2024 Acura MDX vs 2025 Cadillac Escalade

The 2024 Acura MDX presented a striking exterior with its large shield grille, rakish headlights, and modern intake vents, creating a refined presence. Inside, it was high-tech but somewhat cluttered, with a center console full of controls 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.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade, as Cadillac's flagship model, embodied luxury with its updated design, featuring a new front end and large vertical headlights. The Escalade maintained its classic tall taillights and introduced 24-inch wheels for the first time. Inside, Cadillac focused on differentiating the Escalade from its GM siblings with a screen-centric interior, replacing the previous 38-inch OLED display with a 55-inch one. The Premium Luxury Platinum trim offered Whisper Beige upholstery and wood trim, showcasing Cadillac's attention to detail and luxury.

The 2024 Acura MDX came with a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower, while the Type-S featured a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with 355 horsepower. The 10-speed automatic transmission provided smooth power delivery, and the Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System enhanced traction. The MDX Type-S Advance offered strong acceleration and adaptive air suspension, making it agile and comfortable. It had a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds with AWD.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade dropped its diesel option, leaving a 6.2-liter V8 engine with 420 horsepower. The Escalade-V boasted a supercharged V8 with 682 horsepower. A 10-speed automatic transmission ensured smooth shifts, and the Escalade offered RWD and optional 4WD. The Magnetic Ride Control and optional air suspension provided a comfortable ride, though the Escalade's handling couldn't match some competitors. The standard model had a towing capacity of 8,100 pounds.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured three rows of seating, with the first two rows being comfortable, while the third row was smaller. It offered 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with seats folded. The Type-S Advance had a second-row bench with a fold-down console, but no captain’s chairs. The center console was spacious, though the control layout was cluttered.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade came in standard and long-wheelbase versions, with the ESV offering more cargo space and third-row legroom. It provided seating for up to eight, or seven with captain’s chairs. The standard model had 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 121 cubic feet. The ESV offered even more space, with a maximum of 142.8 cubic feet. The Escalade's towing capacity was competitive, though it lacked some advanced towing features.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its weak point, with a clumsy touchpad interface. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The clever placement of charging ports was a highlight, but the system's unintuitive nature was a drawback.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade featured a 55-inch display spanning the dashboard, with a digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen. It included a 19-speaker AKG audio system, with a 36-speaker option. The Escalade retained wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and its voice recognition was user-friendly. The Executive Second Row Package added luxury features for rear passengers.

The 2024 Acura MDX offered a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. It earned high safety ratings, with a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. It featured GM's Safety Alert Seat and Super Cruise for hands-free driving. Current crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the Escalade's safety features were robust.