Infiniti and Acura are long-standing rivals in the realm of luxury vehicles that also offer a measure of everyday practicality. Their respective midsize 3-row SUV options offer families a true luxury car experience while being suitable for daily family hauling duties. Let’s take a closer look at the Infiniti QX60 and Acura MDX and see which premium SUV is right for you and your family.
2026 Infiniti QX60
The handsome and well-equipped Infiniti QX60 is the brand’s midsize SUV offering, slotted below the full-size QX80. For families who need a practical 3-row SUV and have the budget for a luxury vehicle, the QX60 makes a lot of sense.
Infiniti QX60 Highlights
Lower price tag, lower fuel costs: In addition to having a slightly lower starting price, the Infiniti QX60 is more fuel efficient than the Acura MDX. Both SUVs require premium gas, but the QX60 returns 24 combined mpg while the MDX’s combined fuel economy rating ranges from 19 to 22 mpg.
Zero Gravity seats: Infiniti’s Zero Gravity seats, inspired by NASA’s research on weightlessness, were carefully engineered to minimize fatigue, enhancing the luxurious experience. We’ve found them to be some of the more comfortable seats in this class for long road trips.
Three-year maintenance plan: Every 2026 Infiniti model, including the QX60, comes with a complimentary Infiniti Premium Care three-year maintenance plan, which covers routine services like oil changes, tire rotations, and cabin air filter replacements. Acura offers a similar maintenance plan, but it only lasts for one year.
Read our Infiniti QX60 Expert Review or see Infiniti QX60 models for sale near you.
2026 Acura MDX
The Acura MDX is a consistent bestseller in the midsize 3-row luxury SUV class. There are a few reasons for that. It’s been around for 25 years, boasts Honda reliability, and consistently strikes a terrific balance between everyday practicality and the premium quality of a luxury vehicle.
Acura MDX Highlights
More interior space: If you’ll actually have passengers in the third row regularly, they’ll appreciate the extra 1.1 inches of legroom in the Acura compared to the Infiniti. That doesn’t sound like a lot, but every inch counts in the third row. The MDX also has 25% more maximum cargo room than the QX60.
Type S model: The Acura MDX Type S packs a turbocharged V6 pumping out 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. This is significantly higher potency than the sole engine option in the QX60. In addition to the engine upgrade, the Type S has an adaptive air suspension system, Brembo front brakes, and an active exhaust valve.
31-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio: Coming exclusively in the Type S trim, the Acura MDX is available with a Bang & Olufsen Ultra sound system with 31 speakers. Its speaker count and audio fidelity beat the 20-speaker Klipsch system available in the Infiniti.
Read our Acura MDX Expert Review or see Acura MDX models for sale near you.
Similarities
Both of these fall into the midsize 3-row luxury SUV class. They’re also priced relatively close to each other and share similar infotainment and safety technology features. Speaking of safety, they both earn the coveted Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Pricing
New 2026 Acura MDX Prices
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Retail Price
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Fair Purchase Price (92620)
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|---|---|---|---|---|
$53,150 |
TBD |
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$55,350 |
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$58,550 |
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$60,750 |
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$63,750 |
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$68,250 |
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$70,250 |
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$77,200 |
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The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2026 INFINITI QX60 vehicles and New 2026 Acura MDX vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2026 INFINITI QX60 | 2026 Acura MDX | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder | 3.5-liter 6-cylinder |
| Towing Capacity | 6,000 pounds | 3,500 pounds |
| Horsepower | 268 hp @ 5,600 rpm | 290 hp @ 6,200 rpm |
| Torque | 286 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm | 267 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm |
| Transmission | automatic, 9-speed | automatic, 10-speed w/sequential sportshift |
| Fuel Economy | 22 city/28 highway/24 combined mpg | N/A |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 6 years/70,000 miles | 6 years/70,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | Not rated | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
| Wheelbase | 114.2 inches | 113.8 inches |
| Overall Length | 198.1 inches | 198.4 inches |
| Width | 86.0 inches | N/A |
| Height | 69.7 inches | 67.9 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.7 feet | 40.5 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 41.0 inches | 38.5 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 37.5 inches | 38.1 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 35.7 inches | 36.2 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.1 inches | 41.6 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 37.7 inches | 38.5 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 28.0 inches | 29.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 60.6 inches | 61.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 59.7 inches | 60.3 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 55.6 inches | 55.2 inches |
| Cargo Behind Last Seat | 14.5 feet | 18.1 feet |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | 41.6 feet | 48.4 feet |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 75.4 feet | 95.0 feet |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
It’s not hard to argue that the Infiniti QX60 is the value play in this comparison. It’s priced a little lower, it’s a little more fuel-efficient, and it has a longer complimentary maintenance plan compared to the Acura. That said, the Acura MDX is more family-friendly thanks to its extra interior room, and the Type S is unquestionably the enthusiast’s choice. The right 3-row luxury SUV for you depends on your priorities.
