2025 Acura MDX vs 2025 Hyundai Palisade

The 2025 Acura MDX received subtle styling updates, including a new grille, revised front bumper, and darkened headlights and taillights, which enhanced its sporty and performance-oriented appearance. Most versions also featured new wheel designs and finishes, giving the SUV a tidier front end. Inside, the MDX saw more significant changes with the introduction of a new touchscreen infotainment system, replacing the previous touchpad interface and adding more storage. The seats from the MDX Type S model were made available in the MDX Advance package and MDX A-Spec Advance, while the Type S received a new seat design. Acura also improved cabin quietness with added sound insulation and acoustic laminated window glass. Despite the quality, the gloss black plastic trim on the dashboard was prone to collecting lint, dust, and smudges. The MDX offered logically located controls, including a volume knob and quick-access buttons for the head-up display and safety features. The new A-Spec Advance trim level combined luxury with a sportier look, and the test vehicle with Apex Blue Pearl paint and a $1,350 destination charge had an MSRP of $69,950. The base MDX started at $50,900, with various trims available, including the top-of-the-line MDX Type S Advance at $74,950 plus destination charges.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade stood out with its bold and unmistakable design, which was a refreshing departure from the rugged off-roader styling cues often seen in SUVs. The 2023 refresh gave it a more angular and technical look, enhancing its upscale appearance. Inside, even the base Palisade SE trim offered a clean, modern, and upscale feel. The higher trims featured premium leather, artificial suede, seat piping, and metal speaker grilles, elevating it beyond a typical mainstream SUV. However, some metallic-surface control markings were hard to read during the day. The Palisade was loaded with thoughtful details, such as USB charging ports in the front seatbacks, second-row smartphone storage pockets, and accessible drink holders. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert was standard, and the Palisade was available in seven trim levels, ranging from $37,200 to $54,500, excluding the $1,475 destination charge. The test vehicle, a Calligraphy trim with AWD, Robust Emerald paint, and carpeted floor mats, had an MSRP of $55,205, including destination charges.

The 2025 Acura MDX was known for its performance-oriented design, with the A-Spec and Type S trims showcasing this focus. The Type S featured 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 at 6,200 rpm and 267 lb-ft of torque at 4,700 rpm, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The MDX offered a torque-vectoring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, standard on the A-Spec trim and optional on lower trims. The MDX weighed over 4,500 pounds with SH-AWD, providing good power but not exceptional speed. It featured Comfort, Normal, Sport, Snow, and Individual driving modes, with the Sport mode offering the best powertrain response. However, using Sport mode frequently reduced fuel economy, with the A-Spec Advance rated at 21 mpg combined, while the test vehicle averaged 18.4 mpg. The MDX handled twisty roads confidently, with smooth and consistent body motions, though some brake fade was noted during spirited driving. It offered a firm and communicative ride in the city and a smooth, quiet highway experience. The MDX was not designed for off-roading, with limited ground clearance unless equipped with the Type S Advance's air suspension.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade featured a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Palisade offered front-wheel drive, with optional all-wheel drive available. It had a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and an EPA-rated fuel economy of 22 mpg combined (21 mpg with AWD). Despite its age, the Palisade's driving dynamics held up well, with a firm ride at lower speeds and a softer ride on highways. It handled speed humps impressively, akin to a Baja-tuned pickup truck. The Smart driving mode adjusted calibration automatically, and the powertrain was smooth and refined, with satisfying power delivery. However, it was not very fuel-efficient, recording 16.9 mpg in city driving and 19.8 mpg overall, slightly below the EPA estimate. The Palisade's steering and suspension offered reasonable road feel, and the brakes were well-calibrated. Overall, the Palisade provided an enjoyable driving experience.

The 2025 Acura MDX offered 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage programs in the MDX Advance and MDX A-Spec Advance trims. These seats were wrapped in perforated, piped, and quilted leather, providing exceptional comfort and support. The second row could be configured as a three-person bench or individual bucket seats, with a fold-down middle section for cupholders and storage. The outboard second-row seats were comfortable, with ample legroom and thigh support, and side window shades covered most of the window glass. The third-row seat was challenging for adults to access and uncomfortable for grown-ups, with limited leg support and foot space. In-cabin storage was adequate, with a new center console tray, wireless smartphone charging pad, and small storage areas. Cargo volume measured 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, with a sizable well on the left side and a large compartment under the load floor. Folding the third row provided 39.1 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade accommodated three rows of seats suitable for adults. The test vehicle featured a seven-passenger configuration with second-row captain's chairs, while the base SE trim offered eight-passenger seating. The Calligraphy trim included Nappa premium leather, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, and a massaging driver's seat with a thigh cushion extension. Both front seats had heating and ventilation, and the steering wheel was heated. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable, with heating, ventilation, and side window shades. The third-row seat was heated, a rarity, and offered USB-C charging ports, drink holders, and air vents. Storage space was generous, with adjustable front cupholders, smartphone trays, and dedicated sleeves for devices. The Smart Liftgate provided hands-free access to the cargo area, which measured 18 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 48.8 cubic feet with the third row folded and 86.4 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2025 Acura MDX featured a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Alexa Built-in and Google Built-in, offering complimentary access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play for three years. This system replaced the previous True Touchpad Interface, providing a more intuitive and natural interface. However, SiriusXM satellite radio was not available unless streamed through a smartphone app. The MDX included AcuraLink connected services, an AT&T 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and upgraded sound systems, with Bang & Olufsen audio systems available in higher trims. The infotainment system paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, offering two themes and a simple, easy-to-use interface. The test vehicle also had a 10.5-inch head-up display, though it lacked blind-spot monitoring alerts. The MDX Advance and MDX A-Spec Advance featured a surround-view camera system with front, side, and rear views, easily activated via a button on the windshield wiper stalk.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade's technology, while starting to show its age, remained fully functional and feature-rich. The test vehicle had a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a cable connection. The system included two-device Bluetooth support, wireless smartphone charging, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluelink+ connected services, navigation, voice recognition, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The voice recognition system performed well, and the 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system delivered commendable sound. The Palisade also featured a Rear Seat Quiet Mode, Hyundai Pay, and a digital rearview mirror. The head-up display provided various data, including blind spot warnings, and the surround-view camera system was useful for parking.

The 2025 Acura MDX benefited from hardware upgrades to its AcuraWatch driver assistance features, improving accuracy and refinement. All MDX models included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control and Traffic Jam Assist were standard, with front and rear parking sensors and low-speed automatic braking available on higher trims. AcuraWatch 360, exclusive to the MDX Type S Advance, 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 not favored. The 2025 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, but the 2024 model earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade came equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, offering standard driver-assistance features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, intersection turning assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and Highway Driving Assist (HDA). The HDA system combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist for highway driving. Higher trims added features like ultrasonic rear occupant alert, front parking sensors, surround-view camera, Blind Spot View Monitor, evasive steering assist, and lane-change assist functions. The Calligraphy model included automatic braking when parking and Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA). The Palisade's lane-keeping assist was not favored, but the HDA system performed well. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS through 2024, but a Poor rating in a new frontal-impact test prevented the accolade in 2025. The NHTSA awarded the Palisade five-star frontal impact and four-star rollover resistance ratings.