2020 Acura MDX vs 2021 Land Rover Defender

The 2020 Acura MDX was a sleek and stylish crossover SUV, though its design was not particularly groundbreaking. It blended in well without drawing much attention, yet it maintained a respectable appearance. The MDX featured Acura's signature Jewel Eye LED headlights, which added a touch of sophistication to its front end. These headlights, with their five LED elements per side, flanked a trapezoidal grille that showcased a prominent Acura logo. The MDX's exterior was characterized by its sleek, low-slung profile, chiseled details, and flawless paint and chrome finishes.

Inside, the MDX had a modern and simple design, avoiding the excessive padding and stitching found in many luxury interiors. The center stack was a highlight, featuring twin infotainment screens and a well-organized array of buttons and a command wheel. The high-quality materials and superior fit and finish gave the MDX a solid and well-built feel. Knobs and switches operated with precision, and the overall interior exuded a sense of quality and durability.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender paid homage to its storied lineage while embracing modern design elements. The original Defender, with its distinctive round headlamps, flat hood, and boxy cabin, had a timeless appeal. The new Defender retained some of these iconic features, such as the flat-topped fenders and floating roof, but introduced contemporary touches like half-round LED headlights and a structural-looking grille. The spare tire mounted on the side-hinged tailgate added to its rugged charm.

Inside, the Defender's design emphasized exposed structure, with the dash appearing to be held between horizontal beams and exposed bolts securing the door panels. The controls were robust, and the leather-upholstered seating combined toughness with luxury. The digital instrument panel and center touchscreen interface were seamlessly integrated into the dash. The interior materials felt authentic and of high quality, with real metal and leather surfaces adding to the overall sense of craftsmanship.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain options. The standard model featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It was available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The MDX Sport Hybrid, on the other hand, combined a 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine with three electric motors, delivering a total system power of 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. This hybrid model used a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

The MDX demonstrated impressive straight-line performance, with enthusiastic acceleration and smooth shifts. Its Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which incorporated torque-vectoring technology, enhanced its nimbleness in corners and curves. This system seamlessly directed power to the outside rear wheel during cornering, improving handling and stability. The MDX's four-wheel independent suspension provided a comfortable ride, making it a reliable companion for long journeys.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender offered two powertrain options in the U.S. The base model featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine producing 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The more powerful option was a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six mild-hybrid setup, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD with low range and Terrain Response.

The Defender's off-road capabilities were impressive, with features like a 30.1-degree approach angle, 37.6-degree departure angle, and a maximum wading depth of 35.4 inches. On the road, the Defender was quick, with the 2.0-liter model reaching 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds and the 3.0-liter model achieving it in 5.8 seconds. The Defender also had a maximum towing capacity of 8,200 pounds and a payload capacity of over 1,700 pounds. Its driving character was solid and comfortable, whether on highways or city streets, and it excelled in off-road conditions.

The 2020 Acura MDX was a practical choice for families, offering three rows of seating with sliding and reclining second-row seats for easy access to the third row. It provided 15.8 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, which could be expanded to 43.4 cubic feet by folding the third row flat. With the second row also folded flat, the MDX offered a maximum cargo capacity of 90.9 cubic feet. The interior featured ample storage options, including a large glove box, a flexible center console, and various cupholders and storage bins for passengers in all rows. Tri-zone climate control ensured comfort for all occupants.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender, built on a unibody platform, featured four-wheel independent multi-link air suspension for enhanced on-road and off-road performance. The Defender's interior configuration was flexible, with options for a jump seat between the front seats and a third-row seat in the long-wheelbase 110 model. The Defender 110 offered 34-34.6 cubic feet of luggage space behind the second row and 78.8 cubic feet behind the first row. The three-door Defender 90 had 15.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 58.3 cubic feet behind the front seats.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with a range of standard technology features, including Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, SMS/MMS text message and email capability, a CD/MP3 player, five USB ports, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an eight-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added features like rain-sensing windshield wipers, LED puddle lights, front and rear parking sensors, navigation, GPS-linked climate control, remote engine start, and a premium audio system. The Advance Package further enhanced the tech offerings with features like a surround-view camera system, Head-Up Warning, and additional USB ports. The Entertainment Package included a rear entertainment system with a large screen and wireless headphones.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender featured Land Rover's Electronic Vehicle Architecture 2.0, allowing for remote software updates. The Pivi Pro infotainment system, with a 10-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, was standard. Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were also included. The Defender offered multiple camera views, including a "transparent hood" view for off-roading. The audio system could be upgraded to a Meridian sound system with up to 14 speakers and a subwoofer. A full-color head-up display and a ClearSight rear-view mirror were available as well.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, while the Advance Package included Head-Up Warning. The MDX also featured a rearview camera, front airbags, side curtain airbags, stability control, Trailer Stability Assist, tire pressure monitoring, and LATCH child-seat mounts. The MDX received high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender had an extensive list of standard safety features, including front airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, electronic traction control, dynamic stability control, roll stability control, emergency braking, anti-lock braking, emergency brake assist, cruise control speed limiter, blind spot assist, lane-keep assist, driver condition monitor, traffic sign recognition, rear traffic monitor, clear exit monitor, and a 360-degree parking aid. The Defender underwent rigorous durability testing, ensuring its safety and reliability in various conditions.