RDX vs QX50
Shopping across brands means comparing different philosophies. The RDX and the QX50 show how Acura and Infiniti each approach the compact luxury suv class. The honest headline: the RDX and the QX50 are evenly matched in most of the areas we compared.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tie
- Space & Practicality QX50 wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance4.4
- Space & Practicality7.8
- Engine & Performance4.2
- Space & Practicality10.0
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 QX50 has 6.4% more cargo space
If everything else were equal, this small edge would favor the QX50: 31.4 cu ft against 29.5 cu ft. The QX50’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
-
The QX50 has 11% more maximum cargo space
Not a big gap, but a consistent one. The QX50’s 65.1 cu ft beats the RDX’s 58.9 cu ft. Check the shape of the load floor too: a flat floor can matter as much as the number.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | RDX | QX50 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 184.7 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 74.9 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 110.2 in |
Engine & Performance
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On engine & performance, both deliver about the same. Don’t let engine & performance decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Space & Practicality
QX50 leads
Look at the space & practicality table and one name keeps coming out on top: the QX50. The QX50 scores with 6.4% more cargo space. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice. For anyone who cares most about space & practicality, the QX50 is the safer choice.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
RDX: 29.5 cu ft QX50: 31.4 cu ft Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
Cargo (seats folded)
RDX: 58.9 cu ft QX50: 65.1 cu ft Maximum cargo space with the seats folded matters when you move furniture, bikes or bulky gear.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Side by side, the off-road & towing figures for the RDX and the QX50 barely differ. Neither car gives you a reason to choose it on off-road & towing.
Safety & Tech
On safety & tech, the useful details are the names in the table: what each one uses, not a figure we can rank.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | RDX | QX50 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 (VC-Turbo) |
| Total system output | 272 hp | 268 hp |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | CVT |
| Drivetrain | N/A (not specified) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | RDX | QX50 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | N/A (not specified) | 26 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | N/A (not specified) | 23 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | N/A (not specified) | 29 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | RDX | QX50 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 29.5 cu ft | 31.4 cu ft (winner) Biggest cargo area |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 58.9 cu ft | 65.1 cu ft (winner) Most room, seats folded |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | RDX | QX50 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | RDX | QX50 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | RDX | QX50 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 184.7 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 74.9 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 110.2 in |
“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 QX50 if…
- you want more cargo space behind the rear seats (31.4 cu ft vs 29.5 cu ft)
- you move bulky items now and then (65.1 cu ft vs 58.9 cu ft maximum cargo)
- you already use other Infiniti products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the RDX or the QX50?
On the specs compared here, the QX50 makes more sense for most buyers; the RDX doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Acura makes the RDX, Infiniti makes the QX50, and both want the same spot on your shortlist. Here’s where I land. What tips it for me is that the QX50 has 6.4% more cargo space.
The RDX is for you if the things a spec sheet can’t capture tops your list; the QX50 is for you if space & practicality does.
My pick: the QX50.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.