INFINITI QX60 vs Acura MDX: Which Should You Buy?
If you're cross-shopping three-row luxury SUVs in Denver, the QX60 and Acura MDX are probably both on your list. They compete directly on size, price, and standard features, so the decision usually comes down to ride character, interior quietness, and how each vehicle actually behaves on Colorado roads — not just the spec sheet.
Here's a direct comparison between the 2027 QX60 and 2026 MDX, grounded in real pricing and specs, not just a general overview.
Quick Answer
Choose the QX60 if: you want a quieter cabin on rough mountain pavement, a more upright driving position, and access to local sales and service through INFINITI OF DENVER.
Choose the MDX if: you prefer a firmer ride tune and more engaged steering feel, and don't mind trading some ride comfort for it.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Spec | INFINITI QX60 2027 (LUXE, AWD) | Acura MDX 2026 (SH-AWD) |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $61,670 (incl. destination) | $54,000 |
| Engine | 2.0L Turbo I4 | 3.5L V6 |
| Horsepower | 268 hp @ 5,600 rpm | 290 hp @ 6,200 rpm |
| Torque | 286 lb-ft | 267 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 6,000 lbs (properly equipped) | 5,000 lbs (SH-AWD, properly equipped) |
| Max Cargo (behind front row, method varies by brand) | 75.4 cu ft (SAE method) | 95.0 cu ft (Acura's own measurement method) |
| Seating | 6 or 7 (LUXE) | 7 (6 available with removable 2nd-row center seat) |
| Drivetrain | Intelligent All-Wheel Drive | Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) |
Note: INFINITI and Acura measure maximum cargo capacity using different methods, so the two cargo figures aren't a direct apples-to-apples comparison — both are listed for reference, not as a declared winner.
Colorado-Specific Driving Notes
On I-70 grades and switchbacks, the QX60's Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system is tuned toward stability, which owners and reviewers commonly describe as feeling planted on repeated mountain curves loaded with passengers and cargo. The MDX's firmer suspension tuning rewards a more active driving style but can feel stiffer over rough, patched mountain pavement common on Colorado's secondary highways.
Both vehicles lose some power at altitude, as any engine does. The QX60's turbocharged four-cylinder is generally better equipped to compensate for altitude-related power loss than the MDX's naturally aspirated V6, though the real-world difference is modest for typical mountain driving and highway merging.
Colorado's Traction Law requires either snow tires, chains, or an AWD/4WD vehicle with adequate tire tread depth during active mountain-corridor storms. Both the QX60 and MDX qualify when equipped with AWD and tires that meet the minimum tread depth — compliance comes down to drivetrain and tires, not ground clearance.
The current generations of both SUVs debuted for the 2022 model year. Since then, each has received meaningful updates: the QX60 added its 268-horsepower VC-Turbo engine for 2025 and received a styling and technology refresh for 2026, while the MDX received its own styling and technology refresh for 2025, including an updated touchscreen interface with Google built-in.
More INFINITI QX60 Highlights
Beyond the spec sheet, a few standard and available features are worth knowing about:
ProPILOT Assist — helps manage steering, acceleration, and braking during single-lane highway driving, reducing fatigue on longer Colorado road trips.
Dual 12.3-inch displays — a digital gauge cluster paired with a touchscreen infotainment display, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
MyINFINITI App — schedule service, check vehicle status, and manage remote features right from your phone.
INFINITI InTouch Services — built-in connectivity for safety, security, and remote vehicle access.
Available massaging front seats and a 20-speaker Klipsch audio system on AUTOGRAPH trim, including Individual Audio — a feature that lets the driver take a phone call or navigation prompt without interrupting music for other passengers.
Ownership and Local Service
Finding the right SUV is only half the decision — how you're taken care of after the sale matters just as much. INFINITI OF DENVER offers local sales and service across the greater Denver area, along with Home by INFINITI OF DENVER: a complimentary, valet-based service option. You never have to bring your own car in — schedule your appointment, and we'll pick up your vehicle, leave you with a loaner, and return your car to you once service is complete. It's designed so INFINITI ownership fits into your schedule, not the other way around.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the QX60 better than the Acura MDX?
For buyers prioritizing ride comfort, cabin quietness, and local Denver-area service access, the QX60 is a strong choice. For buyers who prefer a firmer ride tune and more engaged handling, the MDX is competitive. Both are capable three-row luxury SUVs, and the right pick depends on what matters most to you.
Which has more cargo space, the QX60 or the MDX?
INFINITI and Acura measure maximum cargo capacity differently, so their published figures (75.4 cu ft for the QX60, 95.0 cu ft for the MDX) aren't directly comparable using the same standard. We'd recommend comparing both in person to judge real-world cargo space for your needs.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the QX60 or the MDX?
The QX60 is rated up to 6,000 lbs when properly equipped. The MDX SH-AWD is rated up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped (FWD MDX models are rated lower, at 3,500 lbs).
Which is better for Colorado mountain driving, the QX60 or the MDX?
The QX60's stability-tuned Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and comfort-oriented ride are often described as composed on repeated mountain curves, while the MDX's firmer tuning is preferred by some drivers on dry, well-maintained roads. Both qualify under Colorado's Traction Law when equipped with AWD and adequately treaded tires.
Is the QX60 available with standard AWD in Colorado?
Yes. Intelligent All-Wheel Drive is available on the QX60 and strongly recommended for regular mountain driving and Traction Law compliance during active storms.
What is Home by INFINITI OF DENVER?
Home by INFINITI OF DENVER is a complimentary valet service for scheduled maintenance. Instead of driving to the dealership and waiting, you schedule an appointment, we pick up your vehicle, provide a loaner for the day, and return your car once service is complete.
See the QX60 in Person
Spec sheets only go so far — the best way to know if the QX60 is right for you is to get behind the wheel. Ready to see it in person? Browse current QX60 inventory or schedule a test drive.