2022 Acura MDX vs 2022 INFINITI QX80

The 2022 Acura MDX was a standout in the three-row luxury crossover SUV category, offering a design that appeared compact from the outside but spacious within. Built on a new dedicated platform, the MDX featured a longer wheelbase, wider body, and an increased dash-to-axle distance, enhancing its elegant appearance. The exterior boasted standard Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels, contributing to a sportier and modern look. Inside, the MDX's cabin was refined with authentic materials like natural wood and real leather, complemented by high-quality plastics. The dashboard design emphasized cabin width, and the unique gear selection system added a touch of sophistication. The MDX's interior was both comfortable and functional, with a range of colour options for a personalized touch.

In contrast, the 2022 INFINITI QX80 shared its platform with the Nissan Armada, offering a large and imposing presence. Its front-end styling was distinct, featuring a prominent Infiniti grille and tastefully integrated LED lighting. The QX80's cabin was luxurious, with upscale materials like quilted semi-aniline leather seats and wood trim. However, the design felt somewhat dated compared to its competitors. Despite this, the QX80 provided a comfortable and spacious environment, with good head- and legroom in the front seats. The third row was less accommodating, but the overall interior space was generous. The QX80's exterior was further enhanced by stylish 22-inch dark chrome alloy wheels, adding to its upscale appearance.

The 2022 Acura MDX was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. It featured a new 10-speed automatic transmission and Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which was standard in Canada. The SH-AWD system offered torque vectoring, enhancing cornering feel and control. The MDX's suspension was upgraded with a double-wishbone setup in the front and revised rear multi-link suspension, improving ride quality and handling. The vehicle's overall stiffness and rigidity were significantly improved, providing a solid ride feel. The MDX also offered five drive modes, allowing drivers to tailor the vehicle's performance to their preferences.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80, on the other hand, was equipped with a robust 400-horsepower, 5.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 413 lb-ft of torque. The engine was paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and seamless shifts. The QX80's four-wheel drive system, based on the Nissan Patrol, offered impressive off-road capability, with a computer-controlled transfer case and ample ground clearance. The vehicle's Hydraulic Body Motion Control system helped manage body lean during cornering, but its nearly three-ton curb weight was a reminder of its size. The QX80's towing capacity was a generous 3,855 kilograms, making it suitable for hauling large trailers or boats.

The 2022 Acura MDX excelled in versatility, offering comfortable seating for up to seven passengers. The second row featured a removable centre section and could slide to balance legroom between the second and third rows. The third row was best suited for smaller passengers, but the MDX's flexible seating arrangement made it a practical choice for families. Cargo space was generous, with up to 2,690 litres available with the second and third rows folded. The power tailgate featured convenient functions like "Walk Away Close" and Hands-Free Access, enhancing usability. The MDX's interior lighting was customizable, with 27 themes to choose from.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 offered a spacious and airy cabin, with good head- and legroom in the front seats. The vehicle could accommodate up to eight passengers with a second-row bench seat or seven with captain's chairs. The third row was cramped, especially for adults, and the power-folding seats were slow to operate. Cargo space was slightly less than some competitors, with a maximum of 2,694 litres available. The QX80's power-operated liftgate was also slow, but the vehicle featured premium touches like illuminated kick plates and welcome lighting.

The 2022 Acura MDX was packed with advanced technology, including the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System with 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification. The 12.3-inch infotainment system and Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument panel were standard, offering a configurable and user-friendly interface. The MDX also featured Amazon Alexa integration, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. A head-up display and surround-view camera were available on higher trims, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 featured a new 12.3-inch Infiniti InTouch infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system included navigation with lane guidance and voice recognition. A Bose 17-speaker Performance Series sound system was standard, providing excellent audio quality. The QX80 also offered a wireless smartphone charger and a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system, although the lack of HDMI adapters was a drawback. The absence of Infiniti's ProPilot Assist was notable, limiting the vehicle's advanced driver assistance capabilities.

The 2022 Acura MDX received a "Top Safety Pick +" rating from the IIHS, with top marks in every category. The vehicle was engineered with a higher percentage of high-strength steel and featured an advanced safety structure. The front end was redesigned for pedestrian safety, and the low-speed braking control system enhanced safety in urban environments. The AcuraWatch suite of safety features was standard, including collision mitigation emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 came with a range of standard safety features, including forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and forward-collision warning. Additional features included driver attention alert, front knee airbags, and seat belt pre-tensioners. The QX80 received a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA, with the structurally similar 2021 model receiving four stars for overall crash protection. The absence of IIHS ratings for the 2022 model was a consideration for safety-conscious buyers.