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The 2026 Acura MDX makes 290 horsepower from a V-6 against 268 from the QX60’s four-cylinder, and uses a 10-speed automatic against a 9-speed. The MDX adds double-wishbone front suspension, standard adaptive cruise control, available 16-way front seats and a removable second-row middle seat the QX60 does not offer.
Both are three-row luxury SUVs from Japanese premium brands, and both are cross-shopped heavily by families moving up from a Pilot or a Highlander.
The QX60 has moved to a four-cylinder for this generation. That is the change that reframes this comparison, because the MDX still uses a V-6.
| Specification | 2026 Acura MDX | 2027 Infiniti QX60 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 290 hp | 268 hp |
| Engine | 3.5-liter V-6 | Inline four |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Front suspension | Double-wishbone | MacPherson strut |
| All-wheel drive | Available SH-AWD with rear torque vectoring | Available AWD without rear torque vectoring |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Standard | Additional cost |
| Front seats | Available 16-way | Available 12-way |
| Removable second-row middle seat | Standard | Not offered |
| Walk Away Auto Lock | Standard | Not available |
| Top-down camera view | Standard | Additional cost |
Figures as published by each manufacturer for the model years shown. Confirm equipment on the window sticker.
A 3.5-liter V-6 making 290 horsepower against a turbocharged four making 268, and a 10-speed automatic against a 9-speed. The gap is 22 horsepower and one ratio, but the bigger difference is the delivery: the naturally aspirated V-6 responds immediately, without the momentary lag a turbo four gives you when you ask for a pass.
The MDX front suspension is a double-wishbone; the QX60 uses MacPherson struts. That is the more sophisticated layout on the Acura and it shows in how settled the front end stays over mid-corner bumps.
| Specification | MDX | QX60 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5-liter V-6 | Inline four |
| Horsepower | 290 hp | 268 hp |
| Transmission | 10-speed | 9-speed |
| Front suspension | Double-wishbone | MacPherson strut |
Available SH-AWD on the MDX uses rear torque vectoring to help pull the vehicle through a turn. The QX60’s all-wheel-drive system does not offer rear torque vectoring.
Adaptive cruise control is standard on the MDX and an extra-cost item on the QX60 — a meaningful difference for anyone who commutes on I-5 or Highway 99 daily. Walk Away Auto Lock is standard on the MDX and not available on the QX60. The rearview camera with top-down view is standard on the MDX and extra on the Infiniti.
| Specification | MDX | QX60 |
|---|---|---|
| Rear torque vectoring | Available with SH-AWD | Not offered |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Standard | Additional cost |
| Walk Away Auto Lock | Standard | Not available |
| Top-down camera view | Standard | Additional cost |
The MDX offers available 16-way adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with a massage function. The QX60 tops out at 12-way. If you drive to the Bay Area regularly, the extra adjustment range is not a gimmick.
Every MDX trim includes a multi-function second row with a removable middle seat, which converts the row to captain’s chairs in a couple of minutes. The QX60 does not offer this.
| Specification | MDX | QX60 |
|---|---|---|
| Available front-seat adjustment | 16-way | 12-way |
| Removable second-row middle seat | Standard on all trims | Not offered |
The QX60 is typically the less expensive vehicle at comparable trim, and Infiniti has been aggressive on incentives. If monthly payment is the constraint, price both properly before deciding.
QX60 interior design, particularly in higher trims, is distinctive, and the available quilted leather and open-pore wood present very well. Some buyers simply prefer the look.
Infiniti offers captain’s chairs as a factory configuration in the second row on several trims, which is a cleaner solution than removing a seat if you never need the bench.
The MDX is the more capable and more sophisticated vehicle: V-6 power, an extra transmission ratio, double-wishbone front suspension, rear torque vectoring, standard adaptive cruise and a more adjustable driver’s seat.
The QX60 is the value play, and a legitimate one if the equipment differences do not matter to how you actually use the vehicle.
Drive them the same day if you can — the powertrain difference is the one that decides it for most people.
No. The current QX60 uses a turbocharged inline four rated at 268 horsepower. The 2026 Acura MDX uses a 3.5-liter V-6 rated at 290 horsepower.
No, it is an additional-cost item on the QX60. Adaptive cruise control is standard on every 2026 Acura MDX as part of AcuraWatch.
The MDX offers available 16-way adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with massage. The QX60 offers up to 12-way adjustment.
No. Every MDX trim includes a multi-function second row with a removable middle seat that converts the row to captain’s chairs. The QX60 does not offer this feature.
Rear torque vectoring sends extra torque to the outside rear wheel through a corner to help turn the vehicle. It is part of Acura’s available SH-AWD. The QX60 all-wheel-drive system does not offer it.
Elk Grove Acura, 8585 Laguna Grove Dr, Elk Grove, CA 95757. Call 833-857-1325.
Elk Grove Acura, 8585 Laguna Grove Dr, Elk Grove, CA 95757. Sales 833-857-1325. Sales hours Monday–Saturday 9 AM–8 PM, Sunday 10 AM–7 PM.
Specifications, features and pricing are as published by each manufacturer at the time of writing and are subject to change. Competitive figures are drawn from manufacturer-published product information. Starting MSRP excludes tax, title, license, destination and handling, registration and documentary fees, and dealer-installed accessories. Dealers set actual selling prices. Feature availability varies by trim and may change during the model year — confirm equipment on the window sticker of the specific vehicle you are considering. Driver-assistance systems are aids only and do not replace safe driving; see the Owner’s Manual for limitations.