2020 Acura MDX vs 2021 Ford Escape

The 2020 Acura MDX was a well-designed crossover SUV, though its styling was not particularly groundbreaking or attention-grabbing. It blended seamlessly into its surroundings without causing embarrassment to its driver. The MDX featured Acura's signature Jewel Eye LED headlights, which added a touch of luxury to its front end. These headlights, with their five LED elements per side, flanked a trapezoidal grille, creating an expressive face. The MDX's sleek and low-slung profile, combined with flawless paint and chrome, contributed to its overall appeal. Inside, the MDX boasted a modern and simple design, with a center stack featuring twin infotainment screens and high-quality materials that gave it a solid and well-built feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Escape straddled the line between SUV and hatchback, with a design that resembled an enlarged Focus. Its curved snout and sleek roofline gave it a less truck-like appearance compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. The Escape offered new appearance packages for its trim levels, including the SE Sport Appearance Package, SEL Stealth AWD Package, and Titanium Elite Package, which added features like 19-inch alloy wheels and leather-wrapped steering wheels. However, the interior design lacked cohesion, with odd choices like an angular instrument cluster and low-quality materials. Even the top Escape Titanium model did not come with standard leather upholstery, although it did offer ambient lighting.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain options: a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a Sport Hybrid version with a 3.0-liter V6 engine and three electric motors, delivering a combined 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. The MDX's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system provided excellent straight-line performance and nimble handling, thanks to torque-vectoring technology. This system directed power to the outside wheel during cornering, enhancing turn-in and handling. The MDX's four-wheel independent suspension ensured a comfortable ride, making it a great choice for long drives.

The 2021 Ford Escape offered a range of powertrains, including a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine with 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Escape also had hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric assist, producing a total of 200 horsepower. The plug-in hybrid's larger battery allowed for significant electric-only driving. However, the Escape's chassis tuning left much to be desired, with sloppy suspension and steering making it less enjoyable to drive. The 2.0-liter engine offered a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, but towing figures for the hybrid and plug-in hybrid were not provided.

The 2020 Acura MDX excelled in interior space and functionality, with sliding and reclining second-row seats for easy access to the third row. It offered 15.8 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, which expanded to 43.4 cubic feet with the third row folded and 90.9 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The MDX featured a flexible center console, tri-zone climate control, and ample storage options, making it a stylish alternative to a minivan for families.

The 2021 Ford Escape, despite its car-like styling, offered competitive interior space. It featured a sliding rear seat that provided 40.7 inches of rear legroom in non-hybrid models, although hybrid and plug-in hybrid models had reduced legroom due to battery placement. The Escape offered 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space in gasoline models, expandable to 37.5 cubic feet with the rear seat slid forward, and 65.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. However, competitors like the Nissan Rogue and Subaru Forester offered more cargo space.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with a range of technology features, including Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a CD/MP3 player. The Technology Package added features like rain-sensing wipers, navigation, and a premium audio system, while the Advance Package included additional tech and comfort features. The Entertainment Package offered a rear entertainment system with a large screen and wireless headphones.

The 2021 Ford Escape used the older Sync 3 infotainment system, with base models featuring a 4.2-inch touchscreen. Upgrading to the SE trim provided an 8-inch touchscreen and SiriusXM satellite radio, while the Titanium trim added a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a Bang & Olufsen sound system. However, the Escape lacked some standard tech features compared to competitors and did not offer wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring, while the Advance Package included a surround-view camera. The MDX received high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.

The 2021 Ford Escape received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The optional Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced safety features.