Acura
RDX
Owner report available
Infiniti
QX50
Owner report available
Acura RDX vs Infiniti QX50
The short answer
The Acura RDX offers fuel economy, while the Infiniti QX50 excels at power instead. Choose the Acura RDX if you prioritize fuel economy in daily driving, or the Infiniti QX50 if power matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
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).
QX50
Overall
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation, with a clear consensus that the 2016-2017 (first-generation) models are highly regarded, while the 2019+ (second-generation) models are widely criticized. The first-generation QX50, equipped with the 3.7L V6 and a 7-speed automatic transmission, is consistently praised for its powerful, reliable engine, sporty handling derived from the FM platform shared with the 370Z and G37, and strong value as a used vehicle. Owner satisfaction for these models is very high, with reports of trouble-free ownership up to high mileages.
Best version to buy
The 2016-2017 QX50 with the 3.7L V6 engine, RWD or AWD, and the 7-speed automatic transmission is overwhelmingly recommended as the best version. Specific praise is given to the 2016 model year, which received a stretched wheelbase for increased rear legroom.
Known issues
- **First Generation (2016-2017, 3.7L V6):** Cooling system leaks: radiator may fail approximately every 80,000 miles; heater hose coupler on passenger side prone to breaking. Frequency: recurrent.
- **Second Generation (2019+, 2.0L VC-Turbo & CVT):** VC-Turbo engine reliability: catastrophic engine failures and fires due to manufacturing defects in engine bearings, leading to a major recall for 2019-2021 models.
The verdict
The Acura RDX is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Infiniti QX50, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Acura RDX are a dealbreaker, the Infiniti QX50 is worth a closer look instead.
Explore further
Common problems by model year
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Acura RDX or the Infiniti QX50?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Acura RDX than the Infiniti QX50. 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 QX50?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Acura RDX or the Infiniti QX50?
The EPA rates the 2026 Acura RDX at 23 mpg combined and the 2025 Infiniti QX50 at 25–26 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Acura RDX or the Infiniti QX50?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Infiniti QX50 than the Acura RDX. See the known issues comparison above.