2021 Subaru Forester vs 2022 Acura MDX
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Subaru Forester is 7.5 out of 10, while the 2022 Acura MDX scores 8 out of 10. Based on these scores, the 2022 Acura MDX is the recommended choice for consumers looking for a luxury three-row SUV with advanced technology and safety features.
Choose the 2022 Acura MDX if:
Shop Now- You desire a luxurious and upscale interior with advanced features
- You need versatile cargo space and seating for up to seven passengers
- You are willing to invest in a premium SUV with superior performance and technology
Choose the 2021 Subaru Forester if:
Shop Now- You prioritize practicality and value with standard all-wheel drive
- You prefer a more rugged and versatile SUV design
- You are looking for a reliable and fuel-efficient compact crossover
Overview | |
MSRP$24,795 | MSRP$48,000 |
Average price$25,853 | Average price$42,175 |
Listings2714 | Listings1492 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
|
2021 Subaru Forester Reviews SummaryThe Subaru Forester was one of the original compact crossover SUVs. Along with the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4, it helped introduce a vehicular genre that is now displacing traditional sedans from American driveways. That means the Forester has more competition than ever. What was once a small market segment has swelled with the addition of compact SUVs like the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Nissan Rogue, Volkswagen Tiguan, and the modern version of the Jeep Cherokee. To keep pace with the competition, the Forester has packed on technology—and pounds. While the first-generation Forester (affectionately nicknamed “toaster” by fans because of its boxy shape) was genuinely compact, the current version has the footprint of a midsize SUV from two decades ago. This version was introduced for the 2019 model year, so it doesn’t change much for 2021. The only news is the addition of three standard safety features—steering-responsive LED headlights, automatic high beams, and a rear seatbelt reminder—standard fog lights and keyless access with push-button start for the Premium trim level, and additional equipment reshuffling on other trim levels. The 2021 Subaru Forester is available in five trim levels—Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring—all with standard all-wheel drive (AWD). Our test car was the mid-range Sport model. | |
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. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.5L 182 hp H4 | Engine3.5L 290 hp V6 |
Drive TrainAWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity7 |
Horsepower182 hp @ 5800 rpm | Horsepower290 hp @ 6200 rpm |
MPG City26 | MPG City19 |
MPG Highway33 | MPG Highway26 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.5L 182 hp H4 | Engine Name3.5L 290 hp V6 |
Torque178 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | Torque267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm |
Horsepower182 hp @ 5800 rpm | Horsepower290 hp @ 6200 rpm |
DrivetrainAWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City26 | MPG City19 |
MPG Highway33 | MPG Highway26 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity7 |
Key Features | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Sunroof/MoonroofStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space31.1 cu ft | Cargo Space16.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight3453 lbs | Curb Weight4271 lbs |
Height67.5 in | Height67.1 in |
Length182.1 in | Length198.4 in |
Width80.9 in | Width78.7 in |
Wheelbase105.1 in | Wheelbase113.8 in |
Maximum Payload1438 lbs | Maximum Payload |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity1500 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity3500 lbs |
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Subaru Forester is 7.5 out of 10, while the 2022 Acura MDX scores 8 out of 10. Based on these scores, the 2022 Acura MDX is the recommended choice for consumers looking for a luxury three-row SUV with advanced technology and safety features.
Choose the 2022 Acura MDX if:
Shop Now- You desire a luxurious and upscale interior with advanced features
- You need versatile cargo space and seating for up to seven passengers
- You are willing to invest in a premium SUV with superior performance and technology
Choose the 2021 Subaru Forester if:
Shop Now- You prioritize practicality and value with standard all-wheel drive
- You prefer a more rugged and versatile SUV design
- You are looking for a reliable and fuel-efficient compact crossover
Overview | ||
MSRP | $24,795 | $48,000 |
Average price | $25,853 | $42,175 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.5 | 4.7 |
Expert reviews | 7.5 out of 10Read full review | 8.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | The Subaru Forester was one of the original compact crossover SUVs. Along with the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4, it helped introduce a vehicular genre that is now displacing traditional sedans from American driveways. That means the Forester has more competition than ever. What was once a small market segment has swelled with the addition of compact SUVs like the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Nissan Rogue, Volkswagen Tiguan, and the modern version of the Jeep Cherokee. To keep pace with the competition, the Forester has packed on technology—and pounds. While the first-generation Forester (affectionately nicknamed “toaster” by fans because of its boxy shape) was genuinely compact, the current version has the footprint of a midsize SUV from two decades ago. This version was introduced for the 2019 model year, so it doesn’t change much for 2021. The only news is the addition of three standard safety features—steering-responsive LED headlights, automatic high beams, and a rear seatbelt reminder—standard fog lights and keyless access with push-button start for the Premium trim level, and additional equipment reshuffling on other trim levels. The 2021 Subaru Forester is available in five trim levels—Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring—all with standard all-wheel drive (AWD). Our test car was the mid-range Sport model. | 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 | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.5L 182 hp H4 | 3.5L 290 hp V6 |
Drive Train | AWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 7 |
Horsepower | 182 hp @ 5800 rpm | 290 hp @ 6200 rpm |
MPG City | 26 | 19 |
MPG Highway | 33 | 26 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.5L 182 hp H4 | 3.5L 290 hp V6 |
Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | 267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm |
Horsepower | 182 hp @ 5800 rpm | 290 hp @ 6200 rpm |
Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 26 | 19 |
MPG Highway | 33 | 26 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 7 |
Key Features | ||
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 31.1 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3453 lbs | 4271 lbs |
Height | 67.5 in | 67.1 in |
Length | 182.1 in | 198.4 in |
Width | 80.9 in | 78.7 in |
Wheelbase | 105.1 in | 113.8 in |
Maximum Payload | 1438 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 1500 lbs | 3500 lbs |
By: CarGurus + AI
This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.