2025 Infiniti QX60 vs. Acura MDX: Which 3-Row Luxury SUV Rules the Suburbs?
There’s a moment every suburban parent knows—you’re loading sports gear, groceries, and a carpool full of kids, and you realize your SUV needs to handle it all without breaking a sweat.
The Infiniti QX60 and Acura MDX are both three-row luxury SUVs built for exactly that life. They’re priced similarly, they both seat seven, and they both promise premium comfort. But they go about it in completely different ways. One leans into its new turbocharged engine, the other sticks to a proven V6 formula. One handles like a bus, the other like a sport sedan.
Let’s figure out which one deserves your driveway—and your family.
TL;DR
The Acura MDX is the clear winner for driving enthusiasts and families who value a sporty feel. It offers a 290-hp V6 engine, excellent handling with its Super Handling AWD system, and more cargo space behind the third row (16.3 cubic feet vs. 14.5) . It also has a better reputation for driving dynamics and technology . The Infiniti QX60, however, wins on towing (6,000 lbs vs. 3,500) and fuel economy (22/28 MPG vs. 19/26), and its base price is slightly lower . But its new 2.0L turbo-four engine has been criticized for hesitation and uninspired driving feel . If you want an SUV that’s genuinely fun to drive, the MDX is your pick. If you prioritize towing and fuel savings, the QX60 makes sense.
The Heart of the Matter: Engines and Driving Experience
Acura MDX: The Sporty One
The 2025 MDX keeps things simple and effective. Most trims use a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 that produces 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque . It’s paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission.
The secret sauce is the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system . It can send up to 70% of torque to the rear wheels and distribute it between the left and right rear wheels for better cornering. On a twisty road, the MDX feels more like a sports sedan than a three-row SUV. It’s genuinely confident and responsive, with minimal body roll .
The MDX Type S takes things further with a 355-hp turbo V6, adaptive air suspension, and Brembo brakes . But even the base engine is satisfying.
Infiniti QX60: The Thrifty (But Hesitant) One
The 2025 QX60 made a bold move: it swapped its old 3.5-liter V6 for a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine . It makes 268 horsepower and 286 lb-ft of torque—more torque than the MDX’s V6, but delivered differently . It’s paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission .
Here’s the problem: reviewers have noted significant hesitation from a standstill. One reviewer described pressing the accelerator and waiting “easily a second” for the QX60 to respond, calling it “frightening” . The handling is also described as “uninspired” and “dull” —words you don’t want to hear about your family hauler.
The QX60 does have one clear advantage: towing capacity. It can pull up to 6,000 pounds, compared to the MDX’s 3,500 pounds . If you tow a boat or camper, that’s a game-changer.
Fuel Economy: The QX60 Pulls Ahead
Both SUVs are thirsty, but the QX60 is slightly better:
- QX60: 22 MPG city / 28 MPG highway
- MDX: 19 MPG city / 26 MPG highway (FWD)
The gap isn’t huge, but over a year of driving, it adds up.
Interior Space and Practicality: Which One Fits Your Family?
This is where the rubber meets the road—literally. Both SUVs have three rows, but space is a compromise on both.
Acura MDX: More Cargo, but the Third Row is Tight
The MDX offers 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, which is more than the QX60’s 14.5 cubic feet . With the third row folded, that expands to 39.1 cubic feet .
The third row itself is tight—it’s a “knees-up position” that adults will find uncomfortable . It’s best for kids. Getting back there requires sliding the second row forward, which isn’t hard but isn’t seamless .
The second row, however, is comfortable. Seats slide fore and aft, recline, and there’s enough legroom for adults . The removable middle seat allows for captain’s chair configuration.
Infiniti QX60: Tight Third Row, Smaller Cargo
The QX60 has 14.5 cubic feet behind the third row and 75.4 cubic feet with all seats folded . The third row is “only for youngsters,” with “pitiful” foot room, according to one reviewer . Getting back there is also difficult, requiring clambering past second-row seats.
The second-row captain’s chairs in higher trims are comfortable, and passenger volume is actually slightly higher than the MDX (141 cubic feet vs. 139) .
Which One is More Practical for Suburban Life?
- MDX wins on cargo capacity behind the third row—a big deal if you regularly use all three rows.
- Both have tight third rows, so they’re best for kids, not adults.
- The QX60’s cargo volume with all seats folded is impressive, but not drastically better than the MDX.
Interior and Technology: Where the MDX Shines
Acura MDX: The Tech Winner
The 2025 MDX’s biggest upgrade is the new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, replacing the hated touchpad interface . It’s a massive improvement. The system includes Google Built-In for navigation and apps, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto .
The audio systems are also impressive:
- 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen system on mid trims
- 31-speaker Bang & Olufsen system on the Type S
The cabin is described as having an “airy feel” with easy entry and exit . Premium trims add massaging front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel .
Infiniti QX60: Luxury Materials, But Feels Familiar
The QX60’s interior uses high-quality materials, with “quilted and perforated semi-aniline leather” in top trims and open-pore ash wood trim . It has a 12.3-inch touchscreen and Google Built-In as well .
But one reviewer noted the cockpit feels “very Nissan-esque” and didn’t live up to Infiniti’s luxury billing . It’s nice, but it doesn’t feel as special as you’d expect from a luxury brand.
The Verdict on Tech
The MDX’s new touchscreen and Bang & Olufsen audio give it the edge.
Pricing and Value: A Close Call
| Model | Starting MSRP | Top Trim Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Infiniti QX60 | $51,590 | ~$60,000+ (Autograph) |
| 2025 Acura MDX | $51,200 | $75,250 (Type S Advance) |
The base prices are nearly identical. But the MDX’s Type S is significantly more expensive—and more performance-focused.
The CarGurus verdict on the QX60 is blunt: it’s “neither compelling nor competitive” in the luxury SUV segment, and it “looks and feels entirely disconnected from Infiniti’s history of building stylish, enjoyable-to-drive vehicles” . That’s harsh.
By contrast, the MDX is described as a “fan favorite” that offers a “great balance of comfort and amenities for a price that’s more premium than luxury” .
The Verdict
Buy the Acura MDX if:
- You want a three-row SUV that’s genuinely fun to drive
- You value cargo space behind the third row
- You appreciate intuitive tech (the new touchscreen is a game-changer)
- You want a sporty Type S option
- A smooth, responsive V6 matters more to you than fuel economy
Buy the Infiniti QX60 if:
- You need to tow up to 6,000 pounds
- You want slightly better fuel economy
- You’re price-sensitive and value a low base price
- You prioritize a quiet, soft ride over driving excitement
The bottom line: The Acura MDX is the better family SUV for most suburban buyers. It’s more engaging to drive, has more cargo space, and its new touchscreen finally fixes its biggest weakness. The QX60 has its strengths—towing and fuel economy—but its new engine’s hesitation and uninspired handling make it hard to recommend over the MDX, especially when they cost nearly the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which SUV has more cargo space?
The Acura MDX has 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, compared to the QX60’s 14.5 cubic feet .
Which SUV is more fuel-efficient?
The QX60 gets 22 MPG city / 28 MPG highway, while the MDX gets 19 MPG city / 26 MPG highway .
Which SUV has better towing capacity?
The QX60 can tow up to 6,000 pounds, compared to the MDX’s 3,500 pounds .
Which SUV is more fun to drive?
The Acura MDX is widely considered more engaging, with sharper handling and a more responsive V6 engine. The QX60 has been criticized for hesitation and uninspired dynamics .
What engines do these SUVs have?
The MDX uses a 290-hp 3.5L V6 (or 355-hp turbo V6 in Type S). The QX60 uses a 268-hp 2.0L turbo four-cylinder .
Is the third row usable for adults?
Both have tight third rows best suited for children. The MDX’s third row is a “knees-up position,” while the QX60’s third row has “pitiful” foot room .
References:
- CarGurus – Acura MDX vs Infiniti QX60 Comparison
- Cars.com – 2025 MDX vs 2026 QX60 Comparison
- U.S. News – 2026 Acura MDX Review
- MotorTrend – 2025 Acura MDX Review
- The Inquirer – 2026 Infiniti QX60 Review
- INFINITI USA – 2025 QX60
What’s your pick—the sporty MDX or the tow-ready QX60? Drop a comment below and share which one rules your suburb!
