Acura Vs. INFINITI Full Brand Comparison
Is Acura Better Than INFINITI? Key Highlights
If you're in the market for a luxury vehicle, you'll ultimately end up comparing Acura vs. INFINITI in some fashion. These high-end extensions of world-class brands dominate the marketplace with stellar sedans and SUVs, highlighting legendary style and heart-pumping performance. However, once you look at this 2026 Acura vs. INFINITI comparison, you'll see just how revolutionary the Acura models are compared to the smaller INFINITI lineup.
- The Acura brand is viewed as a more reliable brand than INFINITI.1,2
- Acura vehicles outpace their INFINITI equivalents in available horsepower and torque.
- Enjoy the better features of each Acura model, giving you more comfort for your dollar.
- Relax in an Acura cabin that cares about your comfort, with more back-row legroom on three-row variants.
- Acura automobiles have lower annual maintenance and repair costs compared to their INFINITI competitors.1,2
Acura vs. INFINITI: Brand History & Vehicle Lineup
- Acura debuted earlier and helped define the Japanese luxury automotive segment.
- Acura's motorsports involvement directly influences its performance-oriented vehicles.
- INFINITI entered later and focused more on SUV-driven growth.
- Acura offers a broader mix of sedans and SUVs.
- Acura's lineup reflects a stronger link between racing heritage and road cars.
To better understand the differences between INFINITI vs. Acura, we have to understand each brand's history.
The origins of both automakers are quite similar. Acura came to life in 1986, born of a desire to combine the robust, efficient benefits of a Honda vehicle with the high-class luxury of the then-dominant European brands. Acura sedan models and the Acura Integra three- or five-door hatchback kicked off the lineup and became instant legends on the road.
INFINITI was created three years later to follow this success, and its collection grew to compete across most car classes – starting with the Q45 sedan and the M30 coupe. As these two brands became household names and motorists began deciding whether to purchase an INFINITI or an Acura, the Honda Motor Company engineers – those who first dreamt up what Acura could be – further differentiated their automobile lineup with racetrack-inspired supercars like the NSX.
Acura vehicles were seen in International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) and Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) races as early as 1991, designed as purpose-built prototype racers for competing in series like American Le Mans, and as souped-up touring cars that were versions of the Acura cars that everyday drivers could buy. Acura continues to have a major motorsports presence with events like the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach and race cars like the vicious Acura NSX GT3 (and subsequent NSX GT3 Evo and NSX GT3 Evo22) and the prototype-class Acura ARX-06 endurance racer.
Meanwhile, the INFINITI brand's main motorsports contributions were its six-year involvement in IndyCar and its decade of sponsorship and partnership in Formula 1, which concluded in 2020.
Success in the luxury and racing fields continues to this day for the Acura brand, with the company's models infused with high-level sophistication and motorsports pedigree. From the return of the brand-building Integra to the latest MDX, the new Acura lineup includes the following:
- Acura Integra: Sporty compact luxury hatchback
- Acura ADX: Agile, practical compact SUV
- Acura RDX: Premium sport crossover SUV
- Acura MDX: High-performance three-row luxury SUV
INFINITI pioneered vehicle segments like the coupe-roof SUV, but it cannot compete with Acura's motorsports prowess. While they do have sporty models in their back catalog, they never made supercars like the Acura NSX. As of model year 2026, their collection has dwindled to just two SUVs:
- INFINITI QX60: Sporty midsize three-row luxury SUV
- INFINITI QX80: Full-size three-row luxury SUV
Acura vs. INFINITI: Which Is More Reliable?
- Both brands were designed to outperform European rivals in dependability.
- Acura ranks significantly higher than INFINITI in third-party reliability studies.1, 2
- Models like the Acura RDX have "Great" Quality & Reliability scores from J.D. Power.3
- INFINITI cars like the QX80 have an "Average" rating from J.D. Power for Quality & Reliability.3
As mentioned in the history section of our Acura vs. INFINITI comparison guide, both brands were developed by their parent companies (Honda and Nissan, respectively) to compete with European luxury cars. However, as a battle plan, both brands decided that reliability and affordability beyond what their European competitors could offer would differentiate their high-class vehicles. As you can still go out and buy a new 2026 Acura car or INFINITI SUV, it's clear that both of their plans were successful.
That being said, which brand was, and still is, more successful in reliability? We could discuss the engineering decisions that make an Acura so dependable at length, but we'll let the industry's experts do the talking. For example, Acura ranks 14 brands higher than INFINITI1, 2 in RepairPal ratings, showcasing each automaker's reliability as reported by real drivers. The chart below offers a look into Acura vs. INFINITI reliability across both their overall brand scores and rankings for their comparable SUVs.
Acura vs. INFINITI: Reliability Scores by Auto Experts
| INFINITI vs. Acura: Reliability Ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| Acura Reliability | INFINITI Reliability | |
| RepairPal Brand Reliability Rating |
|
|
| J.D. Power Reliability Rating for Brand's Three-Row SUV | Acura MDX: 77 / 1003 |
|
| J.D. Power Reliability Rating for Brand's Compact SUV | Acura RDX: 85 / 1003 | N / A for 2026 |
| J.D. Power Reliability Rating for Brand's Hatchback | Acura Integra: 82 / 1003 | N / A for 2026 |
What Features Set Acura Apart From INFINITI?
- Acura includes more premium standard features on base trims.
- Driver-assist and comfort technologies are more robust on Acura models.
- Comparable INFINITI variants often require upgrades to match Acura equipment.
- Acura delivers stronger feature-to-price value across key segments.
When it comes to starting price points for Acura vs. INFINITI models, Acuras have lower barriers to entry in several segments. While comparisons like the Acura MDX vs. INFINITI QX60 show the Acura vehicle costs more, it's not by a significant margin. Plus, once you dig into the features of these iterations, you'll see how the MDX earns its price point with exceptional technology.
If we consider Acura vs. INFINITI pricing to be a matter of value, the popular Acura MDX and INFINITI QX60 are a great same-segment duo that'll demonstrate why our new Acura models are top-tier investments.
The INFINITI QX60 has eight-way adjustable front seats and offers a six-speaker sound system as standard in its base trim. The Acura MDX, meanwhile, has 12-way power front seats with lumbar support and provides an 11-speaker sound system as standard. The Acura MDX also has a Traffic Sign Recognition system as a base-level appointment, while the INFINITI QX60 does not.
How Does Acura's Performance Potential Stack Up Against INFINITI?
- Acura's racing heritage translates into sharper handling and driving dynamics.
- Acura configurations offer higher horsepower and available torque in comparable SUVs.
- Advanced suspension and braking systems in Acura vehicles enhance real-world performance.
- INFINITI only offers two models, limiting your performance options; Acura provides more variety across its lineup.
As the histories of both automakers suggest, another major difference between Acura vs. INFINITI brands is the performance spirit imbued into their automobile lineups. With a richer racing history, an Acura model is designed for high-performance fun. On-paper specs can be deceiving (though Acura cars and SUVs still provide more output on paper, too), as the in-depth engineering that makes an Acura vehicle so thrilling takes shape in the experience.
For example, the Acura MDX has amplitude reactive dampers to provide greater comfort and stability, an agile handling assist to enhance the model's cornering prowess, and available Brembo® brakes. Nothing mentioned here can be found on the competing INFINITI QX60.
Straight-line acceleration is only half the story when examining a car's performance potential, but Acura models are well-built to stay engaging on straightaways. For example, while the INFINITI QX60 reduced its engine power to the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder as its younger siblings in 2025, the Acura MDX kept its dedication to power with an available 3.0-liter turbo V-6. This gives you the option to choose an MDX with a 355-horsepower engine compared to the 268-horsepower engine for the INFINITI QX60.
As you'd expect, the QX60 ends up with a much sleepier acceleration time while also not having the same handling and damper features that make every turn satisfying. You'll find that the Acura gas mileage by model is a bit lower compared to INFINITI rivals; however, this is because of the brand's focus on more lively, engaging performance.
To compare the on-paper Acura vs. INFINITI performance capabilities, here's a quick look at the models from each brand:
Acura vs. INFINITI: Specs Evaluation Chart
| Acura vs. INFINITI: Specs, Engines & More | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acura Integra | Acura ADX | Acura RDX | Acura MDX | INFINITI QX60 | INFINITI QX80 | |
| Engine |
|
1.5L turbo 4-cylinder | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder |
|
2.0L turbo 4-Cylinder | 3.5L V-6 twin turbo |
| Maximum Available Horsepower | 320 | 190 | 272 | 355 | 268 | 450 |
| Maximum Available Torque | 310 lb-ft | 179 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft | 354 lb-ft | 286 lb-ft | 516 lb-ft |
| Maximum EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb) | 29 / 37 / 324 | 26 / 31 / 284 | 21 / 27 / 234 | 19 / 26 / 224 | 22 / 27 / 245 | 16 / 20 / 185 |
Are Acura Models More Spacious Than INFINITI Models?
- Acura interiors provide more legroom in the back rows in three-row iterations.
- Cargo capacity favors Acura in the midsize luxury SUV segment.
- Acura cabins emphasize ergonomics and everyday usability.
- The QX60 interior is roomy, but it lacks the removable second-row seat that the Acura MDX offers.
Depending on your choice, Acura models can continue to improve the experience as you relax into your SUV. Take, for example, the interior of the Acura MDX vs. the INFINITI QX60. Settle into the second row of the MDX with 38.5 inches of legroom or nearly 30 inches of legroom all the way back in the third row. The QX60 is way more cramped for backseat riders, offering 37.7 inches of legroom in the middle row and only 28 inches in the last row. This SUV also contains less cargo space behind the second row, at 14.5 cubic feet, compared to 18.1 cubic feet in the MDX.
How Do Acura and INFINITI Compare in Maintenance Costs?
- Acura vehicles have lower average annual repair costs than INFINITI models.1,2
- Expect a higher probability that the repairs on an INFINITI will be more severe than on Acura cars.1,2
- Acura ownership costs remain competitive well beyond the warranty period.
- Lower repair costs strengthen Acura's long-term value proposition.
Dependability and affordability have been core components of both the Acura and INFINITI brands since their creation. However, the road takes its toll, and even the most reliable cars and SUVs require regular maintenance and repair services. When the need for scheduled maintenance or repair arises, the vehicle must be as affordable to maintain as it was to purchase. This was another aspect of how the Acura vs. INFINITI rivalry saw both brands succeed against their European competitors.
Which automaker offers the easier-to-maintain models today, though? Let's take a look at Acura vs. INFINITI ownership costs by comparing the RepairPal estimated yearly repair costs for each option from each brand.
Acura vs. INFINITI: Average Annual Repair Costs for Top Models
| Acura Versus INFINITI: Repair Costs | |
|---|---|
| RepairPal Annual Average Repair Cost | |
| Acura Integra | $3416 |
| Acura RDX | $4977 |
| Acura MDX | $5718 |
| INFINITI QX60 | $6399 |
| INFINITI QX80 | $71810 |
Compare Acura vs. INFINITI Maintenance Costs in Detail
As you can see from the RepairPal estimates, Acura vehicles race ahead for 2026 Acura vs. INFINITI ownership costs. Furthermore, if we look at how the Acura models' ownership costs compare to their whole segment, things get even more impressive.
For example, the Acura MDX has a RepairPal estimated average annual repair cost of $571,8 which is $68 less than the competing INFINITI QX609 and $236 less than the average for all luxury midsize SUVs.8
Overall, RepairPal estimates that an Acura will have an average annual repair cost of $501,1 while an INFINITI will have an average annual repair cost of $638.2
Discover the New Acura Lineup at Muller's Woodfield Acura
Let's recap our Acura vs. INFINITI brand comparison – Acura vehicles came to the market first, did more on the racetrack, have more new body style options, generally have better reviews from owners, can offer more features for a very similar price, can go faster and handle better, and can be more affordable to maintain. Whether you're looking to discover the thrills of an Integra or the space of an MDX, visit our Acura dealership today in Hoffman Estates, IL, to get a complete tour of our new Acura vehicles for sale. Our representatives will happily walk you through models, expansive limited- or extended-warranty options, and anything else you want to know to be confident in your decision.
While you're here, ask for a test drive of the model that catches your eye and browse our current Acura lease deals. We can also introduce you to our pre-owned INFINITI cars and SUVs and let you compare these automobiles in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Acura or INFINITI?
While Acura and INFINITI vehicles both offer a dependable luxury experience, the Acura brand has a lower RepairPal average annual repair cost,1, 2 a larger number of high-performance models, better J.D. Power reliability ratings on equivalent vehicles like the MDX and QX60,3 and more advanced standard features like 12-way power front seats on the MDX vs. eight-way power seats on the INFINITI QX60.
Are Acura and INFINITI the same company?
Acura and INFINITI are two different companies, but were created with a similar origin story. They're both luxury sub-brands of respected Japanese automakers (Honda for Acura and Nissan for INFINITI) who were introduced to bring affordable and reliable yet fully high-class, luxe cars to our market. However, the Acura brand debuted three years before INFINITI and has had a more illustrious performance history with supercars like the NSX.
Continue your Acura research
1Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit: https://repairpal.com/reliability/acura
2Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit: https://repairpal.com/reliability/infiniti
3Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/.
4Based on 2026 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, and other factors.
52026 EPA Fuel Economy Estimates. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions – use for comparison only.
6Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit: https://repairpal.com/acura/integra
7Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit: https://repairpal.com/reliability/acura/rdx
8Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit: https://repairpal.com/reliability/acura/mdx
9Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit: https://repairpal.com/infiniti/qx60
10Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit: https://repairpal.com/infiniti/qx80