MDX vs QX65
It’s Acura against Infiniti in the midsize luxury suv class, and the MDX and the QX65 are the models carrying each flag. Each has a clear strength: the MDX leads on passenger space, and the QX65 answers with off-road & towing.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Trade-off
- Space & Practicality Trade-off
- Off-road & Towing QX65 wins
- Engine & Performance0.9
- Space & Practicality5.0
- Off-road & Towing5.5
- Engine & Performance0.8
- Space & Practicality5.5
- Off-road & Towing6.9
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The QX65 has 120% more cargo space
At 35.8 cu ft versus 16.3 cu ft, this is a decisive lead for the QX65, the kind of difference you notice without looking for it. The QX65’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
-
The MDX has room for 7 seats
If seats is one of your priorities, this settles it: the MDX leads clearly with 7 seats to the QX65’s 5 seats. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
-
The MDX has 22 hp more power
Think of it as a tiebreaker rather than a deal-breaker: 290 hp for the MDX, 268 hp for the QX65. The MDX’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The QX65 has 1,000 lb more towing capacity
On paper, the QX65 is a touch ahead here, listing 6,000 lb against 5,000 lb. If you tow regularly, the QX65’s higher rating gives you more margin.
-
The QX65 has 19 lb-ft more torque
A modest but measurable lead goes to the QX65: 286 lb-ft compared with 267 lb-ft. The QX65’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | MDX | QX65 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 67.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 113.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Trade-off
Both have a point in this area: 22 hp more power for the MDX, 19 lb-ft more torque for the QX65. The takeaway: engine & performance is a matter of preference rather than a clear verdict.
Total system output
MDX: 290 hp QX65: 268 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
MDX: 267 lb-ft QX65: 286 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Space & Practicality
Trade-off
Neither has the whole package on space & practicality. The MDX has room for 7 seats, while the QX65 has 120% more cargo space. Bottom line for space & practicality: decide which advantage matters more to you.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
MDX: 16.3 cu ft QX65: 35.8 cu ft Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
Seats
MDX: 7 seats QX65: 5 seats Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
Off-road & Towing
QX65 leads
The QX65 edges the off-road & towing section, though the MDX stays close. The QX65 pulls ahead with 1,000 lb more towing capacity. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers. For anyone who cares most about off-road & towing, the QX65 is the safer choice.
Max towing
MDX: 5,000 lb QX65: 6,000 lb Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
Safety & Tech
Here the spec sheet speaks in model names and types. Compare the MDX and the QX65 row by row in the table below.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | MDX | QX65 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 2.0L turbo I4 (VC-Turbo) |
| Total system output | 290 hp (winner) | 268 hp |
| Torque | 267 lb-ft | 286 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (SH-AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | MDX | QX65 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 22 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 19 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 26 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel tank | 18.5 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | MDX | QX65 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats (winner) | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 16.3 cu ft | 35.8 cu ft (winner) Biggest cargo area |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 71.4 cu ft (winner) | 67.7 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | MDX | QX65 |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | 6,000 lb (winner) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | MDX | QX65 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 12.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | AcuraWatch | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | MDX | QX65 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 67.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 113.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | MDX | QX65 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $51,800 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the MDX if…
- you need more seats (7 seats vs 5 seats)
- you want more power (290 hp vs 268 hp)
- you want more room with the seats folded (71.4 cu ft vs 67.7 cu ft)
Choose the QX65 if…
- you haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (35.8 cu ft vs 16.3 cu ft)
- you tow a camper, boat or trailer (6,000 lb vs 5,000 lb)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (286 lb-ft vs 267 lb-ft of torque)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the MDX or the QX65?
It depends on your priorities: the MDX is stronger on passenger space, while the QX65 leads on off-road & towing.
Executive Summary
Acura makes the MDX, Infiniti makes the QX65, and both want the same spot on your shortlist. Here’s where I land. If I had to name one reason, it’s that the MDX brings room for 7 seats. Beyond that, 22 hp more power gives the MDX another edge. That said, the QX65 answers with 120% more cargo space, which some people will value more.
I think of the MDX as the one for passenger space and the QX65 as the one for off-road & towing.
My pick: both are fair choices, with the MDX leaning toward passenger space and the QX65 toward off-road & towing.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.