2024 Acura MDX vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

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, 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 despite the busy interior.

In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 exuded a luxury SUV vibe with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. The sculptural sheet metal and athletic stance contributed to its sophisticated appearance. Inside, the CX-90's interior was elegantly designed with Nappa leather and polished metallic trim, though some materials reflected its competitive pricing. However, the ergonomics were less than ideal, with a confusing electronic shifter and non-touchscreen infotainment system. Despite these issues, the CX-90 maintained a sense of sophistication compared to other midsize SUVs.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type-S variant came with 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 adaptive air suspension and Brembo performance brakes enhancing its driving dynamics. The MDX's towing capacity reached 5,000 pounds with AWD, while FWD models maxed out at 3,500 pounds.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's 3.3 Turbo model was equipped with a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine, generating 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. The Turbo S variant increased output to 319 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive provided power distribution, with a rear-wheel bias for improved dynamics. The CX-90 offered various driving modes, including Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Despite its impressive ride and handling, the CX-90's drivetrain lacked refinement, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behavior, especially when cold.

The 2024 Acura MDX offered three rows of seating, with the first two rows providing 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 featured 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 Mazda CX-90's interior featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain's chairs. However, the climate control system struggled to cool the cabin efficiently. The panoramic sunroof and elevated seating positions offered a pleasant experience for second-row passengers, though the long rear doors could be challenging in tight spaces. The third row was best suited for children, with limited cargo space of 14.9 cubic feet behind it. Folding the third row increased cargo capacity to 40 cubic feet, with a maximum of 74.2 cubic feet available with the second row 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, 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 thoughtful touches, but the overall system was unintuitive compared to competitors.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, with touch sensitivity limited to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The native Mazda Connect platform required using a knob and buttons, which took time to get used to. The voice recognition system was subpar, but a new Google Built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The CX-90's 12-speaker Bose audio system provided a rewarding listening experience, and the Active Driving Display offered helpful information.

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, and more. The Technology Package added parking sensors and reverse automatic emergency braking, while the Advance package included a 360-degree camera system and head-up display. The 2022 MDX received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was one of the few midsize SUVs to receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and five-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Higher trims added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, front cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids generally met expectations, though the audible warning systems could be overwhelming.