2023 Ford Escape vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX presented a sophisticated yet subtle design, especially in its Type S Ultra trim. This model featured a turbocharged engine and a luxurious interior with quilted leather and aluminum trim. The exterior boasted chicane-design LED lights and 21-inch wheels, giving it a commanding presence. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made controls difficult to use. Despite its luxury appeal, the MDX's body design sometimes gave the illusion of dents, and the electronic transmission switchgear was confusing for some users.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Escape embraced a more European design language, moving away from its previous blocky aesthetic. The refreshed front end featured a traditional grille with a stylish LED light bar. The Escape, particularly in the ST-Line Elite trim, appeared more upscale with 19-inch wheels and body-colour accents. Inside, the Escape offered diamond-stitched leather upholstery, though it felt hard and plasticky. The seats were comfortable, and the 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat was easy to configure. Despite its upscale appearance, the Escape's interior was dominated by plastic, which felt cost-cutting.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This was a significant increase over the standard MDX's 3.5-litre V6. The Type S featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience. The transmission was indecisive, and the ride lacked compliance. The fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 13.9 L/100 km during testing, and the brake pedal response was inconsistent.

The 2023 Ford Escape offered two engine options. The base engine was a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder, delivering 180 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. The ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite trims featured a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided better acceleration and high-speed performance. However, the Escape was not a performance crossover, with a soft suspension and no paddle shifters. The brakes were predictable, and the steering was well-weighted, making it comfortable for everyday driving.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a spacious interior with three rows of seats and a flexible second-row configuration. The Type S Ultra trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the seats were firm and didn't hold occupants in place during spirited driving. The MDX's third row was best suited for children, and the interior design prioritized style over storage space. The cargo area was generous, with 461 litres behind the third row and up to 2,021 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Ford Escape provided comfortable seating and excellent ergonomics. The front seats were supportive, and the armrests were well-positioned. However, the Escape fell short in cargo space, offering 1,061 litres behind the second row and 1,851 litres with the seats folded. Passenger space was adequate, with good headroom but slightly less rear-seat legroom than competitors. The Escape's interior was practical for daily use but might feel cramped during larger moves.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment system relied on a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) instead of a touchscreen, which was less intuitive. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In. The top-tier ELS Studio 3D audio system delivered excellent sound quality. A 10.5-inch head-up display was available with higher trims, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2023 Ford Escape impressed with its Sync 4 technology. Lower trims had an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims featured a 13.2-inch display. Sync 4 was user-friendly, with easy navigation between Android Auto and the native system. A wi-fi hotspot was available, and the audio system could be upgraded to a Bang & Olufsen setup. Despite minor annoyances like a slow response time, the Escape's tech features were well-received.

The 2023 Acura MDX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. It received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. However, the MDX's lane-departure warnings were sometimes triggered by pavement scars, and the adaptive cruise control was slow to resume speed.

The 2023 Ford Escape earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but did not receive a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS due to a Marginal score in the side-impact test. The Escape's Co-Pilot360 suite included forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Co-Pilot360 2.0 added adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera, enhancing the Escape's safety features.