2025 Acura MDX vs 2025 Nissan Armada

The 2025 Acura MDX underwent subtle exterior updates, including a new grille, revised front bumper, and darkened headlights and taillights, which enhanced its sporty and performance-oriented appearance. Most versions received new wheel designs, adding to the SUV's visual appeal. Inside, the MDX saw more significant changes with the introduction of a new touchscreen infotainment system, replacing the previous touchpad interface and providing additional storage space. The seats from the previous MDX Type S model were incorporated into 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.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured a strikingly high beltline and a taller grille and front fascia, contributing to its imposing presence. The PRO-4X trim stood out with a skid plate and unique front lighting signature. From the side, the Armada appeared larger and more business-like, with a parallel beltline and distinctive D-pillar design. The PRO-4X trim added rugged character with black plastic cladding and unique wheel designs. The Armada's rear featured standard LED taillights and a fashionable red lightbar on higher trims. Inside, the Armada offered comfortable seating with leather upholstery and various interior color combinations, enhancing its premium feel.

The 2025 Acura MDX positioned itself as a performance-oriented luxury SUV, offering a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine in the Type S model, producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Most buyers opted for the standard 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission. The MDX offered a choice between front-wheel drive and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which was standard on higher trims. The MDX provided a smooth and comfortable ride, with various driving modes to suit different preferences. However, its fuel economy averaged 18.4 mpg during testing, slightly below the EPA rating of 21 mpg.

The 2025 Nissan Armada introduced a new powertrain with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, offering improved performance compared to its predecessor. The Armada's PRO-4X trim featured off-road enhancements, including an electronic locking rear differential and adaptive electronic air suspension. The Armada's towing capacity reached 8,500 pounds, and it offered various drive modes for different terrains. On-road, the Armada provided a comfortable ride with updated electric power steering, while off-road, the PRO-4X trim excelled in challenging conditions.

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. The second row could be configured as a bench seat or individual bucket seats, providing flexibility for passengers and cargo. The third-row seat was less comfortable for adults, making it suitable for children. The MDX provided 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with the second row folded. In-cabin storage was adequate, with a new center console design and wireless smartphone charging pad.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured a push-button transmission, freeing up center console space for a wireless charging pad. The Armada's "Zero Gravity" seats offered comfort, with various power adjustment options across trims. The third-row seats folded flatter for increased cargo space, with a total cargo volume of 97.1 cubic feet. The Armada's headroom and legroom measurements varied depending on the presence of a sunroof, with improvements in third-row legroom. While the Armada's cargo space was competitive, it fell short compared to some American rivals but surpassed the Toyota Sequoia.

The 2025 Acura MDX introduced a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Alexa and Google Built-in, eliminating the previous touchpad interface. The system offered a natural and intuitive interface, with Google Assistant providing quick and accurate responses. The MDX featured an upgraded sound system, with Bang & Olufsen audio systems available on higher trims. The infotainment system paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 10.5-inch head-up display, providing comprehensive information to the driver. The MDX Advance and MDX A-Spec Advance trims included a surround-view camera system for added convenience.

The 2025 Nissan Armada came standard with two large screens, with higher trims featuring 14.3-inch displays. The infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Google Built-In for enhanced navigation capabilities. A head-up display was optional on higher trims, and the Armada featured a 12-speaker Klipsch Premium Audio System starting at the SL trim level. The infotainment system's layout provided clear visibility and easy access to key information, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2025 Acura MDX featured the AcuraWatch collection of driver assistance features, with an expanded AcuraWatch 360 package available on the Type S Advance trim. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. AcuraWatch 360 added front cross-traffic alert, evasive steering warning, and active lane-change assist. The MDX received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with the 2024 model earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2025 Nissan Armada came standard with Nissan's ProPILOT Assist suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies, with enhanced versions available on higher trims. ProPILOT Assist 1.1 added proactive speed management, while ProPILOT Assist 2.1 offered hands-free highway-driving assist technology. The Armada also featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, including traffic-sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot warning. Higher trims included a surround-view camera and Nissan's 3D Around View Monitor for improved visibility and safety.