2024 Acura MDX vs 2025 Land Rover Defender

The 2024 Acura MDX presented a striking exterior with its large shield grille, rakish headlights, and modern intake vents, creating a refined presence. Inside, the MDX was high-tech but cluttered, with a center console filled with controls that could be overwhelming and challenging to operate. The MDX offered various trims, including the Technology, A-Spec, and Advance Packages, each adding unique features like ambient lighting, upgraded audio systems, and leather upholstery. The Type-S Advance package, which was reviewed, included a 26-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats, providing a luxurious experience despite the busy interior.

In contrast, the 2025 Land Rover Defender had a rugged appeal, with the Defender 110 four-door model striking a balance in design. The Defender offered extensive customization options, with base prices ranging from $58,525 to $153,625 for the new Defender OCTA. The test vehicle, a Defender 130 X, featured the Extended Black Exterior Pack and off-roading technology. Despite its Gondwana Stone paint clashing with orange brake calipers, the Defender's interior boasted premium Windsor hides and an industrial theme. The cabin was purposeful, with quality materials, though not traditionally luxurious, and offered a practical yet stylish environment.

The 2024 Acura MDX came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type-S variant featured a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. Power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission, with options for front-wheel drive or Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System. The Type-S Advance model provided strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, with Brembo performance brakes and an adaptive air suspension enhancing its agility. The MDX's towing capacity reached 5,000 pounds with AWD, while FWD models maxed out at 3,500 pounds.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender's test vehicle was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, paired with a mild-hybrid system. An eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive with a low-range setting supported its off-road capabilities. The Defender 130 X accelerated to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds and had a maximum tow rating of 8,200 pounds. The adaptive air suspension, hill descent control, and Terrain Response 2 driving modes ensured off-road prowess. Despite its weight, the Defender handled urban environments well, though it was less suited for spirited driving on twisty roads.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured three rows of seating, with the first two rows offering comfort and support, while the third row was smaller and best for children. Cargo space measured 16.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Type-S Advance model included a second-row bench with a fold-down center console, providing a semblance of captain's chairs. The center console offered ample storage, though the cluttered center stack of controls detracted from the overall experience.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender 130 provided spacious seating across three rows, with 12-way power-adjustable front seats offering heating and ventilation. The Defender's tall seating position and large windows enhanced visibility, though the rear view was limited. A panoramic sunroof and fixed glass panel over the third row added to the airy feel. The Defender 130's third-row seat was heated and comfortable, with a side-hinged cargo door providing access to 15.3 cubic feet of space, expandable to 89 cubic feet with seats folded. The high load floor and awkward cargo door were notable drawbacks.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its Achilles Heel, with a clumsy interface controlled by a touchpad rather than a touchscreen. Despite this, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The clever placement of charging ports and a leather handrest for the touchpad were highlights, though the overall system was unintuitive compared to competitors like the Genesis GV80.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender featured the Pivi Pro infotainment system, accessed via an 11.4-inch touchscreen. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and connected services. While Pivi Pro had previously been unimpressive, it performed well during testing, with accurate voice command responses and an intuitive user experience. The Defender also offered a head-up display, ClearSight digital rearview mirror, and a surround-view camera system, enhancing usability and safety.

The 2024 Acura MDX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and more. The Technology Package added parking sensors and reverse automatic emergency braking, while the Advance package included a 360-degree camera system. The 2022 MDX, which the 2024 model carried over from, earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender offered several driver aids, such as automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist. The system operated smoothly, though the lane-keep assist occasionally attempted to steer the vehicle into a turnout area. Crash-test ratings for the Defender were unavailable, as low-volume models like this one are typically not tested by NHTSA or IIHS.