2024 Acura RDX vs. 2024 Infiniti QX55 Comparison

Luxury SUVs like the 2024 Acura RDX and Infiniti QX55 live among the best-selling and most competitive segments. That’s because they offer the honor of owning a premium badge car – perks that at least mean better coffee (it should be!) at the dealership – along with a hefty ration of luxury and technical goodies to make them even more attractive.

It doesn’t hurt when they also look the part, and the RDX and QX55 certainly do. While Acura goes for a sleek design with classic styling, the QX55 is all about smooth edges and smooth curves. This includes its tapered tail, a sleek design intended to give the QX55 a coupe-like profile.

Of course, we wouldn’t be using these SUVs if they had nothing to offer but good faces. To find out what else is hiding under their sheets, let’s explore the highlights of the Acura RDX and Infiniti QX55.

2024 Acura RDX

The 2024 RDX starts at $45,700, including destination charge. The range includes the base RDX, RDX with Technology package, RDX A-Spec, RDX with Advance package, and RDX A-Spec with Advance package.

Standard features include a 10.2-inch infotainment display, heated front seats, wireless smartphone connectivity, Amazon Alexa, and numerous driver aids. Similar to the Infiniti QX55, the Acura RDX is a luxury car with a value-oriented approach that makes it more affordable than many of its direct rivals.

Acura RDX highlights

Powerful engine: During road tests, we’ve enjoyed spinning the turbocharged 4-cylinder 272 for all its worth and cruising smoothly in a relaxed state of mind. Paired with an upgraded 10-speed automatic transmission that delivers seamless shifts, this is an impressive powertrain.

All-wheel drive is standard and excellent: Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system lives up to its great name. It is now standard on the Acura RDX and provides excellent grip in all types of driving conditions.

Adaptive Suspension: Starting with the Advance package, the Acura RDX comes with an adaptive suspension system. It has the ability to monitor various conditions and identify the condition of the selected vehicle, it enhances handling or provides an easy ride. Basically, it takes the already awesome dynamics of the RDX to the next level.

Technology fund: We love that Acura doesn’t skimp on standard features. However, we also believe that the Technology package represents a good business. For about $2,500 extra, it adds premium leather upholstery, front and rear parking sensors, wireless charging, navigation, a 12-speaker audio system, and GPS-linked climate control. Go ahead, splurge.

Check out this week’s Fair Trade Price or see RDX models for sale near you.

2024 Infiniti QX55

The 2024 QX55 has a starting price of $51,500 including destination charge and is available in three trims: Luxe, Essential, and Sensory. Why something “essential” is more attractive than something “luxe,” well, we’ll leave that explanation to the marketing gurus. To its credit, while the Infiniti’s price is higher than that of the Acura RDX, the QX55 has many standard features.

Newly added for the 2024 model year, a memory driver’s seat and wireless device charging are included on the base Luxe model. Every version of the QX55 comes with a 268-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder that sends power to all four wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

Highlights of the Infiniti QX55

Style and space: Trends in creating a non-utility version of an existing SUV can really surprise us. It is a style commonly associated with German luxury brands. Infiniti joins the crowd by taking the more square-shaped QX50 and continuing to chop off the tail to create the sleeker QX55. This can lead to a decrease in the passenger room in the back and the amount of luggage. Fortunately, the QX55 compensates for this condition (more). Yes, the QX50 has more of both, but the QX55’s second row maintains adult levels of comfort, and cargo space is still a respectable 26.9 cubic feet.

ProPilot Plus: This is a cruise control system that can steer midway with stop/go capabilities. It’s not a touchless driving aid, although it does reduce some of the fatigue of long distance drives. It’s standard on every trim.

Adjustable rear seats: We already touched on the fact that there is a price to be paid in terms of interior space due to the QX55’s coupe-like appearance. Helping things out is a sliding and reclining rear seat that allows you to create more headroom or legroom if needed. You won’t find that in the Acura RDX.

All-round view parking camera: Considering how nice the QX55’s standard 20-inch alloys are, it seems a shame to risk blocking them when parallel parking. Infiniti must be thinking the same way because a surround view parking camera is another standard feature.

Check out this week’s Fair Trade Price or see QX55 models for sale near you.

Similarity

The Acura RDX and Infiniti QX55 make inspiration for luxury car buyers looking for as much value as style. In terms of their dimensions, they have almost identical cargo space, sleeping room, and rear legroom.

Even their warranties are closely matched, as are their average EPA-rated fuel economy in a mix of city and highway driving. Dare we even mention they have a shared flaw, too? The RDX uses a touchpad on the center console to control infotainment functions. A touch screen would be the best solution. However, while the QX55 is going the touchscreen route, its dual-screen setup looks dated compared to most rivals.

Conclusion

These two luxury compact SUVs deserve attention thanks to their attractive shapes and large array of features. In a number of competing models – especially from German manufacturers – you can end up spending thousands more to get the same level of content.

We’ve mentioned the things it shares with the in-cabin technology, so what gives the Acura RDX the win is its more engaging driving behavior. The Infiniti QX55 looks like it’s worth driving, except it’s not as engaging as we’d like. There is a lack of precision in how its transmission works, and this can translate to a lot of motor drone when moving forward.

Is she still beautiful? Oh yes, very much. Is RDX better overall? For most drivers, yes.