2024 Acura MDX vs 2023 Ford Escape

The 2023 Ford Escape showcased a departure from its earlier rugged, boxy design, embracing a more European aesthetic. This shift was evident in the refreshed front end, which replaced the previous grille with a more traditional look, featuring the iconic Ford blue oval logo and a stylish LED light bar. Despite its smaller size in Ford's SUV lineup, the Escape managed to present an upscale appearance, especially in the ST-Line Elite trim, with its 19-inch wheels and sleek body-colour accents. Inside, the Escape offered diamond-stitched leather upholstery, which, while visually appealing, felt somewhat hard and plasticky. The interior was a mix of comfort and practicality, with comfortable seats and a well-positioned driver's seat, though the extensive use of plastic detracted from the overall premium feel.

In contrast, the 2024 Acura MDX exuded a refined and modern presence with its large shield grille, rakish headlights, and sophisticated lower bumper design. The interior was high-tech but busy, with a plethora of controls that could be overwhelming. The MDX offered a range of trims, including the sporty A-Spec and the luxurious Type S Ultra, which featured ambient lighting, open-pore wood inserts, and massaging front seats. The Type S Ultra trim stood out with its 25-speaker ELS sound system and perforated leather upholstery, providing a comfortable and refreshing driving experience. While the MDX's cabin might not match the opulence of some competitors, its massaging seats were a highlight, offering a firmer and more invigorating massage than others in its class.

The 2023 Ford Escape differentiated itself with multiple powertrain options. The base engine was a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder, delivering 180 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine could be configured with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. For those seeking more power, the ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite trims offered a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, exclusively with all-wheel drive. Despite the impressive output, the Escape was not a performance crossover, with a soft suspension and a lack of performance tuning in the transmission. However, the brakes provided predictable stopping power, and the steering was well-weighted, avoiding the twitchiness found in some competitors.

The 2024 Acura MDX, particularly in the Type S Ultra trim, boasted a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, generating 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System. The MDX offered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, thanks to its adaptive air suspension and Brembo performance brakes. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed for various driving modes, including Sport+ and Lift mode, enhancing the MDX's versatility. While the MDX excelled on highways and boulevards, its firm suspension provided a sportier ride quality, and its steering offered the responsiveness of a luxury sedan. The MDX's towing capacity reached 2,268 kilograms, adding to its practicality.

The 2023 Ford Escape provided a comfortable driving experience with supportive seats and excellent ergonomics. The interior layout was practical, with well-positioned armrests and convenient cupholders. However, the Escape fell short in cargo space, offering up to 1,061 litres behind the second row and 1,851 litres with the second row folded. This was less than some competitors, making it adequate for daily use but potentially cramped for larger loads. Rear-seat legroom was also slightly less than rivals, though headroom was commendable, and the front-seat backs were designed to maximize space for taller passengers.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured three rows of seating, with the first two rows providing comfort and support, while the third row was more suitable for children. Cargo space was generous, with a maximum of 2,690 litres available when both the second and third rows were folded. The MDX also offered a hands-free power liftgate and additional storage under the cargo floor. The second-row bench included a fold-down centre console with cupholders, enhancing passenger convenience. However, the centre stack of controls was cluttered, with a touchpad shifter and a large drive-mode selector dial taking up valuable space. Despite this, the MDX's interior was well-equipped with storage options and cupholders throughout the cabin.

The 2023 Ford Escape impressed with its Sync 4 infotainment system, featuring an optional 13.2-inch touchscreen that enhanced the cabin's look. The system was well-organized, with easy navigation between features like Android Auto and the native navigation system. A wi-fi hotspot and a static "Home" button added to the user-friendly experience. However, the system was occasionally slow to respond, and the volume knob's placement was inconvenient. The audio system included a standard six-speaker setup, with a Bang & Olufsen system available on higher trims.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was less intuitive, relying on a touchpad to control the 12.3-inch display. This setup was cumbersome and detracted from the overall experience. Despite this, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The centre console cleverly housed charging ports, and a leather handrest added comfort. However, the touchpad's design required drivers to look away from the road, posing a potential distraction. Acura's newer models, like the Integra, featured more user-friendly touchscreens, highlighting the MDX's outdated system.

The 2023 Ford Escape received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high scores in frontal and side-crash tests. However, the IIHS did not award it a Top Safety Pick due to a Marginal score in the updated side-impact test. The Escape came standard with Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite, including features like 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 safety and convenience.

The 2024 Acura MDX was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The MDX had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS for 2024, but the 2022 model received a five-star rating and a Top Safety Pick+ designation. Despite its strong safety credentials, the MDX's infotainment system posed a distraction, requiring drivers to look away from the road to operate the touchpad.