2019 Acura RDX vs. 2019 Infiniti QX50: Which Is Best?

Premium automakers are scrambling to compete in the compact crossover category. One of the stalwarts of the genre, the Acura RDX, enters its third generation for 2019. The Infiniti QX50 (known as the EX until the 2015 model year) made its debut as a 2007 model, the same year as the first RDX. Both vehicles have evolved and changed over the years, but today they share the same basic formula: Each is a car-based (frameless unibody) premium compact crossover with standard front-wheel drive, available all-wheel drive, and a turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine.

Each of these crossovers packs some surprises and some innovative technology, along with sophisticated design, two rows of comfortable seating, and enough cargo capacity to earn that “U” in “Utility.” Similarities aside, which of the two is best? 

If consumers have a consistent complaint about the current crop of crossover vehicles, it is that they all look the same. That’s not an entirely valid criticism, but it is understandable. The marriage of design and engineering in search of efficiency has led to exterior styling that owes more to the wind tunnel than to the drawing board.

The RDX and QX50 each have some unique features that distinguish them from each other, despite a similarity in proportion and stance. The QX50’s upright grille and expressive headlights give it a sporty appearance, while the RDX’s new front fascia features the new Acura "precision grille," a big improvement over the previous generation. The RDX’s jewel LED headlamps are also distinctive and tie it to the rest of the Acura lineup. Both vehicles feature superior fit and finish, with rich paintwork and lustrous chrome accents.

Winner: Infiniti QX50

A turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder with four valves per cylinder and direct gasoline injection is common right now. Both the RDX and QX50 come with their own versions. The RDX’s engine head and block are both aluminum alloy, a stiff and lightweight material. The engine is tuned to produce 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. It requires premium fuel and burns it at an estimated rate of 22 mpg city/28 mpg highway/24 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 1 mpg less with all-wheel-drive. 

The QX50’s all-new engine is also made from an aluminum alloy and produces 268 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque running on premium fuel. The new engine is the first production powerplant to use variable compression ratios during operation. Fuel economy is rated at 24 mpg city/31 mpg highway/27 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 24 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined with all-wheel drive.

Winner: Infiniti QX50

Acura and Infiniti have chosen different approaches to transmissions, but similar takes on drivetrains. The RDX uses a 10-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters that allow drivers to take control of gear changes themselves if desired. The QX50 comes with an Xtronic continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) with manual shift mode and downshift rev-matching. Each transmission style has its pluses and minuses. Traditionally geared automatics like the Acura's tend to appeal to performance-oriented drivers who appreciate the stepped revving and shifting, while CVTs are praised for their efficiency, keeping engines in the best rev range for the situation at hand.

Both the RDX and QX50 have transversely mounted engines and standard front-wheel drive, and each vehicle can be ordered with all-wheel drive. Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) and Infiniti's Intelligent All-Wheel Drive are both proven systems that incorporate torque vectoring for superior cornering.

Winner: Acura RDX

The RDX and QX50 are very closely matched when it comes to comfort and amenities. Both come with leatherette seating surfaces in the base model, upgradable to leather trim in upper levels and packages. Power front seats with power lumbar are standard on both. Heated seats are standard on the RDX, available on the QX50, while both also offer ventilated seats.

A panoramic moonroof is standard on all RDX models and standard on mid- and upper-level QX50 models, but not available on the base (Pure) model. The RDX has more front legroom (42.0 inches vs. 39.6), while the QX50 has slightly more rear legroom (38.7 inches vs. 38.0 inches). The QX50 also has the edge in rear hip room (53.8 inches vs. 50.0 inches).

Winner: Infiniti QX50

One of the reasons that buyers give for moving from sedans to crossovers is cargo capacity and interior flexibility. Both the RDX and QX50 have 60/40-split folding rear bench seats, but the QX50 has the edge in capacity. It can swallow up to 65.1 cubic feet of cargo with the second row folded, or 31.4 cubic feet of luggage with the second row up. The RDX comes in at 58.9 cubic feet behind the front seats and 29.5 cubic feet behind the second row.

The QX50 can carry a payload (including passengers and cargo) of around 1,100 lbs, while RDX is rated to handle around 1,000 lbs. All RDX trim levels come with a power liftgate, and a motion-activated feature is available. The QX50’s top trim level is the only one with a standard power liftgate with motion-activation; lower trim levels have manual liftgates with gas-shock assist.

Winner: Infiniti QX50

Both Acura and Infiniti pack their crossovers with impressive technology, and RDX and QX50 have the companies’ latest and greatest. The RDX comes with a standard 10.2-inch HD Dual-Content Center Display and a 7-inch color Multi-Information Display in the instrument panel. A head-up display is available, too. Navigation is available, and AcuraLink connected services are standard, as is mobile hotspot capability. A nine-speaker audio system with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay is standard, and two ELS Studio systems — one with 12 speakers and one with 18 speakers — are available.

The QX50’s standard audio system has six speakers and standard Bluetooth, and can be upgraded to a 17-speaker Bose Performance Series system in the upper trim level. A 7-inch display is standard on all models, and navigation is standard in the upper trim level.

Winner: Acura RDX

The 2019 crash test ratings for the RDX and QX50 are not yet available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The RDX has received a Top Safety Pick Plus rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, but the QX50’s ratings have not yet been published.

Both vehicles come with a raft of standard and available safety features, as you’d want in a family crossover. The QX50 is available with ProPilot Assist, a suite of driver assistance features that include radar cruise control, blind-spot intervention, a lane-departure warning, lane-departure prevention, and automatic high beams. The RDX comes with standard Acura Watch, which includes a lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and radar cruise control. Additional driver assistance features are available with the Technology, A-Spec, and Advance packages.

Winner: Tie

Both the RDX and QX50 are eager companions when you take to the road. Thanks to well-sorted suspensions, each crossover feels solidly planted on the road, and is composed during cornering – especially in all-wheel drive form.

The notable differences between the two vehicles come in engine and transmission performance. The RDX’s 10-speed automatic is great, and does a fantastic job of wringing the best out of its engine. There’s little if any noticeable turbo lag, and the transmission shifts smoothly from gear to gear, kicking down with authority upon demand. The QX50’s VC-Turbo engine does its magic transparently, responding instantly when you demand more power. Infiniti’s CVT is one of the best available, and most drivers will not mind (or even notice) its occasional highway drone, the only slightly sour note in the crossover’s performance.

Winner: Tie

The QX50 comes in three trim levels: Pure (starting at $36,550); Luxe ($39,400); and Essential ($43,350). Add all-wheel drive to any trim level for $1,800. Infiniti bundles options into simple packages that you can add to the Essential trim level, like ProAssist Package ($550), ProActive Package ($2,200), Sensory Package ($7,500), and Autograph Package ($2,000).

RDX pricing is different. There’s just one trim level, starting at $37,300. Add all-wheel drive for $2,000. You can also choose among three options packages: Technology ($3,200); A-Spec ($6,200); or Advance ($8,100), which means that there are eight different RDX configurations available. The RDX peaks at $47,400 for an all-wheel drive model with the Advance Package. QX50 can top out at over $59,000 with all of the boxes checked.

Winner: Acura RDX

If you’re considering a 2019 Acura RDX or 2019 Infiniti QX50, you owe it to yourself to explore the rest of the class of premium compact crossovers before coming to a decision. The Lexus NX, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Audi Q5, Cadillac XT5, Lincoln Nautilus, and Volvo XC60 all have strengths and weaknesses, and one might catch your fancy.

If you’ve already narrowed down to the RDX and QX50, congratulations. If you’re seeking the least expensive point of entry into a premium crossover, select the QX50 base model. If you want to get the best value, the RDX AWD with Advance Package is the way to go, loaded down with everything Acura has to offer. The 10-speed automatic transmission would tip the balance for us, too — it is the one serious advantage the RDX has over the QX50.

Winner: Acura RDX