Acura MDX vs. INFINITI QX60: Three-Row Luxury SUV Comparison

Shoppers across Lafayette, Broussard, and Youngsville cross-shop the Acura MDX and INFINITI QX60 constantly, and it is easy to see why. This guide breaks down exactly where these two three-row luxury SUVs differ on power, space, and efficiency. You can decide with real numbers instead of guesswork.

Choosing between the Acura MDX and INFINITI QX60 comes down to power versus efficiency. The MDX offers more horsepower and third-row cargo room, while the QX60 offers better estimated fuel economy, more towing capacity, and a longer warranty. Both start near $51,500 in Lafayette, LA.

Fabre Automotive sells both models, through Acura of Lafayette and INFINITI of Lafayette, sitting side by side on Johnston Street. That gives Acadiana families a rare side-by-side view, with no dealership bias toward either badge. Read on for a full spec comparison and a look at how each SUV drives and hauls. By the end, you will know which one fits your household, your commute, and your budget.

Key Points: Acura MDX vs. INFINITI QX60

• More horsepower and third-row cargo room favor the MDX. Its standard V6 makes 290 horsepower, and it holds 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, both ahead of the QX60.
• Better fuel economy and towing favor the QX60. It returns an EPA-estimated 24 mpg combined and can tow up to 6,000 pounds, more than the MDX’s SH-AWD maximum.
• Pricing comes down to a wash. The FWD MDX starts at $51,800, and the FWD QX60 starts at $51,590, so the real decision is which tradeoffs fit your household.

Acura MDX vs. INFINITI QX60: Specs at a Glance

Specs tell the real story before you ever sit in either seat. Here is how the Acura MDX and INFINITI QX60 compare on the numbers that matter most to Acadiana families.

Figures reflect manufacturer-published starting MSRP before options, taxes, title, and dealer fees. EPA-estimated fuel economy will vary with driving conditions. Contact Acura of Lafayette or INFINITI of Lafayette to confirm current pricing and availability.

The power gap is real, but so is the mileage gap. The V6 outguns the turbo four-cylinder by 22 horsepower. The four-cylinder answers back with 2 to 3 more mpg combined and 1,000 more pounds of towing capacity. Cargo space splits the same way: one SUV holds more with the third row in use, the other holds more with it folded flat. The real surprise is the price tag. These two start within about $200 of each other, so specs, not sticker price, will likely decide this one.

How Does the Acura MDX Perform Compared to the INFINITI QX60?

The Acura MDX runs a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 in its standard trims. It makes 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic. A VTEC engine is a variable valve-timing system that helps the V6 deliver strong power across a wide rev range. Buyers who want more can step up to the Type S, which swaps in a turbocharged 3.0-liter six good for 355 horsepower. 

The INFINITI QX60 uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder rated at 268 horsepower and 286 lb-ft, paired with a 9-speed automatic. Standard trims lean toward more power with the MDX. The QX60 counters with strong low-end torque that many drivers notice first in stop-and-go traffic on Johnston Street.

What Do the Acura MDX and INFINITI QX60 Offer for Interior Technology?

The Acura MDX includes a standard 12.3-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An available ELS Studio 3D premium audio system is tuned specifically for the cabin. Acura’s True Touchpad Interface controls the screen without reaching across the dash. 

Meanwhile, The tINFINITI QX60 counters with its own 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 10.8-inch head-up display on upper trims. Quilted semi-aniline leather on its top trim feels a step above its price point. Both SUVs make wireless smartphone connectivity standard, so neither leaves a family digging for a cable on the way to school in Broussard.

Which Has More Cargo Space, the Acura MDX or the INFINITI QX60?

Cargo capacity is where these two SUVs split in a real way. With all three rows in place, the MDX holds 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row. That is enough for a stroller and a week of groceries without folding a seat. 

The QX60 offers 14.5 cubic feet in the same configuration, workable but tighter for a full carpool run through Youngsville or Scott. Fold the rear seats down, though, and the advantage flips. The QX60’s 75.4 cubic feet of maximum cargo room edges out the MDX’s 71.4 cubic feet. Families who haul gear more than passengers will lean toward the QX60, while third-row regulars will appreciate the MDX’s edge with seats up.

Which Gets Better Gas Mileage, the Acura MDX or the INFINITI QX60?

Fuel costs add up fast on the daily Lafayette-to-Baton Rouge commute, and this is where the QX60 pulls ahead. Its turbocharged four-cylinder returns an EPA-estimated 24 mpg combined, in FWD or AWD form. 

The MDX’s naturally aspirated V6 comes in at 22 mpg combined in FWD trim and 21 mpg combined with SH-AWD. That drops to 19 mpg combined in the high-output Type S. The more efficient choice for highway-heavy driving is the QX60. That gap shows up at the pump over a few thousand miles toward Lake Charles.

How Do the Acura MDX and INFINITI QX60 Compare on Safety and Warranty?

Both SUVs come well equipped for safety without an options list to navigate. AcuraWatch is standard across every MDX trim, combining collision mitigation braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping assistance. 

The QX60 answers with its own standard suite: lane departure prevention, blind spot warning, a pre-collision system, and adaptive cruise control. On warranty coverage, the longer basic coverage belongs to the QX60. Its 4-year, 60,000-mile basic warranty runs 10,000 miles longer than the MDX’s 4-year, 50,000-mile coverage. Both match at 6 years and 70,000 miles on the powertrain.

Which Three-Row Luxury SUV Is Right for You?

• You want the most horsepower and use the third row daily: the Acura MDX’s V6 and larger behind-third-row cargo space are the better fit.
• You log significant highway miles and want lower fuel costs: the INFINITI QX60’s turbocharged four-cylinder and higher EPA rating make more sense.
• You need maximum cargo room with the seats folded down and want a longer warranty: the QX60 edges ahead on both counts.
• You want a sportier drive and do not mind trading some efficiency for power: the MDX is the pick.
• You are still torn: a back-to-back test drive usually settles it faster than specs on a page.

Compare the MDX and QX60 at Fabre Automotive in Lafayette

The Acura MDX and INFINITI QX60 both deliver on the promise of three-row luxury, just with different strengths. Fabre Automotive gives Acadiana shoppers a rare advantage: both SUVs come from dealerships the same ownership group operates. Acura of Lafayette sits at 6207 Johnston St, and INFINITI of Lafayette sits at 6201 Johnston St, both in Lafayette, LA. Families throughout Baton Rouge, Broussard, Lake Charles, Scott, and Youngsville regularly make the drive to compare both in person.

Browse the current Acura MDX inventory and the current INFINITI QX60 inventory online. Or contact Acura of Lafayette or contact INFINITI of Lafayette to schedule a same-day test drive of both. The best way to find your match is behind the wheel.