2021 Subaru Ascent vs 2022 Acura MDX
Overview | |
MSRP$32,295 | MSRP$48,000 |
Listings449 | Listings645 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.5 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
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2021 Subaru Ascent Reviews SummaryFew automakers have the brand loyalty enjoyed by Subaru—and with good reason. Its cars, wagons, and SUVs are safe, reliable, and provide features like standard all-wheel drive (AWD). A three-row SUV with all of these benefits seems like a no-brainer, and so the 2021 Subaru Ascent is ideally positioned to differentiate itself from the rest of this family-hauling segment. In addition to its spacious cabin and a long list of standard features, the Ascent gains a few key safety features as newly standard equipment. | |
2022 Acura MDX Reviews SummarySkipping the 2021 model year, the Acura MDX leaps ahead into 2022, riding on a new platform with a new exterior design, new interior look, refreshed platform, and a more assertive attitude. Now entering its fourth generation of production since its introduction as a 2001 model, the MDX rewards its loyal audience with improvements across the board—while retaining its essential nature. | |
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Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.4L 260 hp H4 | Engine3.5L 290 hp V6 |
Drive TrainAWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity8 | Seating Capacity7 |
Horsepower260 hp @ 5600 rpm | Horsepower290 hp @ 6200 rpm |
MPG City21 | MPG City19 |
MPG Highway27 | MPG Highway26 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.4L 260 hp H4 | Engine Name3.5L 290 hp V6 |
Torque277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | Torque267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm |
Horsepower260 hp @ 5600 rpm | Horsepower290 hp @ 6200 rpm |
DrivetrainAWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City21 | MPG City19 |
MPG Highway27 | MPG Highway26 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity8 | Seating Capacity7 |
Key Features | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Sunroof/MoonroofStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space17.8 cu ft | Cargo Space16.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight4430 lbs | Curb Weight4271 lbs |
Height71.6 in | Height67.1 in |
Length196.8 in | Length198.4 in |
Width85.7 in | Width78.7 in |
Wheelbase113.8 in | Wheelbase113.8 in |
Maximum Payload1570 lbs | Maximum Payload1173 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity2000 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity3500 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $32,295 | $48,000 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 8.5 out of 10Read full review | 8.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | Few automakers have the brand loyalty enjoyed by Subaru—and with good reason. Its cars, wagons, and SUVs are safe, reliable, and provide features like standard all-wheel drive (AWD). A three-row SUV with all of these benefits seems like a no-brainer, and so the 2021 Subaru Ascent is ideally positioned to differentiate itself from the rest of this family-hauling segment. In addition to its spacious cabin and a long list of standard features, the Ascent gains a few key safety features as newly standard equipment. | Skipping the 2021 model year, the Acura MDX leaps ahead into 2022, riding on a new platform with a new exterior design, new interior look, refreshed platform, and a more assertive attitude. Now entering its fourth generation of production since its introduction as a 2001 model, the MDX rewards its loyal audience with improvements across the board—while retaining its essential nature. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.4L 260 hp H4 | 3.5L 290 hp V6 |
Drive Train | AWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 8 | 7 |
Horsepower | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm | 290 hp @ 6200 rpm |
MPG City | 21 | 19 |
MPG Highway | 27 | 26 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.4L 260 hp H4 | 3.5L 290 hp V6 |
Torque | 277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm |
Horsepower | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm | 290 hp @ 6200 rpm |
Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 21 | 19 |
MPG Highway | 27 | 26 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 8 | 7 |
Key Features | ||
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 17.8 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4430 lbs | 4271 lbs |
Height | 71.6 in | 67.1 in |
Length | 196.8 in | 198.4 in |
Width | 85.7 in | 78.7 in |
Wheelbase | 113.8 in | 113.8 in |
Maximum Payload | 1570 lbs | 1173 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 2000 lbs | 3500 lbs |
Look and feel
According to CarGurus experts, the 2021 Subaru Ascent is rated 7 out of 10 for look and feel, while the 2022 Acura MDX scores 8 out of 10. The Ascent offers a traditional Subaru design, with elements similar to the Forester and Outback. The Acura MDX, on the other hand, boasts a modern and sporty exterior design with advanced features like LED headlights and bigger wheels.
Performance
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Subaru Ascent 7 out of 10 and the 2022 Acura MDX 8 out of 10 for performance. The Ascent is powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, offering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The MDX comes with a naturally aspirated V6 engine, providing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. Both vehicles offer responsive handling and advanced all-wheel drive systems.
Form and function
The 2021 Subaru Ascent provides up to 86.5 cubic feet of cargo space with all rear seats folded down, while the 2022 Acura MDX offers between 39.1 and 48.4 cubic feet of space with the third row folded. The Ascent boasts impressive seating for up to eight passengers, while the MDX offers seating for up to seven passengers, and features like sliding second-row seats for flexible capacity.
Technology
CarGurus rates the 2021 Subaru Ascent 9 out of 10 and the 2022 Acura MDX 8 out of 10 for technology. The Ascent features Subaru's StarLink infotainment system with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The MDX offers premium audio systems, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, Amazon Alexa integration, and wireless charging.
Safety
The 2021 Subaru Ascent earns a 9 out of 10 for safety, being an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. It comes with Subaru’s comprehensive EyeSight driver-assistance features. The 2022 Acura MDX includes AcuraWatch safety suite as standard, featuring collision mitigation braking and lane-keeping assist.
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Subaru Ascent is 8.5 out of 10, while the 2022 Acura MDX scores 8 out of 10. The Ascent is a solid choice for those looking for a versatile three-row SUV with advanced safety features and good value. On the other hand, the Acura MDX is a luxurious option with premium features and a modern design.
Choose the 2021 Subaru Ascent if:
- You prioritize safety and value in a three-row SUV.
- You prefer a versatile and reliable vehicle with advanced driver-assistance features.
- You are looking for a spacious interior with flexible seating options.
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Choose the 2022 Acura MDX if:
- You are interested in a luxurious and modern three-row SUV.
- You value premium audio systems and advanced technology features.
- You are willing to invest in a higher-priced vehicle with top-tier luxury amenities.
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CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Subaru Ascent is 8.5 out of 10, while the 2022 Acura MDX scores 8 out of 10. The Ascent is a solid choice for those looking for a versatile three-row SUV with advanced safety features and good value. On the other hand, the Acura MDX is a luxurious option with premium features and a modern design.
Choose the 2021 Subaru Ascent if:
Shop Now- You prioritize safety and value in a three-row SUV.
- You prefer a versatile and reliable vehicle with advanced driver-assistance features.
- You are looking for a spacious interior with flexible seating options.
461 results
Choose the 2022 Acura MDX if:
Shop Now- You are interested in a luxurious and modern three-row SUV.
- You value premium audio systems and advanced technology features.
- You are willing to invest in a higher-priced vehicle with top-tier luxury amenities.
649 results
By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.
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