2024 Acura MDX vs 2023 Ford Escape

The 2023 Ford Escape showcased a modern crossover design that leaned towards a more European aesthetic, moving away from the rugged, boxy look of its predecessors. The refreshed model featured a traditional front end with a Ford blue oval logo and a stylish LED light bar, replacing the previous cartoonish grille. The ST-Line Elite trim, which was tested, sported 19-inch wheels and body-color mirror caps, giving it an upscale appearance akin to a Mazda CX-5. Inside, the Escape boasted diamond-stitched leather upholstery, though it felt hard and plasticky. Despite this, the seats were comfortable, and the 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat provided excellent long-distance driving comfort. However, the interior was dominated by plastic materials, some of which felt scratchy and poorly reinforced.

In contrast, the 2024 Acura MDX impressed with its refined and modern exterior, featuring a large shield grille flanked by rakish headlights and accented with intake vents. The interior was high-tech but busy, with a plethora of controls on the center console. The MDX was available in several trims, including the Type-S Advance, which was tested. This trim offered luxurious features like a 26-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats. The perforated leather upholstery was incredibly comfortable, and the massaging seats provided a refreshing experience on long drives. While the MDX's cabin might not match the opulence of a Mercedes-Benz GLS, it excelled in comfort and luxury features.

The 2023 Ford Escape offered multiple powertrain options, including a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine could be configured with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite trims featured a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, exclusively with all-wheel drive. Despite the impressive output, the Escape was not a performance crossover, with a soft suspension and a lack of performance tuning in the transmission. The brakes were predictable and linear, and the steering was well-weighted, avoiding the twitchiness common in some competitors.

The 2024 Acura MDX came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type-S variant, however, was equipped with a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Type-S Advance trim offered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, thanks to its adaptive air suspension and Brembo performance brakes. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed for various driving modes, including Sport+ and Lift mode, enhancing the driving experience. The MDX's steering was responsive, and it had a tight turning radius, making it agile for its size. The MDX also boasted a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

The 2023 Ford Escape provided a comfortable driving experience with supportive seats and excellent ergonomics. The steering wheel felt great to hold, and the armrests were well-positioned. However, the Escape fell short in cargo space, offering up to 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 65.4 cubic feet with the second row folded. This was less than some competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Rear-seat legroom was also slightly less than rivals, though headroom was impressive, and the front-seat backs were designed to maximize space for tall passengers.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured three rows of seating, with the first two rows being comfortable and supportive. The third row was smaller and best suited for children. Cargo space was 16.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 39.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and a maximum of 71.4 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down. The MDX included a power liftgate, with a hands-free option available on higher trims. The Type-S Advance trim had a second-row bench with a fold-down center console and integrated cupholders, providing a semi-captain's chair experience. The center console offered ample storage, though the center stack of controls was cluttered, with a touchpad for the infotainment system that was unintuitive.

The 2023 Ford Escape was equipped with Sync 4, offering an intuitive tech experience. Lower trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims like the ST-Line Elite came with a 13.2-inch screen, enhancing the cabin's look. Sync 4 was well-organized, with easy navigation between Android Auto and the native system. However, the system was occasionally slow to respond, and the volume knob's placement was inconvenient. Despite these minor issues, the overall tech package was impressive.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its weak point, with a 12.3-inch display controlled by a touchpad that was unintuitive. Despite this, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The center console cleverly housed charging ports, and the touchpad was paired with a leather handrest. However, the system's complexity detracted from the overall experience, making it less appealing compared to competitors like the Genesis GV80.

The 2023 Ford Escape received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side-crash tests. However, it did not earn a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS due to a Marginal score in the side-impact test. The Escape came standard with Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite, including features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Co-Pilot360 2.0 added adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera.

The 2024 Acura MDX included a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Technology Package added parking sensors and reverse automatic emergency braking, while the Advance package included a 360-degree camera and head-up display. The 2022 MDX, which the 2024 model carried over from, earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. However, the infotainment system's complexity posed a potential distraction for drivers.