2022 Acura MDX vs 2023 Ford Escape

The 2022 Acura MDX was designed to stand out in the three-row luxury crossover SUV category. Despite its relatively compact exterior, it felt spacious inside, thanks to its new, dedicated platform separate from the Honda Pilot. The vehicle featured a longer wheelbase, wider body, and increased overall length, resulting in a sportier, more assertive look. Acura engineered the MDX with a critical dash-to-axle distance increased by over four inches to emphasize elegance. The Jewel Eye LED headlights and expressive LED daytime running lights elevated its modern appeal. Bigger wheels and tires ranging from 19 to 20 inches added to its sporty aura. Built in East Liberty, Ohio, the MDX boasted a high level of craftsmanship, offering a solid and quality feel in various exterior colors and interior themes.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Escape moved away from its earlier boxy design to adopt a more European, sleek aesthetic. The 2023 refresh replaced its old, somewhat cartoonish grille with a more traditional front-end design, fortified by an LED light bar and the recognizable blue oval logo. Shoppers had several trims to choose from, with the ST-Line Elite donning 19-inch wheels and less rugged, more urban-focused styling. Inside, the Escape featured noticeable diamond-stitched leather upholstery, although it felt somewhat hard and plasticky. The seats provided excellent comfort during extended drives, and the driver’s seat offered ten-way power adjustment. Despite using many plastic materials, which varied in quality, the interior managed a practical and pleasant layout overall.

The 2022 Acura MDX was propelled by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission, it delivered power to the front wheels in base trims and all wheels in higher trims through the Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). Torque vectoring improved cornering feel and control, while the enhanced suspension with a double-wishbone front and multi-link rear contributed to sporty handling and better ride quality. Larger brakes and improved steering feel rounded out the package, making the MDX a confident performer on various terrains. Multiple drive modes—Snow, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual—allowed for tailored driving experiences. The MDX’s solid structure and smooth transmission added to its appeal during two days of extensive testing in Michigan.

On the other hand, the 2023 Ford Escape offered a choice between two distinct engine options. The first, a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, delivered 180 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, exclusive to higher trims, ramped up the output to 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, also paired with the eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. Though not exactly a performance crossover, the Escape's suspension offered a comfortable ride, particularly on rough roads. The braking system was linear and predictable, and the steering was well-weighted, avoiding the over-boosted feel of many competitors. However, the lack of paddle shifters and performance tuning held back the potential sporty feel of the Escape.

The 2022 Acura MDX excelled in versatility, offering spacious seating configurations across its three rows. The innovative second row had a removable center section and could slide fore and aft, allowing for better legroom distribution. The third row was best suited for children or shorter adults but included USB connections for added convenience. Cargo capacity varied between 16.3 and 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 39.1 to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and a warehouse-like 71.4 to 95 cubic feet with the second row down. Features like the programmable power tailgate with "Grab 'N Go" technology added functional convenience. The MDX's customizable interior lighting provided a unique ambiance with 27 different themes.

The 2023 Ford Escape prioritized comfort and ergonomic design in its cabin. Even with slightly less cargo space than some competitors, it still offered a practical setup with 37.5 cubic feet of storage behind the second row and 65.4 cubic feet with the second row folded. While somewhat cramped compared to leaders in its segment, it provided sufficient room for daily use. The rear seat's headroom was commendable, and the softly padded front-seat backs maximized rear passenger comfort.

In the 2022 Acura MDX, the technology suite was headlined by the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System, available in the A-Spec and Advance Packages. It featured 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification for a superior auditory experience. The standard 12.3-inch landscape-oriented infotainment screen and Acura Precision Cockpit 12.3-inch HD digital instrument panel offered clear and configurable displays. Connectivity was seamless with Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Qi-compatible wireless device charging. A head-up display and the CabinTalk feature enhanced convenience and safety, particularly in upper trims. The OTA updates ensured that the MDX’s software remained current.

The 2023 Ford Escape shined with its Sync 4 infotainment system. The base models featured an 8-inch touchscreen, but higher trims like the ST-Line Elite boasted a 13.2-inch screen that significantly uplifted the interior’s look. Sync 4 was user-friendly, with clear navigation and responsive tiles for music, navigation, and Bluetooth functions. Despite minor issues with the input response time and volume knob placement, the system's overall execution was impressive. Sync 4 integrated smoothly with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making the Escape technologically advanced for its segment.

The 2022 Acura MDX's crash-test ratings were pending at the time of release, but expectations were high due to its predecessor's solid ratings. The redesigned front end and enhanced structural rigidity contributed to improved safety. The MDX also featured advanced pedestrian safety measures and a comprehensive low-speed braking control system to prevent collisions. Standard AcuraWatch provided a suite of safety technologies, including collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more.

The 2023 Ford Escape received a commendable five-star overall rating from NHTSA, despite a Marginal score on the updated side-impact test by IIHS. The standard Co-Pilot360 suite included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and more, all enhancing daily driving safety. Optional Co-Pilot360 2.0 brought additional features like adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology, making for a semi-autonomous driving experience.