2023 Ford Escape vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX presented a blend of luxury and subtlety, especially in its Type S Advance trim. This model featured a sophisticated exterior with chicane-design LED lights and 21-inch wheels, while the interior boasted perforated Milano leather and a Sport Appearance package. Despite its appealing aesthetics, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made controls less intuitive. The MDX Type S aimed to deliver a high-end experience, but certain elements, such as the electronic transmission switchgear, occasionally detracted from its luxury aspirations.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Escape embraced a more European design language, moving away from its earlier blocky style. The ST-Line Elite trim we tested sported 19-inch wheels and a sleek body-color finish, giving it an upscale appearance akin to a Mazda CX-5. Inside, the Escape featured diamond-stitched leather upholstery, which, while visually appealing, felt somewhat plasticky. The seats were comfortable, and the 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat allowed for easy customization. Despite its stylish design, the Escape's interior was dominated by plastic materials, which sometimes felt cost-cutting.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, aimed to enhance driving dynamics. However, the performance upgrades didn't fully integrate, leading to issues like an indecisive transmission and poor brake pedal modulation. The MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience, with fuel economy averaging 16.9 mpg, falling short of its EPA rating. Despite its potential, the MDX Type S didn't quite meet expectations as a performance SUV.

The 2023 Ford Escape offered a choice between a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower. The latter, available on higher trims like the ST-Line Elite, provided better acceleration and passing power. However, the Escape's suspension remained soft, prioritizing comfort over performance. The brakes offered predictable stopping power, and the steering was well-weighted, avoiding the twitchiness seen in some competitors. While not a performance crossover, the Escape delivered a comfortable and composed driving experience.

The 2023 Acura MDX provided a spacious interior with three rows of seats and flexible cargo options. The Type S Advance trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the seats didn't fully support the MDX's performance-oriented mission. The second-row seats offered sliding and tilting functions for easier third-row access, but the third row was best suited for children. The MDX's cargo space was practical, with 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2023 Ford Escape offered comfortable seating and excellent ergonomics, with well-positioned armrests and convenient cupholders. However, its cargo space was limited compared to segment leaders, with 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 65.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. Rear-seat legroom was slightly less than some competitors, but headroom was impressive. The Escape's interior design maximized space for tall passengers, making it suitable for daily use, though it might feel cramped during larger moves.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment display, but the lack of a touchscreen required using a True Touchpad Interface. This system, while innovative, added complexity and reduced storage space. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, enhancing connectivity. The top-tier ELS Studio 3D audio system delivered impressive sound quality, and the Advance package included a 10.5-inch head-up display. However, the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs, leading to potential safety concerns.

The 2023 Ford Escape impressed with its Sync 4 technology, featuring an optional 13.2-inch touchscreen that enhanced the cabin's look. The system was well-organized, with easy navigation between Android Auto and the native navigation system. While Sync 4 was slightly slow to respond, its layout and features were user-friendly. The volume knob's placement was inconvenient, but overall, the Escape's tech offerings were attractive and intuitive.

The 2023 Acura MDX came equipped with Acura Watch, a suite of driving assistance and collision avoidance systems. It included features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, though it received four stars in frontal-impact tests. However, the MDX's safety systems occasionally issued false warnings, raising concerns about their reliability.

The 2023 Ford Escape received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high scores in frontal and side-crash tests. However, it didn't earn a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS due to a Marginal score in the updated side-impact test. The Escape's Co-Pilot360 suite included standard features like forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Co-Pilot360 2.0 added adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology, enhancing safety and convenience.