2024 Acura MDX vs 2025 Nissan Armada

The 2024 Acura MDX presented a modern and refined exterior with its large shield grille, rakish headlights, and intake vents. The lower bumper area added to its sophisticated presence. Inside, the MDX was high-tech but cluttered, with a busy center console that could be overwhelming to operate. The MDX was available in several trims, 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, offered a 26-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats, providing a luxurious experience.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured a strikingly high beltline and a tall grille, giving it a commanding presence. The PRO-4X trim stood out with its skid plate and rugged design. The Armada's side profile appeared larger and more business-like, with a parallel beltline and distinctive D-pillar accents. The PRO-4X trim added black plastic cladding for an off-road look. The Armada's rear showcased C-shaped LED taillights and a fashionable lightbar on higher trims. Wheel options ranged from 18-inch to 22-inch, with the PRO-4X featuring unique all-terrain tires. Inside, the Armada offered a premium feel with leather seats and a padded center console, while higher trims added luxurious touches like quilting and unique color combinations.

The 2024 Acura MDX was powered by 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 with 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. Power was delivered through a 10-speed automatic transmission, with options for front-wheel drive or Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System. The Type-S Advance offered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, with Brembo performance brakes and an adaptive air suspension. The MDX's Integrated Dynamics System provided various driving modes, including Sport and Comfort, and a Lift mode for increased ground clearance. The MDX's towing capacity reached up to 5,000 pounds with AWD.

The 2025 Nissan Armada introduced a new 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, inspired by the GT-R, delivering 425 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission replaced the previous seven-speed, with rear-wheel drive or Nissan's Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive available on most trims. The PRO-4X trim was 4WD-only, featuring an electronic locking rear differential and skid plates. The Armada's adaptive electronic air suspension provided a 33-degree approach angle and 9.6 inches of ground clearance. The Armada's towing capacity reached 8,500 pounds, with standard trailer sway control and other towing aids. On-road, the Armada's electric power steering offered engagement, while off-road, the PRO-4X excelled in challenging conditions.

The 2024 Acura MDX offered three rows of seating, with the first two rows being comfortable and supportive, 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 featured a power liftgate, with a hands-free option on higher trims. The second-row bench had a fold-down center console with cupholders, and the center stack of controls was cluttered, with a row of buttons for the shifter and a large dial for the drive-mode selector.

The 2025 Nissan Armada replaced the old gear selector with a push-button transmission, freeing up center console space for a wireless charging pad. The Armada's "Zero Gravity" seats were comfortable, with power adjustments varying by trim. Heated front seats were standard on the SL trim, with cooling and second-row heating available on higher trims. The Armada offered a three-row configuration, with the third row featuring power one-touch folding. Cargo volume increased across the board, with 20.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 56.3 behind the second, and 97.1 with all seats down. The Armada's headroom and legroom varied depending on the presence of a sunroof, with improvements in third-row legroom.

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 and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The MDX featured multiple USB ports, a digital instrument panel, and wireless device charging. The clever placement of charging ports and a leather handrest for the touchpad were highlights, but the overall system was unintuitive compared to competitors like the Genesis GV80.

The 2025 Nissan Armada came standard with two large screens, 12.3-inch on lower trims and 14.3-inch on higher trims, housed side by side. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with six USB-C ports. The SL trim added a wireless charging pad and Google Built-In, allowing Google Maps to be viewed on the driver-information display. A head-up display was optional from the SL trim level. The base Armada SV had a six-speaker sound system, while a 12-speaker Klipsch Premium Audio System was standard on higher trims. The collaboration with Klipsch offered impressive audio quality, appealing to audiophiles.

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, lane-departure warning, 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 2024 MDX carried over safety scores from the 2022 model, earning a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. However, the infotainment system's touchpad could be a distraction for drivers.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured Nissan's ProPILOT Assist suite, with varying levels of technology across trims. The basic version included adaptive cruise control and lane-centering steering assistance, while ProPILOT Assist 1.1 added proactive speed management. ProPILOT Assist 2.1, available on higher trims, offered hands-free highway-driving assist. The Armada also came with Nissan Safety Shield 360, including traffic-sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and more. A surround-view camera was standard on the SL trim, with higher trims offering Nissan's 3D Around View Monitor and Invisible Hood View for enhanced visibility.