2024 Acura MDX vs 2025 Buick Enclave

The 2024 Acura MDX presented a striking exterior with its large shield grille, rakish headlights, and modern lower bumper design. Inside, the MDX was high-tech but cluttered, with a center console full of controls that could be overwhelming. The MDX was available in several trims, including the Technology, A-Spec, and Advance Packages, as well as the Type-S and Type-S Advance. Standard features included tri-zone automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, and a panoramic sunroof. The Type-S Advance package, which was reviewed, added a 26-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats, offering a luxurious driving experience.

The 2025 Buick Enclave resembled a larger version of the Envista, with a bold front design featuring slim DRLs and a large grille. Its side profile was more generic, but the overall look was sharper than its predecessor. The Enclave came with 20-inch wheels on the base and Sport Touring trims, while the Avenir trim featured 22-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave felt modern and premium, with a floating center console and large curved display. The Sport Touring test car had perforated leatherette seats with contrast piping, enhancing the interior's feel. However, the limited sunroof availability was a drawback, with the panoramic sunroof only standard on the top trim.

The 2024 Acura MDX was powered by a standard 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 with 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. Power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission, with options for front-wheel drive or Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System. The Type-S Advance model offered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, with Brembo performance brakes and an adaptive air suspension. The MDX could tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

The 2025 Buick Enclave came with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission routed power to either the front or all four wheels, with AWD available for an additional $2,000. The Enclave's fuel economy was slightly reduced with AWD, dropping from 23 to 21 mpg combined. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Enclave's driving dynamics were more akin to a full-size vehicle, with loose steering at slower speeds, but this was not a major concern for its target audience.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured three rows of seating, with the first two rows being comfortable and supportive, while the third row was smaller and best suited for children. Cargo space was 16.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 39.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows down. The MDX included a power liftgate, with a hands-free option on higher trims. The Type-S Advance model had a second-row bench with a fold-down center console and plenty of cupholders throughout the cabin. However, the center stack of controls was cluttered and unintuitive.

The 2025 Buick Enclave offered eight-way power adjustability for the driver's seat and six-way for the front passenger. Second-row captain's chairs were standard, allowing for a seven-person capacity. The Enclave Avenir included heated second-row seats and ventilated front seats. Tri-zone climate control was standard, with middle-row passengers having their own temperature controls. The Enclave featured a one-touch power feature for folding and sliding the second-row seats, and a power-folding third row on higher trims. Cargo space was 22.9 cubic feet with all seats in place, expanding to 57.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97.5 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

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 and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The MDX also featured multiple USB ports, a digital instrument panel, and wireless device charging. The clever placement of charging ports and a leather handrest for the touchpad were highlights, but the overall system was unintuitive compared to competitors.

The 2025 Buick Enclave showcased its premium positioning with a 30-inch ultrawide touchscreen that integrated the infotainment display and digital gauge cluster. A 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system was standard, with a 16-speaker Bose Performance system on the Avenir trim. Wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, along with Google Built-In for native apps. The Enclave also offered a Wi-Fi hotspot and wired charging with USB ports in each row. However, the seamless display was interrupted when using Apple CarPlay.

The 2024 Acura MDX came with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and more. The Technology Package added parking sensors and reverse automatic emergency braking, while the Advance package included a 360-degree parking camera system and a head-up display. The 2024 MDX had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but the 2022 model received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+.

The 2025 Buick Enclave was equipped with advanced safety and driver-assistance tech, including blind-zone steering assist, intersection automatic emergency braking, traffic-sign recognition, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. HD Surround Vision with seven selectable camera views was standard, with an option to increase to nine. The Enclave also featured GM’s Teen Driver technology and Super Cruise, GM’s hands-free driving technology, available on all trims. The 2025 Enclave had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA, but the 2024 model received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA.