2019 Acura MDX vs 2020 Ford Escape

2019 Acura MDX
2019 Acura MDX
$44,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Ford Escape
2020 Ford Escape
$24,885MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Acura MDX
$44,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Ford Escape
$24,885MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

Both the 2019 Acura MDX and the 2020 Ford Escape offer compelling features and capabilities. However, considering the overall ratings and the detailed comparison, the 2019 Acura MDX emerges as the more well-rounded choice, offering a luxurious driving experience, impressive performance, and advanced safety features.

Overview

MSRP

$44,300

MSRP

$24,885

Average price

$27,421

Average price

$20,065

Listings

400

Listings

3629
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Stylish design
  • Standard advanced safety features
Cons
  • Not much cargo space

2019 Acura MDX Reviews Summary

Slowly but surely, Acura is picking itself up and dusting itself off after a decade of wayward product development and marketing decisions took Honda’s luxury division off-track. Through it all, though, the MDX midsize 3-row crossover SUV has propped the company up, selling in great enough quantities and at high enough profit margins to ensure Acura’s survival. Now in its sixth year since a complete redesign, is the 2019 MDX still worthy in a battle against newer competitors?

2020 Ford Escape Reviews Summary

In case you didn’t hear, Ford came out with an electric crossover, calling it the Mustang Mach-E. Ford could have called it something else, but the marketing department decided to leverage the famous Mustang name to capture headlines and, hopefully, shoppers. What should not be overlooked is the fact Ford chose to make its first-ever standalone electric vehicle a crossover.

This choice is a testament to how far the sport utility vehicle has come. Paired with Ford's decision to phase out sedans and hatchbacks, it's clear the company is putting all of its eggs into its trucks, SUVs, and crossovers. Suffice it to say, there is just a bit of pressure on the redesigned 2020 Ford Escape.

While the Escape has been around since 2000, it came into its own in 2013 when the “One Ford” philosophy was adopted, meaning that vehicles would be sold in multiple markets around the globe. As a result, the U.S. got Europe’s Ford Kuga, rebranded as the Escape—a high-tech, handsome, and surprisingly athletic small SUV.

So, with all this mind, the new Escape needs to not only be an improvement over the previous generation to compete against the rest of the compact crossover segment, it also needs to win over would-be sedan and hatchback customers. Can the 2020 Escape rise to the occasion?

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.5L 290 hp V6

Engine

1.5L 181 hp I3

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

7

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

290 hp @ 6200 rpm

Horsepower

MPG City

20

MPG City

27

MPG Highway

27

MPG Highway

33
2019 Acura MDX
2019 Acura MDX
$44,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Ford Escape
2020 Ford Escape
$24,885MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Acura MDX
$44,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Ford Escape
$24,885MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

Both the 2019 Acura MDX and the 2020 Ford Escape offer compelling features and capabilities. However, considering the overall ratings and the detailed comparison, the 2019 Acura MDX emerges as the more well-rounded choice, offering a luxurious driving experience, impressive performance, and advanced safety features.

Overview
MSRP
$44,300
$24,885
Average price
$27,421
$20,065
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.5
4.2
Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Read full review

8.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Stylish design
  • Standard advanced safety features
Cons
  • Not much cargo space
Summary
Slowly but surely, Acura is picking itself up and dusting itself off after a decade of wayward product development and marketing decisions took Honda’s luxury division off-track. Through it all, though, the MDX midsize 3-row crossover SUV has propped the company up, selling in great enough quantities and at high enough profit margins to ensure Acura’s survival. Now in its sixth year since a complete redesign, is the 2019 MDX still worthy in a battle against newer competitors?

In case you didn’t hear, Ford came out with an electric crossover, calling it the Mustang Mach-E. Ford could have called it something else, but the marketing department decided to leverage the famous Mustang name to capture headlines and, hopefully, shoppers. What should not be overlooked is the fact Ford chose to make its first-ever standalone electric vehicle a crossover.

This choice is a testament to how far the sport utility vehicle has come. Paired with Ford's decision to phase out sedans and hatchbacks, it's clear the company is putting all of its eggs into its trucks, SUVs, and crossovers. Suffice it to say, there is just a bit of pressure on the redesigned 2020 Ford Escape.

While the Escape has been around since 2000, it came into its own in 2013 when the “One Ford” philosophy was adopted, meaning that vehicles would be sold in multiple markets around the globe. As a result, the U.S. got Europe’s Ford Kuga, rebranded as the Escape—a high-tech, handsome, and surprisingly athletic small SUV.

So, with all this mind, the new Escape needs to not only be an improvement over the previous generation to compete against the rest of the compact crossover segment, it also needs to win over would-be sedan and hatchback customers. Can the 2020 Escape rise to the occasion?

Video
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
3.5L 290 hp V6
1.5L 181 hp I3
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
7
5
Horsepower
290 hp @ 6200 rpm
MPG City
20
27
MPG Highway
27
33
Look and feel
2019 Acura MDX
9/10
2020 Ford Escape
9/10
The 2019 Acura MDX has been a dominant force in the midsize, 3-row crossover segment for over a decade, offering continuous improvements and a luxurious feel. The 2020 Ford Escape boasts a sleek design, modern cabin, and a range of trim options.
Performance
2019 Acura MDX
9/10
2020 Ford Escape
8/10
The 2019 Acura MDX impresses with its standard 3.5-liter V6 engine, offering 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. The optional SH-AWD system enhances its performance, while the Sport Hybrid model provides a delightful driving experience. The 2020 Ford Escape offers four engine options, including a new 3-cylinder engine and two hybrid setups, catering to a variety of driving preferences.
Form and function
2019 Acura MDX
9/10
2020 Ford Escape
7/10
The 2019 Acura MDX provides a comfortable and practical interior, with ample storage and passenger space. The 2020 Ford Escape, despite a sleeker design, sacrifices cargo space for versatility, emphasizing passenger comfort and real-world storage solutions.
Technology
2019 Acura MDX
5/10
2020 Ford Escape
8/10
The 2019 Acura MDX features an upgraded infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but its dual-screen approach and voice-recognition system have limitations. The 2020 Ford Escape offers a range of tech features, including the latest version of Sync with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, but the base trim comes with a small audio control screen.
Safety
2019 Acura MDX
8/10
2020 Ford Escape
9/10
The 2019 Acura MDX comes equipped with AcuraWatch safety systems and impressive crash-test ratings, while the 2020 Ford Escape stands out with Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of advanced safety systems, and top scores from the IIHS.
Cost Effectiveness
2019 Acura MDX
8/10
2020 Ford Escape
7/10
The 2019 Acura MDX offered a luxurious experience and competitive leasing programs, making it an attractive option in the midsize luxury SUV segment. The 2020 Ford Escape provided a range of trims with varying price points, offering premium materials and advanced features.
CarGurus logo

By: CarGurus + AI

This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.