Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2016 Acura TLX VS 2015 Infiniti Q50 Near Scottsdale, AZ

Both the TLX and the Q50 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height-adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available crash mitigating brakes, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Acura TLX is safer than the Infiniti Q50:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Acura TLX is safer than the Infiniti Q50:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

There are over 71 percent more Acura dealers than there are Infiniti dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the TLX’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2015 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Acura vehicles are more reliable than Infiniti vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Acura 11th in reliability, above the industry average. With 20 more problems per 100 vehicles, Infiniti is ranked 17th.

The TLX’s optional 3.5 SOHC V6 produces 267 lbs.-ft. more torque (267 vs. ) than the Q50 Hybrid’s optional 3.5 DOHC V6 hybrid.

On the EPA test cycle the TLX gets better fuel mileage than the Q50:

An engine control system that can shut down half of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the TLX V6’s fuel efficiency. The Q50 doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Acura TLX uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The Q50 requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The TLX has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The Q50 doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

The TLX has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The Q50 doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the TLX is 2.2 inches wider in the front and 1.5 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the Q50.

The TLX has 2.1 inches more front hip room, .8 inches more front shoulder room and 2.4 inches more rear hip room than the Q50.

The TLX’s standard rear seats fold to accommodate long and bulky cargo. The Q50 Base/Hybrid doesn’t offer folding rear seats, only a ski pass-through.

The TLX offers a remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The Q50 doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The TLX’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. An easy entry system costs extra on the Q50, and is not available on all models.

Optional air conditioned seats in the TLX V6 keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Q50 doesn’t offer air conditioned seats.

Insurance will cost less for the TLX owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the TLX will cost $575 less than the Q50 over a five-year period.

The TLX will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The Intellichoice estimates that the TLX will retain 48.53% to 54.7% of its original price after five years, while the Q50 only retains 43% to 47.01%.

Intellichoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Acura TLX will be $6237 to $10327 less than for the Infiniti Q50.

The Acura TLX won three awards in Kiplinger’s 2015 car issue. The Infiniti Q50 only won two awards.

The Acura TLX outsold the Infiniti Q50 by 12% during the 2015 model year.