2024 Acura MDX vs 2025 Chevrolet Traverse

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 filled with controls that could be overwhelming. The MDX offered various trims, known as packages, 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, enhancing comfort and luxury.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse showcased Chevrolet's knack for exterior styling, with a design that extended to its interior layouts. However, the quality of materials, such as hard, glossy plastics and Evotex artificial leather, detracted from its appeal. The Traverse was available in trims like LT, Z71, High Country, and RS, with prices ranging from $41,095 to $55,495. The Z71 trim, tested for this review, featured off-road enhancements like a panoramic sunroof, Driver Confidence Package, and Enhanced Driving Package, with an MSRP of $55,900. Despite its stylish design, the Traverse's material quality left room for improvement.

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. 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's towing capacity reached 5,000 pounds with AWD, while FWD models maxed out at 3,500 pounds.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse was powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. The engine's exhaust note was less than appealing, but it provided ample power for rapid acceleration, especially with AWD engaged. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road use, offered 7.7 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a Twin Clutch AWD system. The Traverse's driving modes included Tow/Haul, Normal, and Sport, though it lacked a sporty feel. The Z71's suspension and tires provided a smoother ride on rough terrain, and the vehicle achieved an EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured three rows of seating, with the first two rows offering comfort and support, while the third row was more suitable for children. Cargo space measured 16.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 39.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and a maximum of 71.4 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down. The MDX included a power liftgate, with a hands-free option available on higher trims. The center console provided ample storage, though the control layout was cluttered and unintuitive.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse boasted significant interior volume, particularly in width. The front seats were spacious, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated features. The Traverse offered eight-passenger seating with a second-row bench or captain's chairs. The third row provided adequate comfort but lacked a view due to window design. Cargo space was generous, with 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row, 56.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 97.6 cubic feet. However, folding the third row required adjusting the second-row seats, and the Traverse lacked some family-friendly features like third-row USB ports.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its weak point, with a 12.3-inch display controlled by a touchpad that was unintuitive and frustrating. Despite this, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The center console cleverly integrated charging ports, but the overall system detracted from the vehicle's appeal.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse excelled in technology with a standard 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Google Built-in, Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play Store access. It also offered Alexa compatibility, OnStar services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The user interface was intuitive, and the system responded well to voice commands. Additional features included an 11-inch digital instrumentation panel, a camera-based digital rearview mirror, and a high-definition surround-view camera system.

The 2024 Acura MDX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, 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, received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse offered a robust set of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Driver Confidence Package added a surround-view camera system and traffic sign recognition, while the Enhanced Driving Package included Super Cruise and remote-parking technology. The Traverse received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick award from IIHS.