2024 INFINITI QX50 vs. 2024 Acura RDX

With so many great choices, navigating the luxury compact SUV market can be a challenge. Two of the top SUVs for 2024 are the INFINITI QX50 and the Acura RDX. Both have a lot to offer and have earned high praise, making it tough to determine which one deserves a spot in your garage. In this detailed comparison, we’ll take a closer look at the key differences between these two SUVs to help you decide.

Interior Design and Comfort

Inside, the QX50 is designed with your comfort and convenience in mind, with a curved dashboard and special features such as a dual-screen infotainment system and zero gravity front seats that reduce fatigue. The QX50’s interior features luxurious materials, such as semi-aniline leather upholstery and open-pore wood trim. With a more traditional SUV layout, the RDX’s interior features a symmetrical dash and controls in the center. It comes with perforated Milano leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and real aluminum accents.

Both SUVs have plenty of room for passengers and storage. The QX50 offers up to 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 65.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down, while the RDX provides 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 58.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Both vehicles also feature sliding and reclining rear seats, providing added comfort and versatility for your passengers.

Exterior Design

The QX50 boasts a sleek, sporty look thanks to its coupe-like roofline and INFINITI’s unique double-arch grille. Notable exterior features include LED headlights, LED taillights, and daytime running lights, giving it a modern, sophisticated appearance. The RDX has a more classic SUV shape with a bold, upright front end. Features include Jewel Eye LED headlights, LED taillights, and a panoramic moonroof, adding to its premium look and feel.

The QX50 is slightly higher than the RDX, with 8.6 inches of ground clearance compared to 8.2 inches. This could be helpful for light off-roading or driving in deep snow. Both SUVs come with 19-inch alloy wheels as a standard, with 20-inch wheels available on higher trims.

Performance and Driving Dynamics

Under the hood, the QX50 has a 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine, which delivers 268 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. It’s designed to provide the performance of a V-6 with the efficiency of a four-cylinder. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission and comes with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The RDX has a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, which delivers 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. Its 10-speed automatic transmission offers smooth, precise shifts, enhancing its sporty driving dynamics when paired with Acura’s SH-AWD system.

The RDX is the sportier option of the two SUVs, with sharper handling thanks to Acura’s adaptive damper system, which adjusts the suspension. The QX50 provides a more comfortable, smoother ride. Its active noise cancellation and active sound enhancement ensure that you can enjoy a quieter, more refined driving experience.

Technology and Connectivity

Both SUVs come standard with a variety of advanced tech, such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Wi-Fi, and USB ports. The RDX features an intuitive 10.2-inch high-definition display with True Touchpad Interface, while the QX50 provides a unique dual-screen setup. For the ultimate immersive audio experience, the QX50 features a Bose Performance Series audio system with 16 speakers, which is available as an upgrade. If you’re leaning toward the RDX, consider adding features, such as a head-up display and a premium ELS STUDIO sound system, to enhance your technology package.

Safety Features

When it comes to safety, both SUVs come standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keep assist. The RDX also offers several additional standard features, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow and traffic sign recognition. Both vehicles have received high crash test scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Pricing and Value

The 2024 INFINITI QX50 starts at a lower price than the 2024 Acura RDX. The QX50’s starting MSRP is $41,000, while the RDX begins at $44,350. As you move up to higher trim levels, the price difference gets smaller. Even at the base level, both SUVs come with a lot of features and offer good value. The higher QX50 and RDX trims offer significantly more luxurious interiors and more advanced technology features. Although the base QX50 costs less, these two SUVs are both competitively priced.

Final Verdict

After carefully comparing the 2024 INFINITI QX50 and the 2024 Acura RDX, it’s clear that the QX50 emerges as the better choice if you’re interested in buying a luxury compact SUV. The QX50’s unique styling, both inside and out, sets it apart from the competition, while its driver-focused interior and smooth, comfortable ride make it a joy to drive.

While the RDX is a formidable competitor, offering sporty performance and a well-rounded package, the QX50’s distinctive design, advanced technology, and premium features give it the edge. The QX50’s VC-Turbo engine, which provides the perfect balance of power and efficiency, is just one example of how INFINITI has gone above and beyond to create a truly exceptional SUV.

Experience the 2024 INFINITI QX50 at INFINITI of Hoffman Estates

Now that you’ve seen how the 2024 INFINITI QX50 compares to the 2024 Acura RDX, it’s time to experience this exceptional luxury compact SUV for yourself. Our knowledgeable, friendly sales team is ready to answer all your questions and help you discover all the features that make the QX50 stand out. Get behind the wheel and experience the smooth, comfortable ride, responsive performance, and premium features by scheduling a test drive with us at INFINITI of Hoffman Estates, Illinois, today.