2025 Acura MDX vs 2024 BMW X5

The 2024 BMW X5, last redesigned in 2019, maintained a timeless appeal, though the M Sport treatment was not universally appreciated, giving it a station wagon-like appearance. The test vehicle featured optional 21-inch “741M” wheels with staggered-width summer tires, which were considered a worthwhile upgrade despite the potential cost of tire replacement. The X5 offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, a turbo-six PHEV powertrain, and a turbocharged V8 engine, with the high-performance X5 M Competition variant. The xDrive50e M Sport specification test vehicle came with Brooklyn Grey paint, optional wheels, and all available equipment packages, priced at $88,075. The 2024 model received a light styling refresh, aligning it with other BMW models, and introduced the BMW Curved Display, modernizing the interior while retaining high-quality materials.

The 2025 Acura MDX underwent minor styling modifications, including a new grille, revised front bumper, and darkened headlights and taillights, enhancing its sporty and performance versions. Interior changes were more significant, with a new touchscreen infotainment system replacing the previous touchpad interface, adding more storage. The MDX Advance and A-Spec Advance trims received seats from the previous Type S model, while the Type S got a new seat design. Acura improved cabin quietness with added sound insulation and acoustic laminated window glass. The MDX lineup introduced a new A-Spec Advance trim, blending luxury with a sportier look. The test vehicle, priced at $69,950 with extra-cost paint and destination charge, offered a range of trims, starting at $50,900 for the base model, with the Type S Advance topping the lineup at $74,950.

The 2024 BMW X5 featured new mild-hybrid six-cylinder and V8 engines, with a significant upgrade to the xDrive50e PHEV’s electric range and power output. The PHEV boasted a more powerful electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission and a 19.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, doubling the maximum AC charging rate to 7.4 kW. It offered 38 miles of electric-only driving, with a combined fuel economy of 22 mpg. The xDrive50e produced 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The PHEV was favored for its balance of performance and efficiency, though a Level 2 home charging station was recommended for maximizing electric driving. The adaptive damping air suspension masked the vehicle’s weight, and the 21-inch wheels did not compromise ride quality. The X5 excelled in handling, with excellent acceleration, grip, and steering, and achieved an average fuel economy of 38.8 mpg during testing.

The 2025 Acura MDX positioned itself as a performance-oriented luxury SUV, with the Type S featuring a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Most buyers opted for the standard 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission. The MDX offered front-wheel drive, with optional torque-vectoring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) on higher trims. The SUV provided a comfortable ride with smooth body motions, though it allowed some roll in corners. The A-Spec Advance trim achieved 18.4 mpg during testing, below the EPA-rated 21 mpg. The MDX excelled in typical driving situations, offering a smooth, quiet, and comfortable highway ride. It was not designed for off-roading, with limited ground clearance and performance tires unsuitable for rugged terrain.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e offered a spacious interior with room for five people in two rows of seats. The cargo area measured 33.1 cubic feet, expanding to 71.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The split liftgate design provided a convenient seating area but required stretching to reach items deep in the cargo hold. The test vehicle featured BMW’s Sensafin artificial leather upholstery, which was indistinguishable from genuine leather. The Climate Comfort Package added 20-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, four-zone automatic climate control, and heated rear seats. The panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, enhancing the view, while side window sunshades protected passengers from the sun. The X5 no longer offered an optional third-row seat, requiring a step up to the BMW X7 for that feature.

The 2025 Acura MDX Advance and A-Spec Advance trims featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage programs, wrapped in perforated, piped, and quilted leather. The second row could be configured as a bench seat or individual bucket seats, with a foldable middle section for cupholders and storage. The outboard second-row seats provided ample legroom and thigh support, with side window shades for added comfort. The third-row seat was challenging for adults to access and uncomfortable for long periods, best suited for children. The MDX offered adequate in-cabin storage, with a new center console tray, wireless smartphone charging pad, and small storage compartments. Cargo volume measured 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

The 2024 BMW X5 featured the BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system ran BMW Operating System 8.5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, connected services, and over-the-air software updates. The cloud-based navigation system and Intelligent Personal Assistant were notable features, though the latter struggled with voice recognition accuracy. The test vehicle included a Harman Kardon sound system, delivering excellent audio quality. The head-up display effectively conveyed data, including advanced driving assistance system status, though the Intelligent Personal Assistant’s performance was disappointing, with frequent errors in understanding commands.

The 2025 Acura MDX introduced a new infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, Alexa Built-in, and Google Built-in, offering Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play for three years. The system replaced the previous True Touchpad Interface, providing a more intuitive and user-friendly experience. SiriusXM satellite radio was not available, but streaming was possible through Bluetooth or wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The MDX featured AcuraLink connected services, an AT&T 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and upgraded sound systems, with Bang & Olufsen audio available on higher trims. The new infotainment system and sound systems performed well during testing, with responsive Google Assistant and seamless connectivity. The digital instrumentation display offered two themes, and the head-up display provided comprehensive data, though blind-spot monitoring alerts were absent.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced the Highway Assistant hands-free driving assistance system, requiring deliberate activation through the infotainment screen and steering wheel controls. The system performed well in dense or light traffic but struggled in moderate traffic conditions, occasionally engaging brakes without cause. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance worked effectively, though the X5 misinterpreted obstacles, leading to hard braking. The driver aids operated subtly, encouraging usage. The X5 received high ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), though lower headlight ratings prevented an IIHS safety award. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the X5 a four-star overall crash-test rating.

The 2025 Acura MDX benefited from hardware upgrades to its AcuraWatch driver assistance features, with an expanded AcuraWatch 360 available on the Type S Advance. Standard features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. AcuraWatch 360 added front cross-traffic alert, evasive steering warning, and active lane-change assist. The standard AcuraWatch features performed well, though the lane-departure warning notification was less favorable. The MDX retained its five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though SH-AWD models lacked a rollover resistance rating. The IIHS had not yet commented on the 2025 MDX crash tests, but the 2024 model earned the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating.