2020 Acura MDX vs 2020 GMC Acadia

The 2020 GMC Acadia aimed to slot itself as a premium SUV, positioned between its Chevy and Cadillac siblings. Available in multiple trims, it provided options for various user needs, from the rugged AT4 to the luxurious Denali. My test vehicle was the Denali, featuring all-wheel drive, Satin Steel Metallic paint, and a Technology Package, bringing its total price to $52,385, including destination charges.

Its design updates for 2020 were most apparent at the front, where squared-off headlights and a boxy grille emphasized an upscale, professional look in line with GMC's brand identity. The Denali trim further elevated the Acadia's appeal with additional chrome accents and intricate grille detailing.

Inside, changes were more subtle, limited to new electronic transmission shift switches under the climate controls, a revamped center console, and authentic open-pore wood trim on Denali models. While the cabin mixed soft and hard surfaces similar to its competitors, the leather upholstery, contrast stitching, and bronze-tinted accents struggled to make a significant impact on its premium aspirations.

The 2020 Acura MDX, conversely, offered a sleek and well-proportioned aesthetic, albeit not groundbreaking in its appeal. Its signature Jewel Eye LED headlights contributed a refined touch, housing five LED elements per side within an expressive trapezoidal grille featuring the Acura logo.

The MDX boasted sleek lines and a low-slung profile, accompanied by flawless paint and chrome finishes—areas where Acura consistently excels. Inside, the cabin was modern yet simple, without the excessive padding and stitching found in many luxury interiors. The center stack, featuring twin infotainment screens, a high-mounted navigation display, and a touchscreen with multiple control buttons and a command wheel, was a highlight.

Material quality and fit and finish were commendable in the MDX, offering a solid, well-constructed feel. Controls were intuitive and functioned with precision, reinforcing the vehicle's luxury credentials.

The 2020 GMC Acadia offered three engine options, starting with a 193-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder for lower trims. The SLT variant introduced a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 230 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The AT4 and Denali trims housed a robust 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6, also available in other Acadia models.

All engines paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available across all trims, excluding the AT4, which featured a dual-clutch AWD system as standard. The AT4 also included all-terrain tires and a blacked-out exterior for a rugged look.

During testing, the V6 and nine-speed automatic showcased a smooth, refined performance and could tow up to 4,000 pounds. The test vehicle averaged 20.1 mpg in mainly front-wheel-drive mode, close to its EPA combined rating of 21 mpg. While the Acadia's ride and handling were fine-tuned for responsive performance, the SUV's driving character remained unremarkable.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrains. The gasoline model featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission with both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. The MDX Sport Hybrid combined a 3.0-liter V6 engine and three electric motors, generating a total output of 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, utilizing a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

Driving the gasoline model with Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system revealed impressive straight-line performance and nimbleness, especially in corners and curves. The SH-AWD system's torque-vectoring technology enhanced handling by directing power to the outside wheel during cornering, leading to improved stability and more predictable control even when accelerating from standstill during turns.

The MDX’s independent suspension effectively absorbed road imperfections, ensuring a comfortable ride on long journeys.

The 2020 GMC Acadia seated five to seven passengers, depending on the configuration. The Denali trim offered six-passenger seating with second-row captain’s chairs, though a bench seat was available as a no-cost option. The front seats were wide and supportive, equipped with 10-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation, ensuring comfort for long drives.

The second-row passengers enjoyed heated captain's chairs, air conditioning vents, USB ports, and a power outlet. While the third-row seat provided more room than anticipated, the rear cargo space of 12.1 cubic feet necessitated vertical stacking for any significant load. Folded down, it expanded to 41.7 cubic feet, and the maximum cargo capacity reached 79 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2020 Acura MDX leveraged family-friendly features reminiscent of minivans, integrating sliding and reclining second-row seats for easier access to the third row, accommodating passengers comfortably across all rows. Cargo space behind the third row measured 15.8 cubic feet, expanding to 43.4 cubic feet with the third row folded flat and a maximum capacity of 90.9 cubic feet with the second row also folded.

Front storage included ample glove box space, a flexible center console with cupholders, and an armrest bin with USB and power outlets. Door panels featured multiple storage pockets, and rear passengers enjoyed additional cupholders, seat-back pouches, and third-row armrest storage.

The MDX incorporated tri-zone climate control, allowing different temperature settings for the driver, front passenger, and rear occupants.

Every 2020 GMC Acadia came equipped with essential infotainment features such as Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Models with the 8-inch touchscreen offered a higher resolution display and enhanced voice recognition. The infotainment system was user-friendly, especially for those familiar with smartphones, and included new technology upgrades like USB-C ports, a more powerful wireless charging pad, a high-definition surround-view camera, and a rear camera mirror providing an unobstructed view behind the vehicle.

The 2020 Acura MDX simplified its trim levels into packages loaded with technology. The base model included Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and an eight-speaker audio system. Adding the Technology Package introduced rain-sensing wipers, LED puddle lights, front and rear parking sensors, navigation with real-time traffic, GPS-linked climate control, remote engine start, and Acura/ELS Studio Premium Audio with 10 speakers.

The Advance Package included these tech features plus the Active Damper System, LED fog lights, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a surround-view camera, head-up warning, and third-row USB charge ports. The Entertainment Package, available with either Technology or Advance trims, added a rear entertainment system with a choice of screens and audio capabilities.

In 2020, the GMC Acadia needed to improve its advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) offerings. Standard safety features included a rear-seat reminder and Teen Driver technology, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard from the SL trim up. More advanced features like forward collision warning and low-speed automatic emergency braking were only available on SLT or AT4 trims, bundled in a Driver Alert Package. The Denali trim offered additional enhancements like high-speed emergency braking.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Acadia five-star ratings in most assessments and a four-star rollover rating. However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) provided incomplete test data.

The 2020 Acura MDX came standard with AcuraWatch, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Advance Package included head-up warning.

Additional safety features consisted of multiple airbags, stability and traction control, trailer stability assist (on AWD models), and a theft-deterrent system. Acura's Next-Generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure aimed to absorb and redirect crash energy away from occupants.

The IIHS rated the MDX as "good" in all crash-test categories, "acceptable" for headlights and LATCH ease of use, and "superior" for front crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded the MDX a five-star overall safety rating.