When Acura launched the primary MDX in late 2000, it modified what consumers anticipated from a luxurious SUV. Earlier than it arrived, most three-row SUVs have been constructed on truck frames, which made them succesful off-road and for towing, however a bit tough on the commute at occasions. The MDX was totally different with its car-based unibody platform, which gave it a quieter, smoother trip with out sacrificing house for seven passengers.
Automotive journalists and trade insiders observed instantly. The 2001 Acura MDX took residence each the North American Truck of the Year and Motor Trend SUV of the Year awards, and it stays America’s best-selling three-row luxurious SUV.
But the three-row Japanese luxurious section has gotten extra aggressive, and households buying on this house have extra to contemplate than ever earlier than. Infiniti used the QX60’s 2026 refresh to shut the hole on the MDX in significant methods, updating the outside design, refining the powertrain, and including expertise that was beforehand reserved for costlier autos.
The result’s a QX60 that makes a stronger case for itself than it has in years previous, and at a value that lands virtually precisely the place the MDX does.
Whereas Acura defines the posh expertise via performance-focused engineering and a nameplate that has topped the section for 25 years, Infiniti has pivoted towards a tech-centric method that leverages aerospace analysis to resolve a really terrestrial downside: driver fatigue.
- Base Trim Engine
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2.0-liter turbo inline-4
- Base Trim Transmission
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9-speed computerized
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Entrance-Wheel Drive
The beginning value hole
As little as $10 in some situations
The 2026 Infiniti QX60 has a noticeably decrease beginning MSRP than different luxurious rivals, for instance, when compared to the Volvo XC90 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC. In opposition to the 2026 Acura MDX, nonetheless, the distinction is sort of nothing:
- QX60 Pure (FWD): $51,890 / MDX (FWD): $51,800
- QX60 Luxe (AWD): $59,390 / MDX with Know-how Bundle (SH-AWD): $59,400
- QX60 Sport (AWD-only): $62,390 / MDX A-Spec (SH-AWD): $62,400
- QX60 Autograph (AWD-only): $66,890 / MDX with Advance Bundle (SH-AWD): $66,900
On the QX60, Pure and Luxe trims are normal with front-wheel drive, whereas all-wheel drive is accessible for each. QX60 Sport and Autograph are normal with all-wheel drive. The MDX follows the same sample, with the bottom and Know-how Bundle accessible in both drivetrain, whereas A-Spec and above are all-wheel drive.
Quiz
Infiniti QX60 trivia
Learn on and take a look at your data
From its debut 12 months to its standout options — put your Infiniti QX60 data to the take a look at.
Historical pastEfficiencyDesignOptionsRivals
In what 12 months did the Infiniti QX60 first go on sale as a manufacturing automobile?
Right! The Infiniti QX60 debuted for the 2013 mannequin 12 months, occurring sale in 2012. It changed the JX35 nameplate and introduced a recent id to Infiniti’s three-row SUV lineup.
Not fairly — the QX60 first went on sale in 2012 as a 2013 mannequin 12 months automobile. It was launched to interchange the short-lived JX35 and has been a staple of Infiniti’s lineup ever since.
What’s the engine displacement of the usual V6 engine discovered within the second-generation Infiniti QX60?
That is proper! The QX60 is powered by a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine, producing round 295 horsepower. It is a easy, refined powertrain well-suited to household hauling duties.
The proper reply is 3.5 liters. The QX60’s 3.5-liter V6 places out roughly 295 horsepower and is paired with a 9-speed computerized transmission within the second-generation mannequin.
What number of rows of seating does the Infiniti QX60 provide as normal?
Right! The QX60 is a three-row SUV, providing seating for as much as seven or eight passengers relying on configuration. This makes it a preferred selection for bigger households in search of a luxurious hauler.
The QX60 comes normal with three rows of seating. It accommodates as much as seven or eight passengers, positioning it as a direct competitor within the three-row luxurious SUV section.
What was the Infiniti QX60 initially bought as earlier than receiving the QX60 identify?
Right! The QX60 was initially launched because the Infiniti JX35 for the 2013 mannequin 12 months. Infiniti rebranded its total lineup shortly after, renaming the JX35 to QX60 beginning with the 2014 mannequin 12 months.
The unique identify was the Infiniti JX35, not any of the opposite choices. Infiniti launched a company-wide renaming technique in 2014, and the JX35 turned the QX60 as a part of that overhaul.
Which superior driver help expertise did Infiniti provide on the QX60 to assist with freeway driving?
That is proper! Infiniti’s ProPilot Help is a single-lane driver help system accessible on the QX60 that mixes adaptive cruise management with lane-centering help on highways.
The proper reply is ProPilot Help — Infiniti’s personal semi-autonomous freeway driving system. Tremendous Cruise is GM’s expertise, Autopilot belongs to Tesla, and BlueCruise is Ford’s providing.
What kind of transmission does the second-generation Infiniti QX60 use?
Right! The second-generation QX60 moved to a brand new 9-speed computerized transmission, changing the CVT used within the first-generation mannequin. This variation was extensively praised for enhancing the driving expertise.
The second-generation QX60 makes use of a 9-speed computerized transmission. The primary-generation mannequin truly used a CVT, however Infiniti swapped it out within the redesigned 2022 mannequin to enhance efficiency really feel.
Which of the next is taken into account a direct competitor to the Infiniti QX60 within the three-row luxurious SUV section?
Spot on! The Acura MDX is likely one of the QX60’s closest rivals, sharing the same footprint, value vary, and audience of luxury-seeking households. Each provide three rows and refined all-wheel-drive techniques.
The Acura MDX is the closest match right here. The Cadillac Escalade, BMW X7, and Lincoln Navigator are bigger and costlier full-size luxurious SUVs, whereas the QX60 competes within the midsize three-row luxurious class.
What technology of the QX60 launched the utterly redesigned exterior with a brand new ‘Artistry in Movement’ styling language?
Right! The 2022 mannequin 12 months introduced essentially the most vital redesign within the QX60’s historical past, that includes sharper styling, a extra upscale inside, and Infiniti’s up to date design philosophy. It was a generational leap ahead for the nameplate.
The complete redesign got here with the 2022 mannequin 12 months, which was the most important overhaul the QX60 had ever obtained. Earlier updates have been largely incremental, however the 2022 model launched new styling, a revamped cabin, and a brand new transmission.
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Whatever the drivetrain, at almost each stage, these two SUVs are separated by mere {dollars}. That near-identical start line means the choice comes all the way down to what every automobile truly delivers for the cash.
Each SUVs can accommodate six or seven passengers, relying on the trim stage. The QX60 Pure and Luxe provide a seven-passenger bench within the second row, whereas the Sport and Autograph include captain’s chairs for six. The MDX encompasses a detachable middle seat within the second row, permitting it to change between configurations with out a fastened format, which can be advantageous for some consumers.
The QX60’s clearest benefit over the MDX comes on the hitch, providing a max towing capability of 6,000 lbs. when correctly geared up, versus the 5,000 lbs. max ranking of the MDX.
- Base Trim Engine
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3.5L V6 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
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10-speed computerized
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Entrance-Wheel Drive
Two totally different powertrains
Conventional V6 vs. four-cylinder turbo
The 2026 Acura MDX has a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft. of torque, paired with a 10-speed computerized. Acura has used a variant of this V6 within the MDX since its launch in 2000, refining it over the years for higher effectivity.
A type of refinements is Acura’s Variable Cylinder Administration system, which shuts down three of the six cylinders throughout light-load driving, comparable to freeway cruising, to stretch gasoline financial system.
All-wheel drive on the MDX comes through Acura’s SH-AWD system, quick for Tremendous Dealing with All-Wheel Drive. The system distributes torque left-to-right on the rear axle, sending extra energy to the skin rear wheel via a nook. The result’s a automobile that rotates extra naturally via turns and resists the understeer {that a} typical all-wheel drive system may cause.
Whereas Acura opts for a naturally aspirated engine, Infiniti goes the turbocharging route.
Infiniti eliminated the QX60’s bigger V6 for the 2025 mannequin 12 months, changing it with a 2.0-liter variable compression turbo (VC-Turbo for brief) that creates 268 horsepower and 286 lb-ft. of torque. The turbocharged four-cylinder, paired with a nine-speed computerized, stays the usual engine for the 2026 mannequin 12 months, although Infiniti added new mounting constructions to cut back general engine noise for a quieter trip.
When it launched in 2018, the VC-Turbo was the world’s first manufacturing variable compression engine. It makes use of a multi-link system to lift or decrease the pistons in actual time, adjusting the compression ratio primarily based on what the driving force is asking of the engine. Beneath gentle hundreds, it runs the next compression ratio for effectivity; beneath heavier hundreds, it drops the ratio for extra energy.
- Radar Band Detection
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X, Okay, Ka
- Companion App
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Drive Smarter
The Escort MAX 360c MKII is the follow-up to the usual MAX 360c radar detector. This enhanced model options longer-range detection with its up to date dual-antenna platform and elevated false alert filtering via Blackfin DSP integration.
Gas financial system and manufacturing facility guarantee protection
QX60 affords extra mpg mixed
On gasoline financial system, the QX60 does higher than the MDX no matter which drivetrain you select. The EPA figures are as follows:
- 2026 Infiniti QX60 FWD: 22 metropolis / 28 freeway / 24 mixed mpg
- 2026 Infiniti QX60 AWD: 22 metropolis / 27 freeway / 24 mixed mpg
- 2026 Acura MDX FWD: 19 metropolis / 26 freeway / 22 mixed mpg
- 2026 Acura MDX SH-AWD: 19 metropolis / 25 freeway / 21 mixed mpg
Energy and efficiency are the place the MDX pulls forward, however consumers should soar to the high quality for the privilege. The MDX Sort S Advance brings a 3.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged V6 producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft. of torque. Brembo entrance brakes and an adaptive air suspension are additionally normal.
Whereas the QX60 Sport is normal with all-wheel drive, it’s extra of a styling package deal. The MDX Sort S has no direct competitor within the QX60 lineup.
In the meantime, each QX60 comes with a four-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper guarantee and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain guarantee. The MDX matches the QX60’s six-year/70,000-mile powertrain protection however falls barely quick on bumper-to-bumper protection at four-year/50,000-miles.
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NASA-inspired vs. performance-focused inside
Two top-tier audio techniques
The QX60’s cabin is constructed round Zero Gravity seats, a design that pulls on NASA analysis into how the human physique positions itself in a weightless setting. The concept is that in case you can maintain a driver in a extra impartial posture, it reduces the fixed stress gravity locations on the backbone throughout lengthy commutes. Fourteen stress factors help the physique from the pelvis to the chest, which helps preserve blood circulation and scale back fatigue on longer journeys.
Within the Autograph trim, these seats are wrapped in semi-aniline leather-based with kimono-inspired stitching and open-pore ash wooden trim, a mix that the engineers at Infiniti have cited as a private favourite.
The MDX takes a extra performance-oriented method to its inside. Sport seats are normal throughout most trims and have extra lateral help for cornering. The Advance Bundle upgrades to 16-way energy adjustability with a nine-way therapeutic massage operate (the QX60 Autograph additionally features a therapeutic massage operate, so each autos provide it at their respective high trims).
For audio, the MDX Sort S Advance encompasses a Bang & Olufsen Extremely Sound System with 31 audio system, whereas the QX60 makes use of two variations of its Klipsch audio system, relying on the trim stage. The Luxe has a 16-speaker system, whereas the Autograph has the Reference Premiere system with 20 audio system.
Speaker depend favors the MDX, although the Klipsch system provides an Particular person Audio mode that lets the driving force hear music, cellphone calls, and navigation prompts with out disturbing different passengers.
Each autos include twin 12.3-inch shows, Google built-in, and wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
QX60 is a robust different
Selecting between the Infiniti QX60 and the Acura MDX is likely one of the nearer calls within the three-row luxurious SUV section. The MDX earned its fame over 25 years, and it backs that up for 2026 with a refined V6 engine, a performance-focused Sort S possibility, and driver-focused inside tech.
The Infiniti QX60 solutions with higher gasoline financial system, an extended powertrain guarantee, increased towing capability, and a cabin designed round decreasing fatigue on longer drives.
When two autos are this shut in value throughout all trim ranges, these variations develop into the actual deciding components.
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