INFINITI 2021 QX50 vs. Acura 2021 RDX
September 07 2021, Dilawri Vanocuver
A Comparison: INFINITI 2021 QX50 vs. Acura 2021 RDX
The INFINITI QX50 and the Acura RDX are both upscale compact SUVs that combine genuine luxury with performance and style. Which one makes the best buy? Here are the key comparison highlights to help you decide.
- The QX50's VC-Turbo engine technology is a world first, generating more power and greater efficiency as needed to match your driving conditions.
- Both cars deliver almost identical engine outputs, with the QX50 offering better fuel economy.
- The RDX has a single large infotainment touchscreen, while the QX50 offers two slightly smaller high-definition screens.•The QX50 provides enhanced safety systems, with predictive forward-collision warnings, backup collision interventions, and a semi-autonomous driving mode.
- The QX50 has double the towing capacity for superior SUV versatility and offers 10.5%more cargo capacity with seats folded down.
- The QX50 provides sliding and reclining second-row seats for extra passenger comfort.
- Although both cars cover a similar price range, the highest-end QX50 costs less than the highest-end RDX.
Price Tag and Trim Level
The 2021 INFINITI QX50 is available in six trims, all featuring the same 2.0L turbo engine with all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission. The first trim in the range is the PURE AWD with a starting price of $45,495 and includes the majority of the available tech and safety features. Rising through the trim levels adds extras such as navigation and a lane-keeping assist function, with the lineup's highest Sensory AWD trim boasting the full feature set for $57,648.
For full details of each QX50 trim, available packages, and special offers, please contact us for the latest information.
The 2021 Acura RDX is also available in six trims, each with a 2.0L turbo engine and all-wheel drive. The entry-level RDX model is the AWD trim which has a starting price at $44,505. At the top end, the PMC Edition adds a premium cost with a starting price of $58,890.
The Journey: Range
When it comes to raw engine performance figures, the two cars are very closely matched with high outputs for smooth, confident daily driving. The QX50 boasts a 2.0L turbo engine creating a generous 268 horsepower and 280lb-ft of torque, while the RDX's 2.0L engine matches the torque level and has a slight advantage with its 272 horsepower.
But raw figures are only the starting point. Towing capacity is an important consideration for many SUV owners, and here the QX50 outshines the RDX with its maximum rating of 1,364kg, double the RDX's 682kg rating.
What's more, the QX50 delivers this excellent performance with a fuel economy of 10.2L / 100km in the city and 8.1L on the highway, placing it ahead of the RDX's figures of 10.7L (city) and 8.4L (highway). If you're looking for high performance with low emissions and realistic gas costs, the QX50 is the choice to make.
The Looks: Comfort
Both cars are built in the same small SUV form factor and are almost identical in size, although the RDX is around 7.5cm longer. The QX50's bold stylings and elegant lines are designed to blend beauty with aerodynamic efficiency, producing a vehicle that's capable of attracting second glances wherever you drive.
For 2021, the QX50 is available in nine colours, ranging from Hermosa Blue through Sunstone Red to Liquid Platinum. Likewise, the RDX has eight colour options, in both pearl and metallic finishes.
What's more, the spacious interior of the QX50 provides comfortable extras including a heated steering wheel, sliding and reclining rear seats, and anti-whiplash front head restraints to take the cabin to a new upscale level. An in addition to that, the QX50 also provides greater everyday convenience when needed, with a maximum cargo capacity of 1,842 litres that's comfortably ahead of the RDX's 1,668 litres.
The Verdict: Summary
Both the INFINITI QX50 and the Acura RDX are compact SUVs operating at the highest ends of the luxury scale. But for the 2021 model year, there are several key differences that set the two cars apart.
Each SUV offers an upscale interior, but the QX50's dual touchscreens greatly enhance infotainment functionality and ease of use, while the sliding and reclining rear seats add to the high-end feel. The INFINITI's active safety systems are a generation ahead of the Acura's, while the QX50's lower fuel consumption and greater towing capacity give it the edge in real-world performance.
If you're looking for a high-end compact SUV that brings together style, comfort, and features, the QX50 sets the standard to beat.
