2024 Acura MDX vs 2025 Subaru Outback

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 MDX was high-tech but somewhat 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 leather upholstery. 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 Subaru Outback stood out as one of the few remaining wagons in the U.S., adopting crossover trends with its rugged design elements like chunky wheel-arch flares and a robust roof rack. The Outback's Crimson Red Pearl paint paired well with its black leather interior, though it looked best in earthy tones. Subaru focused on off-road capabilities, appealing to adventurous buyers. The Outback's design was practical, with a flat cargo area and a spacious interior, offering more passenger volume than many crossovers. The Touring XT trim, tested for this review, featured Nappa leather upholstery and ventilated front seats, enhancing comfort.

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, however, boasted a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The MDX Type-S Advance offered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, with Brembo performance brakes and an adaptive air suspension enhancing its handling. The Integrated Dynamics System provided various driving modes, including Sport and Comfort, while the MDX's towing capacity reached up to 5,000 pounds with AWD.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine with 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The XT trims offered a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a CVT and standard AWD. The turbocharged engine provided better acceleration, making it a recommended choice for those who could afford the upgrade. The Outback's 8.7 inches of ground clearance and X-Mode enhanced its off-road capabilities, with the Wilderness model offering even more ground clearance and additional off-road features. The Outback's ride was smooth and comfortable, though the CVT could be slow to respond during transitions.

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 was ample, with 16.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with all seats folded. The MDX included a power liftgate and a hands-free option on higher trims. The center console provided plenty of storage, though the control layout was somewhat cluttered, with a touchpad shifter and a large drive-mode selector dial.

The 2025 Subaru Outback's wagon shape provided practical benefits, including easy entry and exit and a lower roof height for loading. The cargo area offered 32.6 cubic feet with the rear seat up and 75.6 cubic feet with it folded, with a flat floor and square shape maximizing usability. The Outback's passenger volume was larger than many crossovers, with more front headroom and legroom. Buyers were advised to test different trims, as the driving experience varied significantly between models like the Limited and Wilderness. The Outback's towing capacity increased to 3,500 pounds with the turbocharged engine.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its weak point, with a 12.3-inch display controlled by a touchpad that was unintuitive. However, the MDX included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The center console cleverly integrated charging ports and a wireless charging pad, though the overall system was less user-friendly compared to competitors like the Genesis GV80.

The 2025 Subaru Outback's technology package included an 11.6-inch touchscreen with large icons, though the Starlink infotainment system was slow to respond, especially at startup. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, with wireless functionality on most trims. The Harman Kardon audio system performed well, though navigation alerts could disrupt audio playback. The dashboard featured a mix of physical controls and touchscreen functions, with a CD player included in the Touring trim. The Outback also offered both USB-A and USB-C ports for device connectivity.

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. Higher trims added features like parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system. The MDX earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS, though the infotainment system could be distracting.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured EyeSight driver-assist technology, offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Outback earned a Top Safety Pick designation from IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. While the EyeSight system worked well, it could be overly sensitive, and the DriverFocus system occasionally issued false notifications.