Acura Vs. INFINITI Full Brand Comparison

Acura vs. INFINITI: Brand History & Vehicle Lineup

To better understand the differences between INFINITI vs. Acura, we have to understand each brand's history.

The origins of both automakers are quite similar. Acura came to life in 1986, born from a desire to combine the robust and efficient benefits of a Honda vehicle with the high-class luxury of the then-dominant European brands. The Acura Legend sedan and the Acura Integra three- or five-door hatchback kicked off the lineup and, as the first one's name predicted, became instant legends on the road.

INFINITI was created three years later to follow this success, and their lineup grew to compete across most car classes – starting with the Q45 sedan and the M30 coupe. As these two brands became household names and motorists began to decide whether to purchase an INFINITI or Acura, the Honda Motor Company engineers – those who first dreamt up what Acura could be – further differentiated their automobile lineup with road-going, racetrack-inspired supercars like the NSX.

Acura vehicles would be seen in International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) and Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) races as early as 1991, designed as purpose-built prototype racers for competing in series like American Le Mans years later and souped-up touring cars that were versions of the Acura cars everyday drivers could buy. Acura continues to have a major motorsports presence with events like the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach and race cars like the vicious Acura NSX GT3 (and subsequent NSX GT3 Evo and NSX GT3 Evo22) and the prototype-class Acura ARX-06 endurance racer.

Meanwhile, the INFINITI brand's main motorsports contributions were their six-year involvement in IndyCar and their decade of sponsorship and partnership in Formula One, which recently concluded in 2020.

Success in the luxury and racing fields continues to this day for the Acura brand. Models infused with this luxury legacy and motorsports pedigree include a compact sedan, midsize sedan, compact SUV, midsize SUV, and more. From the return of the brand-building Integra to the latest MDX, the new Acura lineup includes the following:

• Acura Integra: Sporty small luxury sedan
• Acura Integra Type S: The Integra turned up to 11
• Acura Integra Type S DE5: A full-blown professional race car that you can buy
• Acura TLX: Powerful luxury midsize sedan
• Acura TLX Type S: Take the TLX and make it even more powerful
• Acura ZDX: Delivers an all-electric powertrain for the eco-minded, elegance-seeking motorist
• Acura RDX: Exciting compact luxury SUV
• Acura MDX: High-performance three-row luxury SUV
• Acura MDX Type S: Spacious and thrilling MDX with a twist

INFINITI pioneered vehicle segments like the coupe-roof SUV (and continues to serve it with the QX55) but can not compete with Acura's motorsports prowess. They also were introduced later and had to play catch-up, and while they do have sporty models in their back catalog, they never made supercars like the Acura NSX. Today, their lineup is rich with SUVs:

• INFINITI Q50: Sporty compact luxury sedan
• INFINITI Q50 RED SPORT 400: A more powerful Q50
• INFINITI QX50: Sporty compact luxury SUV
• INFINITI QX55: Coupe-like style on a compact luxury SUV
• INFINITI QX60: Sporty midsize three-row luxury SUV
• INFINITI QX80: Full-size three-row luxury SUV

Acura vs. INFINITI Reliability

As mentioned in the history section of our Acura vs. INFINITI comparison guide, both brands were developed by their parent companies (Honda and Nissan, respectively) with the goal of competing against European luxury cars. However, as a battle plan, both brands decided that reliability and affordability beyond what their European competitors could offer would differentiate their high-class vehicles. As you can still go out and buy a new 2025 Acura or INFINITI car or SUV, it's clear that both of their plans were successful.

That being said, which brand was, and still is, more successful in reliability? We could talk at length about the engineering decisions that make an Acura so dependable, but we'll let the industry's experts do the talking. For example, Acura ranks 14 brands higher than INFINITI^{1, 2} in RepairPal ratings, showcasing each automaker's reliability as reported by real drivers. The chart below offers a look into Acura vs. INFINITI reliability across both their overall brand scores and rankings for their most popular SUVs.

Acura vs. INFINITI: Reliability Scores by Auto Experts

Acura vs. INFINITI Price

Another spirit shared between Acura and INFINITI is affordable yet sophisticated vehicles. Acura vs. INFINITI pricing sees very similar starting MSRPs across the board. In the following chart, you'll get a glimpse at competing models and which one has the lower starting MSRP for its segment. Keep in mind that Acura models provide so much more in their base models, too – we'll talk about that more after.

Acura vs. INFINITI: Price Comparison Chart

Acura vs. INFINITI Features

When it comes to starting price points for Acura vs. INFINITI models, Acuras have lower barriers to entry in several segments. While comparisons like the RDX vs. QX50 see the Acura vehicle cost more, it's not by a significant margin. Plus, once you dig into the features of these models, you'll see how the RDX earns its price point with exceptional technology. If we consider Acura vs. INFINITI pricing to be a matter of value, the popular Acura RDX and INFINITI QX50 are a great same-segment duo that'll demonstrate why our new Acura models are top-tier investments.

The INFINITI QX50 has eight-way power front seats without heating and offers a six-speaker sound system as standard in its base trim. The Acura RDX, meanwhile, has 12-way power front seats with heating and provides a nine-speaker sound system as standard. The Acura RDX also offers a Traffic Sign Recognition system as standard, while the INFINITI QX50 does not. The RDX may share a J.D Power Reliability rating with the INFINITI QX50, but the RDX earned four more points in the Driving Experience category over its rival.^{3, 4}

You can find this same value proposition when comparing other Acura vs. INFINITI vehicles. For example, the Acura MDX vs. INFINITI QX60 comparison starts with similar MSRPs, but the MDX has standard 12-way power front seats with power lumbar, heating, and driver's seat memory, while the QX60 has eight-way power front seats with power lumbar, memory, and heating.

Acura vs. INFINITI Performance Potential

As the histories of both automakers suggest, another major difference between Acura vs. INFINITI brands is the performance spirit imbued into their automobile lineups. With a richer racing history, an Acura model is designed for high-performance fun. On-paper specs can be deceiving (though Acura cars and SUVs still provide more output on paper, too), as the in-depth engineering that makes an Acura vehicle so thrilling takes shape in the experience.

For example, the Acura MDX has amplitude reactive dampers to provide greater comfort and stability, an agile handling assist to enhance the model's cornering prowess, and available Brembo® brakes. Nothing mentioned here can be found on the competing INFINITI QX60.

Straight-line acceleration is only half the story when examining a car's performance potential, but Acura models are well-built to stay engaging on straightaways. For example, while the INFINITI QX60 reduced its engine power to the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder as its younger siblings in 2025, the Acura MDX kept its dedication to power with an available 3.0-liter turbo V-6. This gives you the option to choose an MDX with a 355-horsepower engine compared to the 268-horsepower engine for the INFINITI QX60.

As you'd expect, the QX60 ends up with a much sleepier acceleration time while also not having the same handling and damper features that make every turn satisfying. If that wasn't enough, Acura gas mileage by model is similar to that of its INFINITI rivals, despite Acura's more powerful engines and stronger performance features.

To compare the on-paper Acura vs. INFINITI performance capabilities, here's a quick look at the two most popular SUVs from each brand:

Acura vs. INFINITI: Specs Evaluation Chart

Acura vs. INFINITI Interior Specs

Depending on your desired choice, Acura models can continue improving the experience as you relax into your sedan or SUV. Take, for example, the interior of the Acura RDX vs. INFINITI QX55. Settle into the front of the RDX for 42 inches of front legroom. While the QX55 has comparable second-row space, it only has 39.6 inches of front-row legroom – a difference of more than two inches. The QX55 is also saddled with a smaller cargo space, at 26.9 cubic feet behind the second row, compared to 31.1 cubic feet in the RDX.

Acura vs. INFINITI Maintenance Costs

Dependability and affordability have been core components of both the Acura and INFINITI brands since their creation. But the road takes its toll, and even the most reliable cars and SUVs will need regular maintenance and repair services. When the need for a scheduled maintenance service or repair arises, the vehicle must be as affordable to maintain as it was to buy. This was another aspect of how the Acura vs. INFINITI rivalry saw both brands succeed against their European competitors.

Which brand offers the easier-to-maintain models today, though? Let's take a look at Acura vs. INFINITI ownership costs by comparing the RepairPal estimated yearly repair costs for three of the most popular options for each brand.

Acura vs. INFINITI: Average Annual Repair Costs for Top Models

Compare Acura vs. INFINITI Maintenance Costs in Detail

As you can see from the RepairPal estimates, Acura vehicles race ahead for 2025 Acura vs. INFINITI ownership costs. Furthermore, if we look at how the Acura models' ownership costs compare to their whole segment, things get even more impressive.

For example, the Acura MDX has a RepairPal estimated average annual repair cost of $571,¹¹ which is $68 less than the competing INFINITI QX60^{11, 15} and $236 less than the average for all luxury midsize SUVs.¹¹ Likewise, the Acura RDX has a RepairPal estimated average annual repair cost of $497,¹⁰ which is $111 lower than the equivalent INFINITI QX50,^{10, 14} and $362 lower than the average for all luxury compact SUVs.¹⁰

Overall, RepairPal estimates that an Acura will have an average annual repair cost of $501,¹ while an INFINITI will have an average annual repair cost of $638.²

Discover the New Acura Lineup at Muller's Woodfield Acura

Let's recap our Acura vs. INFINITI brand comparison – Acura vehicles came to the market first, did more on the racetrack, have more new body style options, generally have better reviews from owners, can offer more features for a very similar price, can go faster and handle better, and can be more affordable to maintain. Whether you're looking to discover the thrills of an Integra or the space of an MDX, visit our Acura dealership today to get a complete tour of our new Acura vehicles for sale. Our representatives will happily walk you through models, expansive limited or extended warranty options, and anything else you want to know to be confident in your decision.

While you're here, ask for a test drive of the model that catches your eye and browse our current Acura lease deals. We can also introduce you to our pre-owned INFINITI cars and SUVs and let you compare the models in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: Acura or INFINITI?

While Acura and INFINITI vehicles both offer a dependable luxury experience, the Acura brand has a lower RepairPal average annual repair cost,^{1, 2} a larger number of high-performance models, better J.D. Power reliability ratings on equivalent vehicles like the MDX and QX60,^{5, 6} and more advanced standard features like 12-way power front seats on the MDX vs. eight-way power seats on the INFINITI QX60.

Are Acura and INFINITI the same company?

Acura and INFINITI are two different companies but were created with a similar origin story. They're both luxury sub-brands of respected Japanese automakers (Honda for Acura and Nissan for INFINITI) who were introduced to bring affordable and reliable yet fully high-class, luxe cars to our market. However, the Acura brand debuted three years before INFINITI and has had a more illustrious performance history with supercars like the NSX.

¹Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit: https://repairpal.com/reliability/acura

²Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit: https://repairpal.com/reliability/infiniti

³Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit: https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2025/acura/rdx

⁴Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit: https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2025/infiniti/qx50

⁵Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit: https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2025/acura/mdx

⁶Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit: https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2025/infiniti/qx60

⁷Based on 2025 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, and other factors.

⁸2025 EPA Fuel Economy Estimates. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions – use for comparison only.

⁹Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit: https://repairpal.com/acura/integra

¹⁰Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit: https://repairpal.com/reliability/acura/rdx

¹¹Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit: https://repairpal.com/reliability/acura/mdx

¹²Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit: https://repairpal.com/acura/zdx

¹³Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit: https://repairpal.com/infiniti/q50

¹⁴Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit: https://repairpal.com/infiniti/qx50

¹⁵Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit: https://repairpal.com/infiniti/qx60