2024 Acura MDX vs 2025 Dodge Durango

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 cabin 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 luxurious massaging front seats and a top-end sound system, enhancing comfort and driving pleasure.

In contrast, the 2025 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, especially with the Silver Bullet special edition, exuded a bold visual attitude with its satin black hood and dark accents. Inside, the cabin featured dark red Nappa leather seats and a suede headliner, offering a premium feel. However, some plastic surfaces detracted from the luxury experience. The Durango's interior was solidly constructed, but the performance seats lacked the grip needed for spirited driving, making it more about comfort than sportiness.

The 2024 Acura MDX came with a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower, while the Type-S featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with 355 horsepower. The 10-speed automatic transmission and available Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System provided smooth power delivery and agility. The MDX Type-S Advance impressed with its adaptive air suspension and Brembo brakes, offering a refined yet sporty ride. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

The 2025 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat boasted a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine with 710 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds and had a top speed of 180 mph. Despite its power, the Durango's fuel economy was poor, rated at 12/17/13 mpg. The SUV featured a full-time AWD system, adaptive damping suspension, and Brembo brakes, making it track-ready. It could tow up to 8,700 pounds, offering both performance and utility.

The 2024 Acura MDX offered three rows of seating, with the first two rows being comfortable and supportive. The third row was smaller, suitable for children. Cargo space ranged from 16.3 to 71.4 cubic feet, with additional storage under the load floor. The MDX included a power liftgate and a fold-down center console in the second row, though the center stack controls were cluttered and unintuitive.

The 2025 Dodge Durango provided a spacious interior with heated and ventilated front seats and second-row captain’s chairs. The third row was accessible and comfortable for adults. Cargo space ranged from 17.2 to 85.1 cubic feet, with a power liftgate for convenience. The Durango's interior featured ample storage, rear climate controls, and multiple charging ports, enhancing its practicality for families.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its weak point, with a clumsy touchpad interface controlling the 12.3-inch display. Despite this, it offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The clever placement of charging ports and a digital instrument panel were positives, but the system's complexity detracted from the overall experience.

The 2025 Dodge Durango featured the Uconnect 5 system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, and a Harman Kardon audio system. The system supported dual-phone Bluetooth pairing and included SRT Performance Pages for tracking performance metrics. While the voice recognition required specificity, the overall infotainment experience was user-friendly and comprehensive.

The 2024 Acura MDX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. It earned top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, though the infotainment system's distraction potential was a concern.

The 2025 Dodge Durango's safety features were basic, with forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring as standard. It received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, but its performance in IIHS tests was less impressive. The adaptive cruise control was functional but could be overly cautious in curves.