2020 Acura MDX vs 2021 Ford Explorer

The 2020 Acura MDX presented itself as a well-appointed crossover SUV with a refined yet somewhat understated aesthetic. Although its styling didn’t break new ground or command breathtaking admiration, it offered a respectable and cohesive design that neither drew excessive attention nor embarrassed its driver. The MDX effortlessly blended into diverse environments, which often turned out to be a virtue.

Acura’s early adoption of LED headlights was exemplified in the MDX's Jewel Eye headlights, which added a distinct visual appeal and enhanced functionality to the vehicle’s front end. These headlights featured five LED elements per side, arranged horizontally in a sleek housing that also accommodated turn signals and running lamps, framing a prominent trapezoidal grille with a centered Acura logo, which crafted an expressive and dignified face.

The MDX, as a three-row SUV, boasted a sleek, low-slung profile with well-defined, chiseled details, augmented by a swift, aerodynamic roofline. Acura's traditional excellence in paint and chrome work was evident in the flawless execution, providing a consistently polished look.

Internally, the MDX offered a modern and streamlined atmosphere. It eschewed the overly padded and stitched surfaces proliferating in contemporary luxury vehicles. Its center stack was a significant highlight, featuring twin infotainment screens with an arrangement that included an 8.0-inch LED screen for navigation above an On Demand Multi-Use Display (ODMD) touchscreen. This setup was complemented by rows of buttons and a central command wheel, reinforcing a user-friendly interface.

Overall, the MDX's interior exuded solidity and precision, reflected in the authoritative actuation of knobs and switches, alongside rewarding tactile materials.

Contrastingly, the 2021 Ford Explorer embraced a design ethos that fit within Ford’s “small, medium, large, XL” approach to SUV manufacturing, with each model bearing a close family resemblance. The Explorer featured sporty design elements like raked belt lines and squinting front visages, making it identifiable as part of the Ford SUV lineup, even if distinguishing it from the Edge required a discerning eye.

Depending on the trim level, the Explorer’s front end varied from a black grille, to chrome-accented designs, to a black grille with a red stripe on sportier variants, or even a full chrome grille on the higher-end models. With six distinct trims, ranging from the base spec to the high-end Platinum, the Explorer's appearance and finishing materials improved with each step up the price ladder.

Inside, the Explorer offered three rows of seating, with the base model accommodating seven passengers on cloth seats. However, reducing seating capacity to six in higher trims provided second-row captain’s chairs. It included a clean dashboard with conventional gauges and a straightforward center stack featuring an 8-inch LCD touchscreen with large redundant knobs and buttons for audio and climate controls. The center console’s rotary gearshift freed up space for additional storage options, including a covered bin and cupholders.

The 2020 Acura MDX delivered robust performance through its choice of two powertrains. The standard option was a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and available in either front-wheel drive or Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. The alternative was the MDX Sport Hybrid, combining a 3.0-liter V6 with three electric motors to achieve a combined output of 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. This hybrid model utilized a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

During tests, the gasoline-powered MDX with SH-AWD exhibited commendable straight-line performance, with eager takeoff and smooth acceleration. The nine-speed automatic transmission provided reliable and efficient shifting, whether in Comfort or Sport mode, negating the frequent need for manual paddle shifting.

A standout feature was its nimbleness in corners, especially with the SH-AWD system’s torque-vectoring capability. This technology directed power to the outer wheel during cornering, enhancing turn-in sharpness and overall handling stability. The MDX managed cornering with a seamless distribution of power, providing a drama-free experience even during aggressive maneuvers. Furthermore, the vehicle's four-wheel independent suspension adeptly absorbed road irregularities, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Explorer offered a unique range of powertrains across its trims. The entry-level model featured a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, impressively delivering 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Despite the Explorer's hefty 4,345-pound weight, this engine provided adequate performance, rivaling, and even surpassing, some V6 engines in other SUVs.

The Explorer's Limited Hybrid model came equipped with a hybrid V6 drivetrain generating 310 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. Higher trims boasted a 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine, which provided 365 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, while the sport-oriented Explorer ST pushed these figures even further to 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. All powertrains were coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission, ensuring a smooth power delivery and efficient gear shifts.

While the Explorer's performance was extensively geared towards towing capabilities, with tow ratings between 5,000 and 5,600 pounds, it fell short of large, fully capable tow vehicles like the Chevrolet Tahoe or Ford Expedition that could manage up to 9,300 pounds.

The 2020 Acura MDX embodied the functional attributes expected of modern three-row SUVs, integrating solutions traditionally found in minivans. The sliding and reclining second-row seats simplified access to the third row, while accommodating shared legroom between the rows. Despite its three-row configuration, headroom was ample across all seating positions.

Cargo capacity was another strong suit of the MDX. With the third row in use, it provided 15.8 cubic feet of storage, which expanded to 43.4 cubic feet with the third row folded flat. Folding both the second and third rows created a spacious 90.9-cubic-foot cargo area, featuring a flat load floor extending to the back of the front seats. The rear cargo area also included a recessed cubby and an underfloor storage compartment for secure, concealed storage solutions. Up front, the MDX was equipped with a large glove box, a flexible center console, and various door panel storage options, providing ample space for various personal items and conveniences.

The 2021 Ford Explorer, alternatively, boasted a seating configuration of seven in the base model and six in higher trims with second-row captain's chairs. Second-row passengers enjoyed generous 39 inches of legroom, placing the Explorer ahead of competitors like the Nissan Murano and Buick Enclave, and slightly behind larger rivals like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade.

Notably, even with the third row in use, the Explorer offered an impressive 21 cubic feet of cargo space. However, with seats folded, the Explorer's total cargo volume of 81 cubic feet lagged behind some competitors. This limited cargo space was highlighted further when compared to smaller SUVs like the Dodge Journey.

Acura’s approach to technology in the 2020 MDX revolved around streamlined package offerings rather than a multitude of individual options. The base model was equipped with a variety of tech features, including Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, hands-free Bluetooth, SMS/MMS text and email capability, and a CD/MP3 player, complemented by five USB ports and an eight-speaker audio system.

For more advanced technological capabilities, buyers could opt for the Technology Package, adding a host of features like navigation, Acura Real-Time Traffic, GPS-linked climate control, remote engine start, and a premium 10-speaker audio system. The Advance Package further enhanced this with additional comforts like heated and ventilated front seats, a surround-view camera system, and third-row USB charging ports. An optional Entertainment Package added a DVD rear entertainment system with an expansive Ultra-Wide VGA screen for the Advance Package or a slightly smaller Full VGA screen for the Technology Package.

In comparison, the 2021 Ford Explorer also offered a comprehensive tech suite, beginning with an 8-inch touchscreen in the base trim, featuring AM/FM radio, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G WiFi hotspot, and Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system. Stepping up to higher trims enabled upgrades to a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, HD radio, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and a 14-speaker B&O sound system.

For charging and connectivity, the Explorer provided two USB ports in the center console, five 12-volt power points distributed throughout the vehicle, and an AC power outlet in the ST model and above.

The 2020 Acura MDX was equipped with the standard AcuraWatch suite, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Additional safety features varied by package, with the Technology Package adding blind-spot monitoring and the Advance Package incorporating Head-Up Warning and other enhancements.

Acura’s commitment to safety was further evidenced by its Next-Generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure, designed to absorb and dissipate impact forces during collisions. Consequently, the MDX received high safety ratings, including “Good” ratings from the IIHS for all crash-test categories, a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, and commendable ratings for front crash prevention and LATCH ease of use.

The 2021 Ford Explorer also excelled in safety, achieving a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. It featured the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, which included high-beam headlights, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims with the Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite added advanced features like adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and speed sign recognition.

However, some of the most significant safety features required stepping up to higher trims, leaving some essential safety options as add-ons rather than standard features.