2025 Acura MDX vs 2025 Land Rover Defender

Acura made subtle styling updates to the 2025 MDX, including a new grille, revised front bumper, and darkened headlights and taillights. These changes, along with new wheel designs, enhanced the SUV's sporty and performance-oriented appearance. Inside, the MDX saw more significant changes with the introduction of a new touchscreen infotainment system, replacing the previous touchpad interface and adding more storage. The seats from the MDX Type S model were made available in other trims, and additional sound insulation improved cabin quietness. However, the gloss black plastic trim on the dashboard was prone to collecting dust and smudges. The controls were logically placed, making them easy to use, and the new A-Spec Advance trim level offered a blend of luxury and sportiness.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender presented a rugged and customizable design, with the Defender 110 four-door model being the most balanced in appearance. The Defender 130 X trim included the Extended Black Exterior Pack and upgraded interior materials, along with all of Land Rover's off-roading technology. The test vehicle featured 20-inch wheels with Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires, and options like the Towing Pack and Climate Pack increased the MSRP to $106,092. The interior boasted premium Windsor hides and Kvadrat fabric, with an industrial theme that emphasized quality materials. Despite its ruggedness, the Defender's cabin was not traditionally luxurious, but it offered a purposeful and functional design.

The 2025 Acura MDX was positioned as a performance-oriented luxury SUV, with the Type S model featuring a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine 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 through 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), which was standard on higher trims. The SUV provided a smooth and comfortable ride, with various driving modes to suit different preferences. However, its fuel economy was lower than expected, averaging 18.4 mpg during testing. The MDX was not designed for off-roading, with limited ground clearance and performance tires.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. The engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system with a low-range setting for off-roading. 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 and Terrain Response 2 driving modes enhanced its off-road capabilities. Despite its off-road prowess, the Defender was primarily driven on pavement during testing, where it provided a comfortable ride but lacked enthusiasm for twisty roads. The SUV's fuel economy was lower than expected, averaging 16.2 mpg.

The 2025 Acura MDX offered comfortable and supportive 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 a foldable middle section for added convenience. The third-row seat was less comfortable for adults, with limited leg support and space. The MDX provided adequate in-cabin storage and a cargo volume of 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with all rear seats folded.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender 130 featured spacious seating across three rows, with 12-way power-adjustable front seats offering heating and ventilation. The Defender's tall seating position provided excellent visibility, though the side mirrors were undersized. The panoramic sunroof and large windows created an open and airy feel. The second-row captain's chairs were heated and ventilated, while the third-row seat was roomy and supportive. The Defender's side-hinged cargo door was heavy and awkward, with a high load floor. Cargo space measured 15.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 89 cubic feet with all rear seats folded.

The 2025 Acura MDX introduced a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Alexa and Google Built-in, replacing the previous touchpad interface. The system offered a natural and intuitive interface, though SiriusXM satellite radio required streaming through a smartphone app. The MDX featured AcuraLink connected services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Bang & Olufsen audio systems with up to 31 speakers. The infotainment system paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 10.5-inch head-up display. The MDX Advance and A-Spec Advance trims included a surround-view camera system for added convenience.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender was equipped with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, featuring an 11.4-inch touchscreen and a configurable digital driver display. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and connected services. Pivi Pro's response to voice commands was slower than preferred, but its accuracy was impressive. The system's user experience was more intuitive, and the Meridian premium sound system was notable. The Defender also included a head-up display, ClearSight digital rearview mirror, and a surround-view camera system, enhancing visibility and parking ease.

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, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The new AcuraWatch 360, exclusive to the Type S Advance, added front cross-traffic alert and evasive steering warning. The MDX received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though SH-AWD models lacked a rollover resistance rating. The IIHS had not yet rated the 2025 MDX, but the 2024 model earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating.

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