Acura MDX vs Cadillac LYRIQ

The 2026 Acura MDX presented a sophisticated and sporty appearance, especially in the A-Spec Advance trim. This model featured blacked-out wheels, subtle styling tweaks, and a bold interior with leather and artificial suede. The MDX's design was highlighted by its diamond pentagon grille, appealing lighting, and flared fenders, giving it a low, wide stance. Inside, the MDX offered a car-like interior with a low dashboard and wide console, using high-quality materials and available in bold color options. However, the emphasis on design sometimes compromised functionality, with limited storage space due to the layout of the center console and transmission controls.

The 2027 Cadillac LYRIQ stood out with its striking design, maintaining its beauty over the years. Its interior was a blend of technology and luxury, featuring top-notch materials and toggle switches for climate controls, which were more user-friendly than touchscreens. Despite its impressive design, the LYRIQ had a mixed reputation for build quality, with some past models experiencing issues like rattles and misaligned trim. However, the test vehicle showed improvements, suggesting Cadillac might have addressed these concerns. Buyers were advised to thoroughly inspect their vehicles before purchase.

The 2026 Acura MDX was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The MDX's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system enhanced handling and increased towing capacity to 5,000 pounds. The Type S variant offered a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, along with adaptive air suspension. The MDX provided a comfortable and responsive driving experience, with a commendable ride on various surfaces. However, it lacked a hybrid powertrain option, and its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 19.2 mpg during testing.

The 2027 Cadillac LYRIQ featured a 102-kWh battery pack with a DC fast-charging speed of 190 kW. The single-motor RWD version produced 365 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, offering an EPA-rated range of 326 miles. The dual-motor AWD Lyriq-V delivered 615 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, with a range of up to 285 miles. The tested AWD model had 515 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque, with a range of 319 miles. Despite its power, the LYRIQ's throttle was tuned for a refined, linear acceleration. The ride comfort was impressive, even with 22-inch wheels, and the braking system offered three settings for a customizable driving experience.

The 2026 Acura MDX's interior was a sanctuary with 16-way power-adjustable, heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, complemented by a Bang & Olufsen audio system. The second-row seats were comfortable, though legroom was limited. The third row was suitable for short trips or children, with snug space for adults. Cargo space was practical, offering 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2027 Cadillac LYRIQ's interior storage was nearly as good as its Optiq sibling, with spacious cupholders, door bins, and a deep center armrest bin. The center console featured a large storage tray, and a pull-out tray under the dash served as a second glovebox. Cargo space was decent, with 28 cubic feet behind the rear seats and a larger under-floor storage compartment. The LYRIQ offered abundant legroom in the back seat, accommodating six-footers comfortably and fitting rear-facing child seats without adjusting the front seats.

The 2026 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an available 10.5-inch head-up display. The infotainment system included Amazon Alexa and Google Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and smartphone charging. A three-year complimentary subscription to Google services was standard, and the Bang & Olufsen sound system impressed with its quality.

The 2027 Cadillac LYRIQ's OLED touchscreen was crisp and bright, contributing to the cabin's luxurious look. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Google built-in functions like Google Maps and Google Assistant. The AKS audio system with Dolby Atmos provided exceptional sound quality, with speaker grilles enhancing the cabin's aesthetics.

The 2026 Acura MDX came with AcuraWatch, a suite of driver aids including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and more. The system was refined and operated transparently, though the lane-departure warning's steering-wheel wobble was a minor annoyance. The MDX received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for FWD models, and the 2025 model was an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2027 Cadillac LYRIQ offered standard driver-assistance features, with GM's Super Cruise hands-free highway driving assist system as a standout. Super Cruise provided hands-free operation on highways, with clear communication through an LED steering wheel strip. The LYRIQ received five stars from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS for crash safety and vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention, though its headlight score was poor due to excessive glare.