INFINITI QX60 vs Acura MDX

When you’re shopping for a luxury three-row SUV, two names keep coming up. The INFINITI QX60 and Acura MDX both promise space, comfort, and features that busy families need. The 2026 INFINITI QX60 brings solid value with impressive features at an attractive starting price. On the other hand, the MDX stands as Acura’s flagship three-row SUV that has its own distinct features. But when it comes to the QX60 vs MDX comparison, each brings unique strengths to Chicago families looking for their next SUV.

Design and Interior Comfort

The 2026 INFINITI QX60 puts family comfort first with thoughtful design touches throughout. You’ll find generous space in the first and second rows, with seats that actually support you on longer drives. Getting to the third row is also pretty simple thanks to a button that slides the second row forward.

Every QX60 seats up to seven people, while Sport and Autograph models come with captain’s chairs that reduce capacity to six. The cabin feels genuinely luxurious, with high-quality materials and excellent sound deadening that keeps Chicago traffic noise outside, where it belongs.

Both front seats get eight-way power adjustment and heating, with options for ventilation and massage features. Standard dual-zone climate control keeps everyone comfortable, and higher trims add a three-zone system with an air purifier.

Here’s where the Acura MDX vs INFINITI QX60 specs get interesting. The QX60 beats the MDX in key measurements. You get 40.8 inches of front headroom compared to the MDX’s 38.5 inches. First-row legroom measures 42.1 inches versus 41.6 inches in the MDX. Most notably, third-row hip room hits 45.2 inches in the QX60 while the MDX offers only 40.6 inches.

The MDX’s cabin looks premium, especially on higher trims with stitched leather dashboard accents and open-pore wood mixed with metal details. Acura includes plenty of comfort features like dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and leather upholstery. The front seats provide good support and can be equipped with 16-way power adjustment and massage functions.

Performance and Handling

The QX60 runs on a 268-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive comes standard, with all-wheel drive available if you need better traction during Chicago winters. Expect 0-60 mph times around 7.9 seconds, which makes getting I-90 that much easier.

On the road, that 2.0-liter engine provides adequate power for most situations. The QX60 can tow up to 6,000 pounds, which handles bigger loads well.

The standard MDX uses a 290-hp 3.5-liter V-6 with a 10-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive optional. The sporty Type S model steps up to a 355-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 and includes all-wheel drive as standard equipment.

Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system makes the MDX feel nimble while improving wet-weather traction around Chicago. Sharp steering and a well-tuned suspension help the MDX grip corners confidently.

The Type S reaches 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds, while the regular version takes 6.4 seconds. Towing capacity is 3,500 pounds for front-wheel drive and 5,000 pounds with all-wheel drive.

Technology and Safety Features

Every QX60 includes a 12.3-inch touch screen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A matching 12.3-inch digital gauge display comes standard, with an optional 10.8-inch head-up display. Onboard Wi-Fi keeps everyone connected during Chicago commutes.

Audio options start with a nine-speaker system, then upgrade to 16-speaker or 20-speaker setups tuned by Klipsch. That top-tier 20-speaker system includes headrest speakers so you can listen to music without waking sleeping passengers. Google Maps provides real-time navigation, while wireless charging and multiple USB ports keep devices powered up.

On the other hand, the MDX features a 12.3-inch touch screen that’s the largest Acura has ever used. Google built-in connectivity lets you use Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play seamlessly. Just say “Hey Google” to control music, navigation, weather, or cabin temperature. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keep you connected, too.

Acura’s premium Bang & Olufsen sound system uses 19 speakers for rich, balanced audio that elevates your driving experience. This system comes standard on Technology, A-Spec, and Advance packages, with an Ultra version on Type S Advance.

Safety-wise, the QX60 includes standard predictive forward collision warning that monitors two cars ahead, not just one. Standard features include:

• Forward collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking
• Lane-departure warning
• Lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control

The MDX comes with:

• Collision mitigation braking
• Adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow
• Lane keeping assist
• Pedestrian detection
• Blind spot information

However, it lacks some QX60 features like the smart rearview mirror and moving object detection for parking.

Cargo Space and Family-Friendly Details

The QX60 has 41.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, compared to the MDX’s 39.1 cubic feet. This gives you a bit more room for things like groceries, sports gear, or camping gear for a weekend trip to Fox River Shores Forest Preserve. The 2026 QX60 prioritizes passenger comfort with 1.5 more cubic feet of passenger volume than the MDX.

Small details matter too. The QX60 includes a heated steering wheel as standard equipment, while the MDX makes you pay extra for this winter comfort feature.

Pricing and Value Comparison

The 2026 INFINITI QX60 starts at $51,200 for the base FWD model, with the Luxe trim at $56,800. The Sport AWD runs $61,700, while the top Autograph AWD starts at $66,150.

Acura MDX pricing begins at $51,800, followed by the Technology trim at $57,200. The A-Spec Advance costs $68,900, and the top Type S Advance costs $75,850. While starting prices are similar, the QX60 gives you better value with more standard features and superior space measurements.

Which SUV is the Better Choice for You

The INFINITI QX60 comes out ahead with more interior space, smarter safety tech like Predictive Forward Collision Warning, higher towing capacity, and extra cargo room for your gear. Want to find out if the QX60 is right for your family? Visit INFINITI of Hoffman Estates to view our QX60 selection and test drive one today.