and deceleration. However, it needed some fine-tuning for better kick-down response during passing situations. The familiar 3.5-liter V6 engine, naturally aspirated and direct-injected, produced 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy was estimated at 21 mpg city/26 mpg highway/23 mpg combined for FWD models and 20 mpg city/25 mpg highway/22 mpg combined for AWD models.

The QX60's suspension was reworked, featuring MacPherson struts up front and an independent multilink setup in the rear. Four-wheel ventilated disc brakes, anti-lock braking, and brake assist were standard. The rack-mounted electric power steering assist delivered good feel. The QX60 provided a smooth, serene ride, with generous leg and headroom in the second and third rows. While not designed for off-roading, the QX60 excelled on highways, suburban streets, and valet parking lots.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, generating 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), provided a unique driving experience. The SH-AWD system could direct up to 70 percent of total engine output to a single rear wheel, enhancing cornering and acceleration. The MDX Type S also featured an Integrated Dynamics System with Snow, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes, as well as a Lift mode for increased ground clearance.

Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience. The transmission was indecisive, the ride lacked compliance, and the brake pedal modulation was poor. The engine's power increase over the standard V6 was not substantial, resulting in disappointing fuel economy. During testing, the MDX Type S averaged 16.9 mpg, falling short of the EPA rating of 19 mpg combined. The MDX Type S was more agreeable in Normal mode but still exhibited occasional delays in engine response and unrefined transmission behavior. The turbocharged V6 sounded great when revved but consumed fuel rapidly.

The MDX Type S faced challenges as a driver's SUV, with the transmission often confused in Sport mode and the paddle shifters proving unsatisfying. Sport+ mode improved drivetrain issues but significantly reduced fuel economy. The Electro-Servo brakes, inspired by the NSX, failed to deliver consistent, linear, and predictable pedal feel, making it difficult to trust the MDX Type S when driving enthusiastically. The Continental self-sealing performance all-season tires squealed early, and the suspension lacked compliance in Sport and Sport+ modes. Overall, the MDX Type S lacked the cohesion and predictability expected from a performance model.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60, though not a minivan, offered functionality akin to one, with traditional front-hinged doors and a rear liftgate. The three-row SUV provided ample storage, charging ports, and comfort for all passengers. The front center console featured a cubby for smartphones, cupholders, and covered storage. The shift-by-wire technology allowed for open space beneath the center console, ideal for handbag and device storage.

The second-row seats slid fore and aft to share space between rows, with a 60/40 split bench in lower trims and twin captain's chairs with a removable center console in the Autograph trim. The third row was roomy enough for adults, depending on second-row legroom generosity. 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 rear rows folded. The QX60 had a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, expandable to 6,000 pounds with the towing package.

The 2023 Acura MDX provided three rows of seats with options for two or three second-row seating positions and a spacious cargo area. The Type S Advance trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage, wrapped in quilted leather upholstery. The seats were firm and didn't hold occupants in place as well as expected for a performance-oriented model.

Seven-passenger seating was standard, with a removable center section in the second row for a pass-through to the third row. The second-row seat slid forward and back but didn't provide as much legroom as expected in its rearmost position. The third row was tight for adults, best suited for children. The cabin's design prioritized style over storage space, with a small bin under the front center armrest and limited storage due to the Integrated Dynamics Control knob and transmission buttons on the center console.

The MDX offered 18.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The Type S Advance trim included a hands-free liftgate with a Walk Away Close function, making it convenient for unloading cargo.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 came with impressive standard and available technology. Full LED headlights, running lights, taillamps, and a center high-mounted stop light provided visibility, with adaptive front lighting available on the Autograph trim. A power liftgate, motion-activated on Sensory and Autograph trims, eased rear hatch operation.

The 12.3-inch InTouch Interactive display featured wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity, an AT&T WiFi hotspot, and multiple USB charge points. A wireless charging pad was standard on Sensory and Autograph trims. The navigation system, standard on all but the base Pure trim, used TomTom map data. Infiniti InTouch services offered connectivity features via a smartphone app. The Autograph trim included a 10.8-inch head-up display and a smart rearview mirror, replacing the passive mirror image with a live camera feed. The QX60 also featured a nine-speaker audio system in Pure and Luxe trims, with a 17-speaker Bose Performance series sound system available in Luxe and standard on Sensory and Autograph trims.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a Digital Precision Cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. The infotainment system used a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the center console, accompanied by return and home buttons, a stereo volume knob, and a radio tuning rocker switch. The TTI design, while innovative, had flaws, including a learning curve, reduced center console storage space, and partial obstruction of the wireless charging pad.

The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In. Additional features included SiriusXM satellite radio, a native navigation system, and AcuraLink connected services with a complimentary three-year subscription. The MDX also had a Wi-Fi hotspot, available for an extra cost. The top-shelf Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers provided excellent sound quality. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread speed limits.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the previous generation received high marks. The QX60 included standard safety features such as front- and side-impact airbags, roof-mounted curtain side-impact airbags, knee airbags, and advanced driver assistance systems. ProPilot Assist was standard on all trims except Pure, with additional features like blind-spot intervention, lane-departure warning, and an around-view monitor available.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured Acura Watch, a suite of driving assistance and collision avoidance systems. These included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. The MDX also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it earned four stars for frontal-impact protection.