2025 Acura MDX vs 2025 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2025 Acura MDX received subtle exterior updates, including a new grille, revised front bumper, and darkened headlights and taillights, which enhanced its sporty and performance-oriented appearance. Most versions also featured new wheel designs and finishes, adding to the SUV's visual appeal. Inside, the MDX saw more significant changes with the introduction of a new touchscreen infotainment system, replacing the previous touchpad interface and providing additional storage space. The seats from the previous MDX Type S model were incorporated into the MDX Advance package and MDX A-Spec Advance, while the Type S received a new seat design. Acura also improved cabin quietness with added sound insulation and acoustic laminated window glass.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse impressed with its exterior styling, continuing Chevrolet's trend of attractive SUV designs. Inside, the Traverse featured digital instrumentation and a Google-based infotainment system, offering a modern and appealing layout. However, the quality of materials, such as hard, glossy plastics and Evotex artificial leather, detracted from the overall sense of sophistication. The Traverse offered trims like LT, Z71, High Country, and RS, with base prices ranging from $41,095 to $55,495, including a destination charge. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road adventures, included features like Radiant Red paint, a panoramic sunroof, and various driving packages, bringing the MSRP to $55,900 with the destination charge.

The 2025 Acura MDX positioned itself as a performance-oriented luxury SUV, offering a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine in the Type S model, producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Most buyers opted for the standard 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The MDX offered a choice between front-wheel drive and Acura's torque-vectoring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which was standard on higher trims. The MDX provided a smooth and comfortable ride, with driving modes like Comfort, Normal, Sport, Snow, and Individual, allowing drivers to tailor the experience. However, using Sport mode frequently impacted fuel economy, with the A-Spec Advance averaging 18.4 mpg in testing, compared to its EPA rating of 21 mpg.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. The engine's exhaust note was less refined, but it provided ample power, especially with all-wheel drive engaged. The Traverse Z71 trim, designed for off-road use, offered 7.7 inches of ground clearance, unique 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, and a Twin Clutch AWD system. The Z71 handled trails and rough terrain confidently, with driving modes like Tow/Haul, Normal, and Sport. Despite its size, the Traverse offered a smooth ride, with the Z71's suspension and tires absorbing road imperfections. The test vehicle achieved 21.5 mpg in combined driving, slightly exceeding its EPA rating of 21 mpg.

The 2025 Acura MDX offered luxurious interior features, with the MDX Advance and MDX A-Spec Advance trims featuring 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage programs. The second row could be configured as a bench seat or individual bucket seats, with the option to remove the center section for easier access to the third row. While the second-row seats provided comfort and legroom, the third row was less accommodating for adults. The MDX offered 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse boasted a spacious interior, with the Z71 trim offering eight-way power-adjustable front seats and heated front seats. The Traverse accommodated up to eight passengers with a second-row bench seat, while captain's chairs provided comfort and support. The third row offered adequate leg support but limited visibility due to the rear window design. The Traverse provided 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 97.6 cubic feet with the second row folded. However, folding the third row required adjusting the second-row seats, which could be inconvenient.

The 2025 Acura MDX introduced a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in, offering Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play access. The system replaced the previous touchpad interface, providing a more intuitive experience. The MDX featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an AT&T 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and upgraded sound systems, with the Bang & Olufsen audio system available on higher trims. The digital instrumentation display and head-up display provided essential information, while the surround-view camera system enhanced parking and maneuvering.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse featured a standard 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in, offering Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play Store access. The system included Alexa compatibility, OnStar connected services, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Traverse also offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The digital instrumentation panel provided various display options, while the camera-based digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera system enhanced visibility and maneuverability.

The 2025 Acura MDX featured the AcuraWatch suite of driver assistance features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The MDX Technology trim added front and rear parking sensors and low-speed automatic braking. The AcuraWatch 360 package, exclusive to the Type S Advance, included additional radar units and cameras for enhanced safety features like front cross-traffic alert and evasive steering warning. The MDX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, while the IIHS awarded the 2024 model a Top Safety Pick+ rating.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and active blind-spot monitoring. The Driver Confidence Package added a surround-view camera system and traffic sign recognition, while the Enhanced Driving Package included Super Cruise hands-free driving assist and remote-parking technology. The Traverse received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS.