A Tale Of Two Rebadged SUVs
SUVs are ubiquitous today, but in the 1990s, automakers were still figuring out how to build them. Early models were often more truck than car, and offered a compromised on-road experience. It wasn’t until later in the decade that manufacturers began to understand they could offer the best of both worlds, and that buyers would be willing to pay extra for luxury features.
Two latecomers to the segment were the Acura SLX and Infiniti QX4. These were rebadged versions of more utilitarian models, given a touch of extra refinement and elegance. Both lasted less than a decade before their respective brands developed more fitting offerings. While they have faded into automotive history, they offered a blend of ruggedness and luxury that is hard to find in today’s road-biased crossovers.
We’ll explore the origins of these two luxury SUV offerings, examining their looks, features, and performance to see whether either deserves another look in 2025.
A Tale Of Two Rebadged SUVs
Both models stemmed from a similar necessity: their Japanese parent companies lacked an SUV offering in the US. To avoid losing ground to competitors, they opted to rebadge existing models, adding a few of their own touches.
Acura SLX: An Isuzu in Disguise
Acura’s rebadging exercise was the more overt of the two. At a glance, it’s immediately obvious the SLX is an Isuzu Trooper. Isuzu began selling passenger models in the US in 1981, but before and after, the company relied on licensing its vehicles to other brands for rebadging. The practice was profitable, and the Trooper became one of the most frequently rebadged vehicles.
Acura introduced its version for the 1996 model year. The changes were minimal. Mechanically, the vehicles were identical, and the body panels were largely the same. The key differences were the wheels, modified front and rear fascias, and a more upscale interior.
Infiniti QX4: A Pathfinder With Luxury Ambitions
Infiniti took a different approach, sourcing its SUV from within its own corporate family. The second-generation Nissan Pathfinder, introduced in 1995, became the basis for the QX4 beginning in 1996. This generation was less rugged than the first, making it a good starting point for a luxurious yet capable SUV. Like the SLX, the QX4 wasn’t groundbreaking, but established the brand in the market.
Rugged And Refined Style
While both models presented a more rugged, boxy appearance than most modern offerings, they had distinct styling that set them apart. The SLX, being an Isuzu Trooper, retained much of that model’s design, with a strong, upright stance, a commanding view of the road, and ample ground clearance. Its boxiness provided plenty of interior headroom and great outward visibility.
Leather seats and wood trim differentiated the SLX from the Trooper. While it wasn’t revolutionary, the subtle Acura changes improved its look compared to the Isuzu. However, it was apparent that it wasn’t truly in the same class as designed-from-scratch luxury vehicles of the era.
Infiniti was more intentional with its alterations, implementing significant body changes that gave the QX4 a more rounded appearance compared to the Pathfinder. Features included smooth lines, a split grille, and a body kit that made the vehicle look more planted on the road, while retaining design cues like the vertical rear door handles and thick C-pillar. The interior utilized leather, wood, and a premium Bose audio system to create an unmistakable air of sophistication, and the vehicle’s plush ride was more in line with what luxury SUV buyers expected.
Off-Roader Vs. Comfortable Cruiser
Both SUVs offered a great blend of off-road and on-road performance due to their body-on-frame designs, but their driving experiences differed significantly. The Isuzu Trooper was known for its ruggedness but also for sluggish performance and an unrefined ride. The SLX shared these characteristics. Initially, the SLX offered a 3.2-liter V6, upgraded to a 3.5-liter V6 in 1998, which improved acceleration. When paired with a capable 4WD system and low-range gearing, the vehicle could handle challenging terrain. However, the 4WD system initially required manual engagement, which was not ideal for luxury buyers. This was later improved with the introduction of a Torque on Demand four-wheel drive system. The SLX’s solid rear axle and soft suspension setup, which aided off-roading, caused it to lean in corners and become unsettled during aggressive maneuvers.
The QX4 also started with a 3.3-liter V6 which was later upgraded to a more powerful 3.5-liter unit. During the car’s entire production run, it benefited from an excellent independent front suspension setup with a multi-link solid axle at the rear. The AWD setup wasn’t from the Pathfinder but was adopted from the R33 Nissan GT-R. The ATTESA E-TS system could operate in RWD, auto 4WD, or lock the center differential, adjusting torque split front to rear. Despite initially having an underpowered engine, the SUV had exceptionally good ride quality.
Do They Deserve To Be Forgotten?
Both models had their merits, but ultimately, they were stopgaps until their parent companies could develop purpose-built SUVs. The QX4 lasted until the 2003 model year. The SLX didn’t fare as well: Acura sold only 6,590 units over four years. Today, both are largely forgotten.
Acura SLX: A Rebadging Misstep
Its Isuzu roots were too obvious, making it seem like a quick effort to enter the SUV market. The stability controversy gave it a bad reputation.
Infiniti QX4: A Safe, But Unremarkable Choice
While reliable and comfortable, the QX4 never truly stood out. It was overshadowed by the rise of crossover SUVs like the Lexus RX, which offered a better balance of luxury and practicality.
Overall, the Infiniti QX4 was the better of the two. While it rebadged a Pathfinder, it offered enough luxury and features, a comfortable ride, and an interior that justified the luxury badge. Although the SLX ultimately failed, it provided valuable lessons that helped lead to the Acura MDX.
