Which is Better? The 2019 INFINITI Q50 or 2019 Acura TLX?

Serving Roswell, Johns Creek, and Alpharetta

The INFINITI Q50 is the ideal entry-level luxury sedan for several reasons. It has an agreeable starting price tag, it offers turbocharged power, and it comes with a nicely designed, functional interior. The 2019 INFINITI Q50 is part of the 2014 model year generation, but it gets a few tweaks and a reshuffled trim lineup. The base trim includes nearly all of the desired high-tech features, and several of the important driver aids are also now standard.

A key competitor in this vehicle class is the 2019 Acura TLX. This is also an entry-level luxury sedan model, and it actually comes out a bit ahead of the Q50 in terms of refined cabin elegance. However, the TLX lags behind the Q50 when it comes to engine power, overall performance, and driver experience. Its available trims are priced in the middle of the range for this segment, but the package add-ons really bump up the price.

Powertrain and Performance

The 2019 INFINITI Q50 comes in a total of four trims, and their name designations refer to the engine that lies under the hood. The standard engine is a turbocharged 2.0L power source paired to a seven-speed automatic transmission. It produces a total of 208 horsepower, and that power is sent to the rear wheels. The 3.0t trim gets a 3.0L V6 turbocharged engine rated at 300 horsepower. This trim can be purchased with all-wheel drive. The Red Sport 400 trim gets a more powerful V6, one that produces 400 horsepower. There’s no lack of power for acceleration whichever engine is chosen. The Red Sport also gets an upgraded suspension system, larger brakes, and transmission paddle shifters. The 2019 Acura TLX base engine produces 206 horsepower, but it isn’t turbocharged, and front-wheel drive is the only option. The 3.5L models get a V6 rated at 290 horsepower and a nine-speed transmission, but the suspension on the 3.5L models is stiff, and downshifting is quite sluggish.

Affordable Trims

The 2019 INFINITI Q50 trim lineup is straightforward in terms of standard and optional features. The 3.0t Luxe is a bit more affordable than the 3.0t Sport but still comes with plenty of standard features. These include larger wheels, a sunroof, and interior wood trim. The 3.0t Sport adds on 19-inch wheels, performance tires and sportier exterior styling accents. The Red Sport 400 gets unique interior stitching, quilted leather upholstery, and interior dark chrome. These trims are eligible for two packages, the ProAssist package that adds on some more safety features, and the Sensory package that comes with a Bose stereo system and a power-adjustable steering wheel. The 2019 Acura TLX trims are agreeably priced, but this price increases dramatically when optional packages are considered. For example, the 2.4L trim starts out at a price similar to the base trim Q50, but the Technology package, which one needs to purchase in order to get leather upholstery, automatic wipers, navigation, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, costs thousands of extra dollars.

Driver Experience

Overall, the 2019 Acura TLX offers a rather bland driver experience. It doesn’t take the twists and turns as easily as the 2019 INFINITI Q50, and the lack of turbo power is really noticeable during acceleration and freeway passing. On the other hand, the Q50 has precise steering that isn’t stiff, rapid downshifting without hesitation, and no turbo lag during acceleration.

Take the 2019 INFINITI Q50 for a test drive today at Roswell INFINITI. Call ahead to ask about current inventory and price specials. Give this luxury sedan a thorough inspection to see how it compares to the Acura TLX.

All figures are EPA estimates. Actual mileage may vary.