2025 Acura MDX vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder

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 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.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, particularly in the Rock Creek trim, was designed for adventure, featuring 3-Peak Mud-and-Snow-rated Toyo Open Country AT3 tires, standard all-wheel drive, and seven selectable driving modes, including a dedicated snow mode. The Rock Creek trim boasted a rugged look with 18-inch beadlock-style wheels, a V-Motion grille with a mesh pattern, and stacked LED lighting elements. Despite its adventurous appearance, the Pathfinder remained a unibody crossover, lacking additional ground clearance and protective skid plates. Inside, the Rock Creek trim offered leatherette-and-cloth upholstery with bright orange "Rock Creek" logos, while higher trims featured more luxurious materials. The Pathfinder's interior was comfortable, with a focus on practicality and ease of use.

The 2025 Acura MDX was known for its performance-oriented design, featuring a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine in the Type S model, producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. However, most buyers opted for the standard 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The MDX offered a choice between front-wheel drive and Acura's torque-vectoring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which was standard on higher trims. The SUV provided a smooth and comfortable ride, with various driving modes to suit different preferences. While not designed for off-roading, the MDX offered a satisfying driving experience on paved roads.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder came with a single engine option, a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6, producing 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque in most trims, while the Rock Creek trim offered a slight power boost to 295 hp and 270 lb-ft. The Pathfinder featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and decisive shifts. The Rock Creek trim's all-terrain tires contributed to its adventurous capabilities, but also affected its acceleration and fuel efficiency. The Pathfinder's towing capacity reached up to 6,000 pounds with the appropriate equipment, making it a practical choice for those needing to tow. The SUV's ride was soft and comfortable, though it lacked the on-road composure of some competitors.

The 2025 Acura MDX offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with 16-way power-adjustable front seats featuring 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, with a removable center section for added versatility. The third row was best suited for children due to limited space. The MDX provided adequate in-cabin storage and a cargo capacity of 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder provided ample interior space, accommodating four adults comfortably during a ski trip. It offered 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 80.5 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The Pathfinder featured three-zone climate control and comfortable seating, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver's seat in the Rock Creek trim. The EZ Flex Seating System allowed easy access to the third row without removing child seats, enhancing its practicality for families.

The 2025 Acura MDX introduced a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Alexa and Google Built-in, offering a more intuitive and user-friendly experience compared to the previous touchpad interface. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though SiriusXM required streaming through a smartphone app. The MDX featured an upgraded sound system, with Bang & Olufsen audio available in higher trims. A 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 10.5-inch head-up display provided essential information to the driver.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder's infotainment system lagged behind some competitors, with an 8-inch screen in lower trims and a 9-inch screen in higher trims. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless projection available only for Apple devices on the 9-inch screen. The Pathfinder offered a 6-speaker stereo, with a 13-speaker Bose system available on higher trims. While the technology was user-friendly, it lacked the modernity and features found in some rival SUVs.

The 2025 Acura MDX featured the AcuraWatch suite of driver assistance features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. The MDX Technology trim added front and rear parking sensors and a low-speed automatic braking system. The AcuraWatch 360 package, exclusive to the Type S Advance, offered additional safety features like front cross-traffic alert and evasive steering warning. The MDX received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the 2024 model.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Adaptive cruise control and ProPilot Assist were standard on all but the base trim, enhancing the Pathfinder's safety credentials.