Acura MDX vs Cadillac Escalade

2024 Acura MDX
2024 Acura MDX
$50,150MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Cadillac Escalade
2023 Cadillac Escalade
$79,295MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Acura MDX
$50,150MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Cadillac Escalade
$79,295MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

MSRP

$50,150

MSRP

$79,295

Average price

$29,244

Average price

$51,533

Listings

9137

Listings

6024
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10
Pros
  • Strong engines
  • Sharp handling
  • Lots of standard features
Cons
  • Frustrating infotainment system
  • Ride can be firm for some
  • Small third row
Pros
  • Impressive technology
  • Impressive stereo
  • Plenty of cargo space
Cons
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Interior materials feel cheap
  • Underwhelming base engine

Reviews Summary

The Acura MDX is a mainstay of the luxury SUV segment, and it covers the bases remarkably well. Its well-rounded nature is perhaps because it shares a platform with the Honda Pilot (another fantastic family hauler) but for that same reason, it doesn’t offer the same cachet as a BMW X5 or Mercedes-Benz GLE. Whether you are on a road trip or heading to work, the MDX is comfortable, refined, and has space for the family and their gear. For 2024, there’s a new Type-S trim level, bringing a new level of performance to the three-row, seven-passenger midsize luxury SUV. But as we’ll get into in a bit, the MDX is held back by a maddening infotainment system that could truly be a sticking point to overshadow all other positive attributes.

Verdict: The MDX is a beautiful, safe, and cost-effective luxury SUV, and the new Type-S trim level delivers a higher level of performance. However, it doesn’t offer as much space as some of its competitors, and we wouldn’t recommend it to anyone easily frustrated by finnicky tech interfaces.

Reviews Summary

The ultimate shuttle is a new Cadillac Escalade, preferably in black with the shiniest chrome wheels. Many SUVs are more luxurious and some even quadruple the Escalade’s $80,000 starting price, yet none have the physical presence or the street cred that comes with a Cadillac truck. European brands do not make full-size luxury SUVs like this. They come close, but for sheer interior space and towing capacity, American brands dominate the segment. The Escalade was redesigned for the 2021 model year and carries over to 2023 mostly unchanged. That means it still boasts the industry’s best hands-free driving system, the sharpest screens, and the most stereo speakers.
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.5L 290 hp V6

Engine

6.2L 420 hp V8

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

RWD

Seating Capacity

7

Seating Capacity

8

Horsepower

290 hp @ 6200 rpm

Horsepower

420 hp @ 5600 rpm

MPG City

19

MPG City

14

MPG Highway

26

MPG Highway

19
2024 Acura MDX
2024 Acura MDX
$50,150MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Cadillac Escalade
2023 Cadillac Escalade
$79,295MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Acura MDX
$50,150MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Cadillac Escalade
$79,295MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
MSRP
$50,150
$79,295
Average price
$29,244
$51,533
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.5
4.4
Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Read full review

7.3 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Strong engines
  • Sharp handling
  • Lots of standard features
Cons
  • Frustrating infotainment system
  • Ride can be firm for some
  • Small third row
Pros
  • Impressive technology
  • Impressive stereo
  • Plenty of cargo space
Cons
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Interior materials feel cheap
  • Underwhelming base engine
Summary

The Acura MDX is a mainstay of the luxury SUV segment, and it covers the bases remarkably well. Its well-rounded nature is perhaps because it shares a platform with the Honda Pilot (another fantastic family hauler) but for that same reason, it doesn’t offer the same cachet as a BMW X5 or Mercedes-Benz GLE. Whether you are on a road trip or heading to work, the MDX is comfortable, refined, and has space for the family and their gear. For 2024, there’s a new Type-S trim level, bringing a new level of performance to the three-row, seven-passenger midsize luxury SUV. But as we’ll get into in a bit, the MDX is held back by a maddening infotainment system that could truly be a sticking point to overshadow all other positive attributes.

Verdict: The MDX is a beautiful, safe, and cost-effective luxury SUV, and the new Type-S trim level delivers a higher level of performance. However, it doesn’t offer as much space as some of its competitors, and we wouldn’t recommend it to anyone easily frustrated by finnicky tech interfaces.

The ultimate shuttle is a new Cadillac Escalade, preferably in black with the shiniest chrome wheels. Many SUVs are more luxurious and some even quadruple the Escalade’s $80,000 starting price, yet none have the physical presence or the street cred that comes with a Cadillac truck. European brands do not make full-size luxury SUVs like this. They come close, but for sheer interior space and towing capacity, American brands dominate the segment. The Escalade was redesigned for the 2021 model year and carries over to 2023 mostly unchanged. That means it still boasts the industry’s best hands-free driving system, the sharpest screens, and the most stereo speakers.
Video
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
3.5L 290 hp V6
6.2L 420 hp V8
Drive Train
FWD
RWD
Seating Capacity
7
8
Horsepower
290 hp @ 6200 rpm
420 hp @ 5600 rpm
MPG City
19
14
MPG Highway
26
19
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By: CarGurus + AI

This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.