2024 Acura MDX vs 2025 Ford Explorer

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 Ford Explorer continued its sleek design with a refreshed front end, giving it a wider and more rugged appearance. The rear featured new LED taillights and a trim strip with the SUV's name. Interior updates significantly improved the Explorer's ambiance, making it competitive in its segment. Ford reduced the available trims to four: Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST. Prices ranged from $39,755 to $55,505, excluding the destination charge. During a driving event in Michigan, the ST-Line with RWD and additional packages was tested, showcasing its stylish design and features.

The 2024 Acura MDX came with 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 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 package 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 Ford Explorer offered two EcoBoost engines: a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, standard on the ST and optional on the Platinum trim. All Explorers featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, with an optional four-wheel-drive system. The ST-Line test vehicle averaged 23.8 mpg with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Explorer's driving modes included Eco, Normal, Sport, and more, providing versatility for various conditions. The ST-Line's performance was enhanced with larger wheels and performance brakes, offering a delightful ride and handling experience.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured three rows of seating, with the first two rows offering comfort and support, while the third row was smaller and best suited 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 all seats down. The MDX included a power liftgate, with a hands-free option available on higher trims. The Type-S Advance model had a second-row bench with a fold-down center console and integrated cupholders, providing a comfortable experience for passengers.

The 2025 Ford Explorer seated six in its standard configuration, with an optional second-row bench seat increasing capacity to seven. The ST-Line test vehicle featured a heated steering wheel, power-adjustable front seats, and the Premium Package, which added ambient lighting, massaging front seats, and a power-folding third-row seat. The Explorer's front seats were comfortable, with breathable fabric inserts. The second-row captain's chairs were equally comfortable, while the third row was less accommodating for adults. Cargo space was competitive, with 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 85.8 cubic feet.

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 clever placement of charging ports and a leather handrest for the touchpad were notable features. However, the unintuitive system made it difficult to recommend over competitors with more user-friendly technology.

The 2025 Ford Explorer introduced the Ford Digital Experience, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Explorer included Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. A 5G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and web browser apps were available. The system was user-friendly, with Google Maps and Google Assistant providing excellent functionality. The Explorer offered B&O sound systems, with the ST-Line featuring 10 speakers and the Platinum and ST boasting 14 speakers and 980 watts of power.

The 2024 Acura MDX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and more. The Technology Package added parking sensors and reverse automatic emergency braking, while the Advance package included a 360-degree camera system and a head-up display. 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 Ford Explorer featured Ford CoPilot 360+, which included adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist and other driver assistance systems. The ST-Line and higher trims offered Ford CoPilot 360 2.0, with a surround-view camera system and BlueCruise hands-free highway driving. BlueCruise performed well during testing, though it occasionally struggled with tight curves and heavy traffic. The 2025 Explorer had not been fully rated by NHTSA, but it earned five-star side-impact and four-star rollover resistance ratings.