2023 Acura RDX Vs. INFINITI QX55: Luxury SUV Comparison

2023 Acura RDX vs. INFINITI QX55 Performance & Fuel Efficiency Specs

Compare Acura RDX and INFINITI QX55 SUVs, and you'll see some similarities starting things off. Namely, both models have a standard 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine that makes 280 pound-feet of torque and delivers up to an EPA-estimated 22/28 MPG (City/Highway).^{1, 2} However, things vary once you explore the drivetrain.

Where the INFINITI QX55 uses a belt-driven continuously variable transmission (CVT), the Acura RDX sticks to geared longevity and vigor with its 10-speed automatic transmission. This is part of the reason why the Acura RDX vs. INFINITI QX55 towing capacity comparison is such a dramatic loss for the QX55, which is not rated for towing. The Acura RDX can tow up to 1,500 pounds.³

The INFINITI QX55 accelerates more slowly, too. The Acura RDX makes 272 horsepower. With this power put down through a robust transmission, it achieved a 6.2-second 0-60 mph time⁴ during Car and Driver tests. The INFINITI QX55 makes 268 horsepower, which is close, but this power output was only enough to push the QX55 from 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds.⁵ Why go for the slower model when the faster one delivers equal MPG and tows way more?

Another difference between Acura RDX and INFINITI QX55 specs involves all-terrain capabilities. While neither is an off-road brute, you at least want your SUV to be capable enough to cross into some wilder territory. In the Acura RDX, you'll get an ample ground clearance of 8.2 inches to do precisely that. INFINITI does not provide ground clearance measurements for the QX55.

Acura RDX vs. INFINITI QX55 Exterior Dimensions & Interior Space

Another important point on any SUV is how much interior room it offers. These larger vehicles demand a slight drop in agility from their sedan counterparts, so enhanced spaciousness must be a benefit; a more maneuverable exterior design also helps out. If you guessed that the Acura RDX leads the Acura RDX vs. INFINITI QX55 comparison with much more interior room at a near-identical size, you'd be correct.

Acura RDX vs. INFINITI QX55 length measurements are similar, with the Acura RDX being bigger by 1.1 inches. Width is even closer, as both models are within 0.1 inches of each other. Height can vary by trim, but the RDX is generally within 1.9 inches of the QX55.

Both models are two-row, five-seat SUVs. However, the Acura RDX offers 3.8 cubic feet of extra passenger volume and 4.8 cubic feet more rear-seats-down cargo volume. You also get 2.4 inches of extra front legroom compared to an INFINITI QX55, along with more headroom in both the front and rear seats. Front shoulder room sees the Acura RDX lead with 2.1 inches more room. That's smart design.

Acura RDX vs. INFINITI QX55 Trim Levels & Price Comparison

Put the Acura RDX vs. INFINITI QX55 trim levels up against each other, and you'll notice two immediate wins for the Acura RDX: It has more trim levels, offering five trims to choose from and starts at a much lower MSRP than the INFINITI QX55. The Acura RDX trims are the RDX Base, RDX Technology, RDX A-Spec, RDX Advance, and RDX A-Spec Advance.

There are only three INFINITI QX55 trim levels: The QX55 Luxe AWD, the QX55 Essential AWD, and the QX55 Sensory AWD.

For pricing, the third-highest RDX trim, the Acura RDX A-Spec with SH-AWD, has the closest starting price MSRP to the base-trim INFINITI QX55 Luxe AWD. The upgraded INFINITI QX55 Essential AWD has a higher starting price MSRP than any Acura RDX trim level's starting price MSRP. As we'll demonstrate in the next section, the lower price of an Acura RDX combines with further feature-based upgrades when you compare Acura RDX vs. INFINITI QX55 technology, comfort, and safety.

When you discover our Acura RDX lease deals, you can get an even more competitive price for this competitive luxury SUV.

Acura RDX vs. INFINITI QX55 Interior Features

As mentioned, the entry-level Acura RDX and Infiniti QX55 comparison involves a much lower starting price in the base trim of the Acura RDX. And yet, it still offers feature-based advantages when you compare it to the base-trim INFINITI QX55.

For example, the Acura RDX Base offers standard wireless smartphone charging, wireless Android Auto™, and a nine-speaker sound system; the INFINITI QX55 Luxe AWD does not have standard wireless smartphone charging, and it has standard wired Android Auto™ and a six-speaker sound system.

When you put the Acura RDX A-Spec with SH-AWD to the equivalently priced INFINITI QX55 Luxe AWD, this lead for features gets much, much bigger: This trim of the Acura RDX brings you perforated Milano premium leather and ultrasuede seats with contrast stitching and piping, while the QX55 Luxe AWD has normal leather upholstery. This Acura RDX trim includes an Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium sound system with 16 speakers, while, as mentioned, the QX55 Luxe AWD has a six-speaker sound system.

With other Acura RDX A-Spec standard features like heated and ventilated seats (not available on the equivalently priced INFINITI QX55 Luxe AWD), Iconic Drive ambient LED cabin lighting with 27 themes (not offered on any QX55 trim) and a leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel (a sportier touch over the QX55), it's easy to see how the RDX dominates the Acura RDX vs. INFINITI QX55 feature comparison.

Acura RDX vs. INFINITI QX55 Design & Style

As a final point of comparison, let's look at the Acura RDX vs. INFINITI QX55 styling.

While this is an area with no objective winner and you as the main judge, we do have some comments to make. Firstly, the INFINITI QX55 SUV's roofline makes a coupe-like shape in the back, which both reduces cargo capacity and can, in our opinion, look out of place on an SUV that's this tall. The RDX has a more traditional SUV body shape but makes itself stand out with impactful styling details like the Jewel Eye headlights and sharp grille.

The INFINITI QX55 overall is a more rounded and curvy SUV, while the Acura RDX is set apart by its angular and sporty style. Which suits your tastes the best?