2024 Acura MDX vs 2025 BMW X3

The 2024 Acura MDX presented a striking exterior with its large shield grille, rakish headlights, and modern intake vents, creating a refined presence. Inside, the MDX was high-tech but cluttered, with a busy center console that could be overwhelming. The MDX offered various trims, including the Technology, A-Spec, and Advance Packages, each adding unique features like ambient lighting, upgraded audio systems, and heated seats. The Type-S Advance package, which was reviewed, included a 26-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats, providing a luxurious experience despite the busy interior.

In contrast, the 2025 BMW X3 was seductive in appearance, with a long hood and athletic proportions. The test model's Arctic Race Blue paint and 21-inch wheels emphasized its sporty look. Inside, the X3 featured a simple yet spacious cabin with a BMW Curved Display housing a digital instrument panel and touchscreen infotainment system. The front seats were comfortable with Veganza artificial leather, but the rear seats were less so, especially for taller passengers. The cargo area offered 31.5 cubic feet of space, with additional storage under the load floor, making it practical for everyday use.

The 2024 Acura MDX came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type-S variant featured a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission, with the option of Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System. The Type-S Advance model provided strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, thanks to its adaptive air suspension and Brembo performance brakes. The MDX's towing capacity reached 5,000 pounds with AWD, making it versatile for various driving needs.

The 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Despite its seemingly modest power, the X3 achieved a zero-to-60 mph time of six seconds, aided by an eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive AWD system. The X3 also featured a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, enhancing responsiveness and fuel efficiency. For those seeking more power, the M50 xDrive variant offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 393 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The X3's sport-tuned suspension and performance tires provided an engaging driving experience, though the ride could be firm on imperfect roads.

The 2024 Acura MDX offered three rows of seating, with the first two rows being comfortable and supportive, while the third row was best suited for children. Cargo space measured 16.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The MDX featured a power liftgate, with a hands-free option available on higher trims. The center console provided ample storage, though the control layout was cluttered, with a touchpad and drive-mode selector taking up valuable space.

The 2025 BMW X3's interior felt spacious, with a simple dashboard and a BMW Curved Display. The front seats offered power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, while the rear seats were less comfortable for taller passengers. The cargo area provided 31.5 cubic feet of space, with a lightweight cargo cover and additional storage under the load floor. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat allowed for versatile cargo and passenger configurations, making the X3 practical for various needs.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its Achilles Heel, with a clumsy interface controlled by a touchpad rather than a touchscreen. Despite this, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The center console featured cleverly placed charging ports, but the overall system was unintuitive compared to competitors like the Genesis GV80.

The 2025 BMW X3 featured the BMW Curved Display with iDrive 9 software, offering a Quick Select user experience. However, creating profiles and accessing BMW Digital Services proved challenging during testing. The system occasionally froze, and media preferences were sometimes forgotten. Despite these issues, wireless Apple CarPlay worked flawlessly, providing a reliable alternative to the native infotainment features.

The 2024 Acura MDX came with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Technology Package added parking sensors and reverse automatic emergency braking, while the Advance package included a 360-degree camera system. The 2022 MDX, which the 2024 model carried over from, earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS.

The 2025 BMW X3's driver assistance features were more rewarding than its infotainment system. The standard Active Driving Assistant suite included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Premium Package added adaptive cruise control and Parking Assistant Plus, while the Driving Assistant Professional Package offered hands-free Traffic Jam Assistant and Lane Change Assistant. The X3 earned a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with four-star ratings for frontal-impact crash tests.