2025 Acura MDX vs 2025 Subaru Forester

The 2025 Subaru Forester underwent a noticeable visual transformation, focusing on a more generic yet refined appearance. It featured standard roof rails and 17-inch alloy wheels, with higher trims offering larger wheels and distinctive accents. The Forester Sport, for instance, showcased bronze trim accents and 19-inch wheels, while the Touring trim boasted a low-profile roof rack and chrome badging. The interior received a thoughtful update, with the Sport trim introducing the easy-to-clean StarTex material, and higher trims offering genuine leather seating. The cabin design was more intentional, with structural dash elements enhancing its appeal.

In contrast, the 2025 Acura MDX received subtle exterior updates, including a new grille, revised front bumper, and darkened lights, enhancing its sporty presence. The interior saw significant changes with a new touchscreen infotainment system replacing the previous touchpad interface, adding more storage. The MDX Advance and A-Spec Advance trims featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Acura also improved cabin quietness with added sound insulation and acoustic laminated glass, maintaining its hallmark of quality despite some undesirable gloss black plastic trim.

The 2025 Subaru Forester retained its 2.5-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, paired with a Lineartonic CVT and standard Symmetrical AWD. Despite its modest power, the Forester impressed with its quieter engine and smooth steering. The X-Mode system, standard from the Premium trim, enhanced stability and traction on challenging terrains. The Forester's fuel economy was rated at 26 mpg city, 33 highway, and 29 combined, with slight variations for Sport and Touring trims. A hybrid version was anticipated, though its fuel economy figures were not yet available.

The 2025 Acura MDX offered a performance-oriented experience, with most buyers opting 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's driving dynamics were enjoyable, with various driving modes and a torque-vectoring SH-AWD system available. The A-Spec Advance trim was EPA-rated at 21 mpg combined, though real-world testing showed 18.4 mpg. The MDX handled twisty roads confidently, with smooth body motions and a comfortable highway ride. However, it wasn't designed for off-roading, with limited ground clearance and performance tires.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced a hands-free power liftgate, increasing cargo space to 29.6 cubic feet with rear seats up and 74.4 cubic feet with them folded. The cargo area featured eight heavy-duty hooks, and the interior boasted a dark headliner to resist marks. The Premium trim offered a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, with higher trims adding more adjustability and features like seat ventilation and memory functions.

The 2025 Acura MDX provided luxurious seating with 16-way power-adjustable front seats, heating, ventilation, and massage programs in the Advance and A-Spec Advance trims. The second row could be configured as a bench or individual seats, with a pass-through to the third row. The third row was less comfortable for adults, best suited for children. Cargo space measured 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 39.1 cubic feet with it folded, and 71.4 cubic feet with the second row down. The MDX offered practical in-cabin storage solutions, though some areas were limited.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced an 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus infotainment system, standard on all but the base trim, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base model retained two 7-inch touchscreens with wired smartphone projection. Higher trims offered additional features like a wireless charging pad, Wi-Fi hotspot, and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The Touring trim included a voice-activated navigation system and Subaru's Starlink connected services with new capabilities.

The 2025 Acura MDX's new infotainment system was a game changer, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Alexa and Google Built-in, eliminating the previous touchpad interface. The system supported an AT&T 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and offered Bang & Olufsen audio systems with up to 31 speakers. The MDX's digital instrumentation display and head-up display provided comprehensive data, though blind-spot monitoring alerts were absent. The surround-view camera system in higher trims enhanced parking convenience.

The 2025 Subaru Forester featured Starlink Connected Services with a new Emergency Stop Assist, available on the Touring trim. The EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technology came standard, with enhancements for 2025, including a wider field of view and an electric brake booster. While crash-test ratings for the 2025 model were pending, the 2024 Forester had earned high marks from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

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 safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. AcuraWatch 360 added advanced features like front cross-traffic alert and evasive steering warning. The 2025 MDX retained its five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet commented on its crash tests.