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Acura RDX
Acura

Acura

RDX

Owner report available

Infiniti QX30
Infiniti

Infiniti

QX30

Owner report available

Acura RDX vs Infiniti QX30

Updated June 2026

The short answer

The Acura RDX offers power, while the Infiniti QX30 excels at fuel economy instead. Choose the Acura RDX if you prioritize power in daily driving, or the Infiniti QX30 if fuel economy matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.

Specs side by side

Specification
RDX
QX30
Typical price (used, US)
N/A
$11,367–$14,550
Power
279 Hpbetter
211 Hp
Torque
252 lb-ft (342 Nm)
258 lb-ft (350 Nm)better
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
N/A
7.3s
Top speed
N/A
143 mph (230 km/h)
Fuel (maker's test)
22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km)
35 mpg (6.7 L/100 km)better
Drive
All wheel drive
All wheel drive
Transmission
6 gears, automatic
7 gears, automatic
Engine
3.5 L
2 L
Seats
5
5
Body type
SUV
Hatchback

What owners say

RDX

Overall

Owners of the second-generation RDX (roughly 2013-2018) are overwhelmingly positive, repeatedly describing the V6 as smooth, potent, and long-lived, with many reporting 150,000 to nearly 300,000 miles on basic maintenance. The third-generation RDX (2019 and later) draws a split verdict: owners praise the turbocharged engine's mid-range punch, handling, and available ELS audio, but a substantial group reports infotainment problems, interior rattles, brake noise, and occasional turbo or head gasket failures. A recurring theme is that the older naturally aspirated V6 is viewed as the more trouble-free long-term choice, while the newer turbo four is seen as more fun but less proven.

Best version to buy

Insufficient owner data available to declare a single consensus. The strongest signal favors the second-generation V6 models, with 2013-2015 and 2017-2018 examples drawing the most praise for reliability and longevity, and the 2016-2018 facelift years noted for holding up well past 100,000 miles.

Known issues

  • Infotainment system freezing, slow response, and night/day mode glitches: Frequency: very frequent (concentrated in 2019-2020 model years). Panoramic sunroof rattles, popping, or leaking: Frequency: recurrent (2019-2022 model years).

QX30

Overall

Mixed to negative sentiment overall. The vehicle is praised by some owners for its attractive design, sporty driving dynamics, good fuel economy from the turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and high-quality interior materials, especially when purchased as a used value proposition. However, a very strong and recurrent theme across owner discussions is significant concern over electrical and software glitches, which manifest in numerous, often dangerous, ways.

Best version to buy

Insufficient owner data available to designate a specific trim or model year as "best." Owner discussions reference various model years (2017-2019) and trims (Sport, AWD) without a clear consensus on a preferred version. The fundamental platform and powertrain are consistent across the model run.

Known issues

  • Electrical and software glitches: includes dashboard randomly resetting while driving (causing car to shift to neutral and steering to lock), key fob not detected, remote start failure, infotainment screen blackouts, malfunctioning driver…
  • Expensive maintenance and repair costs: parts and labor are costly because the vehicle shares many components with Mercedes-Benz; repairs like a power steering pump or engine temperature control module can cost thousands of dollars.
  • Transmission issues in cold weather: harsh shifting or "dropping hard" into first gear when the transmission is cold. Frequency: recurrent.

The verdict

The Acura RDX is the better choice for most buyers.

It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Infiniti QX30, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Acura RDX are a dealbreaker, the Infiniti QX30 is worth a closer look instead.

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Frequently asked questions

Which is more reliable, the Acura RDX or the Infiniti QX30?

Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Acura RDX than the Infiniti QX30. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.

Which is better for families, the Acura RDX or the Infiniti QX30?

Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Acura RDX is classed as a SUV, the Infiniti QX30 as a Hatchback, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.

Which has better fuel economy, the Acura RDX or the Infiniti QX30?

The EPA rates the 2026 Acura RDX at 23 mpg combined and the 2019 Infiniti QX30 at 25–27 mpg, depending on the version.

Which is cheaper to maintain, the Acura RDX or the Infiniti QX30?

Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Infiniti QX30 than the Acura RDX. See the known issues comparison above.