The battle for the best three-row luxury SUV in 2025 is heating up, and two standout contenders are going head-to-head: the 2025 INFINITI QX60 Autograph and the 2025 Acura MDX Advance. Both models promise premium comfort, advanced technology, and bold styling, but only one delivers the right mix of refinement, value, and performance for Southern California drivers. Whether you're navigating tight Sherman Oaks streets or cruising the 405 through Glendale, choosing the right SUV means knowing exactly what each brings to the table.
This in-depth comparison breaks down the most important differences between these two top-tier trims—from powertrain specs and fuel efficiency to interior features, safety tech, and pricing. You’ll learn how the QX60 Autograph’s elegant design, upgraded VC-Turbo engine, and class-leading tech stack up against the MDX Advance’s V6 power and AcuraWatch safety suite. We'll also evaluate fuel economy, infotainment, ride quality, and overall luxury appeal to determine which model stands tall as the best three-row luxury SUV of 2025.
If you're shopping for a luxury SUV near Panorama City, Crestwood Hills, Glendale, or Sherman Oaks, this guide will help you make a confident, informed decision. For personalized assistance or a closer look at the QX60 Autograph, visit or contact INFINITI of Van Nuys, your local destination for modern luxury and exceptional service.
Comparing Value and Pricing in the Luxury SUV Segment
Which SUV Gives You More for Your Money?
If you're shopping for a luxury SUV near Sherman Oaks or Glendale, pricing and features matter. The 2025 INFINITI QX60 Autograph and Acura MDX Advance are close in price, but one stands out in value.
The 2025 QX60 Autograph starting MSRP at $66,150. The MDX Advance starting MSRP at $66,300. While the price difference is small, the QX60 packs in more premium features as standard.
What You Get with the QX60 Autograph
- Quilted leather seats with massage
- Bose® 17-speaker sound system
- Panoramic moonroof
- ProPILOT Assist
- Around View® Monitor
- Motion-activated liftgate
What You Get with the MDX Advance
- Milano leather seats
- ELS Studio® audio system
- Panoramic moonroof
- AcuraWatch™ safety tech
- Surround-view camera
- Power liftgate
For daily drives around Panorama City or weekend trips out of Crestwood Hills, the QX60 Autograph delivers more comfort, better mileage, and strong overall value.
Performance and Powertrain Capabilities
How These Two SUVs Drive and Handle the Road
Performance plays a big role when picking a luxury SUV. It needs to be smooth, strong, and ready for anything. Both the INFINITI QX60 Autograph and Acura MDX Advance offer solid power, but they go about it in different ways.
The QX60 Autograph uses a 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine. It makes 258 horsepower and 286 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a 9-speed automatic. The drive is smooth, but not built for speed. It’s made for comfort and long trips with the family.
The MDX Advance uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine. It makes 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. Like the QX60, it also comes with a 10-speed automatic. It feels quicker off the line but gives up some fuel savings.
Engine Specs:
| Specification | INFINITI QX60 Autograph | Acura MDX Advance |
| Engine | 2.0L VC-Turbo I4 | 3.5L V6 |
| Horsepower | 258 hp | 290 hp |
| Torque (lb-ft) | 286 lb-ft | 267 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed auto | 10-speed auto |
When tested, the QX60 goes from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.9 seconds. The MDX can do it a little faster. While the QX60 is slower, it shines in quiet, steady driving. That makes it great for daily drives and family trips.
Handling is another area where the two differ. The QX60 is calm and balanced. The MDX feels a bit more sporty, especially in corners. But both are built more for comfort than track days.
Ride and Handling Highlights:
- QX60 Autograph is smooth and quiet
- MDX Advance feels more firm and sporty
- Both work well for city and highway driving
- All-wheel drive adds grip in poor weather
The best three-row luxury SUV in 2025 should do more than just look nice. It should drive with ease, keep riders calm, and handle roads with care. The QX60 Autograph does all of that, making it a strong pick for those who value ride quality over raw speed.
Interior Comfort, Design, and Seating Features
Premium Style and Space Where It Matters Most
A luxury SUV should feel like a retreat. That’s where both of these vehicles try to shine—but one goes further. Step inside either model and you’ll find quiet cabins, smooth surfaces, and high-end materials. But one offers a bit more comfort, detail, and ease of use.
The QX60 Autograph brings a calm, rich feel from front to back. Its seats are wrapped in soft quilted leather. The second row is roomy and easy to access. The third row is built for short trips but still usable for adults.
Key Interior Highlights – QX60 Autograph:
- Quilted semi-aniline leather seats
- Front seats with heat, cooling, and massage
- Heated second-row seats
- One-touch second-row entry with child seat mode
- Black open-pore ash wood trim
- Tri-zone climate with air filter
- Smart rear-view mirror
- Panoramic moonroof
The Acura MDX Advance also offers a high-end feel. You get Milano leather seats and a strong layout. It has massaging front seats and a wide center display. The second row is spacious, but access to the third row takes more effort.
Key Interior Highlights – MDX Advance:
- Milano leather seating
- Massaging front seats
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Panoramic moonroof
- Tri-zone climate control
- Ambient lighting
- 12.3-inch digital driver display
Seat Layout Comparison:
| SUV | First Row Features | Second Row Access | Third Row Use |
| QX60 Autograph | Massage, heat, cool, quilted leather | One-touch w/ child mode | Adults (short trips) |
| MDX Advance | Massage, heat, cool, Milano leather | Manual fold | Adults (short trips) |
When it comes to design, the QX60 feels clean and warm. The dash flows smoothly, and controls are simple to use. The MDX leans toward a sharp, modern look with bold lines and a sporty tone.
Interior space plays a big part in how a luxury SUV feels. The QX60 Autograph specs show strong use of space, smart storage, and easy access to all rows. For buyers in areas like Sherman Oaks or Panorama City, that means comfort in traffic and on longer drives alike.
Fuel Economy and Efficiency Ratings
How Far Can You Go on a Tank?
Fuel use matters, even in the luxury world. Whether you’re driving through Glendale or heading out of town, fewer stops at the pump are a plus. When it comes to fuel use, both SUVs offer solid numbers—but one is a bit more efficient.
The QX60 Autograph uses a smaller 2.0-liter turbo engine. It’s built to balance power and savings. The MDX Advance uses a larger 3.5-liter V6. It’s stronger, but it also burns more fuel.
Fuel Ratings at a Glance:
| SUV | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG |
| QX60 Autograph | 22 | 27 | 24 |
| MDX Advance | 19 | 26 | 22 |
That gap may seem small. But over time, it adds up. The QX60 Autograph’s better fuel use means more range per tank. That’s key for long drives across Sherman Oaks or through traffic in Panorama City.
What Helps the QX60 Autograph Save Fuel
- Small, turbocharged engine
- Smart 9-speed automatic
- Drive modes that adjust to traffic
- Lighter curb weight
The MDX Advance trades fuel use for stronger low-end power. Some may like the feel of its V6 engine. But if daily driving, fuel cost, and range matter more to you, the QX60 offers a clear edge.
In short, if you want a midsize SUV that rides smooth and goes far between stops, this one gets it done.
Styling and Exterior Appeal
A Look That Turns Heads
A great SUV should do more than just drive well—it should look the part too. Both of these three-row models have bold, clean designs. But one offers more detail and polish at every angle.
The QX60 Autograph blends style with grace. Its long body, wide stance, and smooth lines make it feel refined and strong. Chrome trim and sharp LED lights give it a high-end look that stands out on city streets.
The MDX Advance has a sporty shape. It leans into sharp lines and a bold front end. It feels sleek and modern, but with less of a luxury edge than its rival.
QX60 Autograph Exterior Highlights:
- Large double-arch grille
- LED headlamps and tail lamps
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Deep, rich paint tones
- Floating roof design
- Hands-free liftgate
Paint Color Options Include:
- Glacier White
- Deep Bordeaux
- Grand Blue / Black Obsidian
- Warm Titanium / Black Obsidian
- Graphite Shadow / Black Obsidian
The MDX also offers a strong set of colors and trims. But its look is more focused on sharp lines than smooth flow.
MDX Advance Exterior Highlights:
- Diamond Pentagon grille
- Jewel Eye® LED lights
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Sport-style body lines
- Power tailgate
Design plays a big role in how an SUV feels before you even open the door. For many buyers in areas like Sherman Oaks and Crestwood Hills, curb appeal is part of the choice. The QX60 Autograph offers that blend of class, boldness, and detail that helps it stand out as one of the best options in its class.
Choosing the Best Three-Row Luxury SUV for 2025
Which One Fits Your Life Best?
When you’re picking a family SUV, it has to check more than one box. It must ride well, save fuel, and look sharp. It also has to fit your day-to-day life with space, safety, and ease.
Both of these options bring a lot to the table. But only one brings more balance in every key area.
The QX60 Autograph is built with care and smart design. From the seats to the sound system, each piece has purpose. It gives drivers in places like Glendale and Panorama City a smooth drive and a well-made space.
Key QX60 Autograph Specs:
| Feature | Detail |
| Engine | 2.0L VC-Turbo, 258 hp, 286 lb-ft torque |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Drive System | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) |
| Fuel Economy (MPG) | 22 city / 27 highway / 24 combined |
| Seating | 7 passengers, quilted leather seats |
| Tech Features | 12.3" touchscreen, ProPILOT Assist |
| Sound System | Bose® 17-speaker Performance Series |
| Safety | Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Alert |
The MDX Advance is also a strong pick. It gives you more low-end power, a sporty drive, and high-end trim work. But it uses more fuel and lacks some of the thoughtful touches found in its rival.
What to Keep in Mind
- QX60 has a better fuel rating
- QX60 gives more comfort in all rows
- MDX is faster, but not as quiet
- Both have strong tech and safety
Choosing the right SUV means looking at how it fits your life. If comfort, space, and value matter most, the QX60 Autograph stands out as a top choice for 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions – 2025 INFINITI QX60 Autograph vs Acura MDX Advance
If you're shopping for a premium three-row SUV in Sherman Oaks, Glendale, or Panorama City, these answers can help make your decision easier. Below are the most common questions shoppers ask when comparing the INFINITI QX60 Autograph and the Acura MDX Advance.
What are the key differences between the two luxury SUVs?
The QX60 Autograph focuses on quiet comfort, upscale materials, and efficient power. The MDX Advance offers a sportier drive with a stronger engine.
Which offers more interior luxury: QX60 Autograph or MDX Advance?
The QX60 Autograph offers more refined features, including quilted leather, massaging seats, and a calmer, more premium feel throughout.
Which SUV is better for families?
The QX60 Autograph is better for families thanks to its one-touch third-row access, smoother ride, and family-focused features.
Is the INFINITI QX60 more fuel efficient than the Acura MDX?
Yes. The QX60 gets 24 MPG combined, while the MDX gets 22 MPG combined.
Find the Right SUV at INFINITI of Van Nuys
Drivers in Sherman Oaks, Panorama City, Crestwood Hills, and Glendale can find a luxury SUV that fits both style and needs. The 2025 QX60 Autograph offers a smart mix of comfort, space, and value for growing families and daily drives.
Our team at INFINITI of Van Nuys is here to help you compare trims, review options, and take a test drive. Whether you're focused on fuel use, tech, or safety, we have the info you need to make a smart choice.
We invite you to browse our full range of models, including the QX60 Autograph and other luxury SUVs.
If you're still exploring options, you can compare the INFINITI QX60 to the Cadillac XT6 to see how it stacks up.
Curious about where your next vehicle comes from? Learn more by reading where INFINITI vehicles are made and how that affects quality.
To get the most out of your INFINITI, see our advice on avoiding oil change mistakes that could cost you over time.
And if your SUV has light damage, don’t wait—learn about the hidden costs of ignoring small collision repairs before they become big problems.
We’re ready to help you take the next step. Visit us today or keep browsing our online inventory to find the right fit.
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