2023 Acura MDX vs. the Competition

Offering the perfect solution for families with growing families or those living active lifestyles, midsize luxury SUVs feature a perfect blend of luxurious comfort and go-anywhere capabilities to help you chase your next adventure.

With this segment growing in popularity each year, you may be struggling with your purchasing decision. Motorcars Acura wants to help clear up the confusion with our in-depth midsize luxury SUV comparison guide. We’ve taken the time to compare the striking Acura MDX head-to-head against its top rivals including the Audi Q7, BMW X5, INFINITI QX60, and Mercedes-Benz GLE.

Acura MDX vs The Competition – Quick Comparison

Acura MDX vs Audi Q7

2023 Acura MDX Base FWD	VS	2023 Audi Q7 45 Premium
$49,050* ✓	MSRP*	$58,200
290 HP / 267 LB-FT ✓	Horsepower / Torque	248 HP / 273 LB-FT
10-Speed Automatic ✓	Transmission	8-Speed Automatic
Standard ✓	Lane-Keeping Assist	Not Available
Standard ✓	Adaptive Cruise Control	Not Available
Standard ✓	Wireless Smartphone Charging	Not Available
AcuraLink Smart Device ✓	Remote Start	Not Available
95.0 cubic feet ✓	Max Cargo Capacity	69.6 cubic feet
6 Years / 70,000 Miles ✓	Powertrain Warranty Coverage	4 Years / 50,000 Miles
2 Years / 24,000 Miles ✓	Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	Not Available

The first competitor to challenge the Acura MDX is the Audi Q7. Comparing base trims of both SUVs, the MDX offers a sizable $9,150 price advantage over the Q7. This is only the beginning of the extensive list of reasons why it makes the most sense to choose the MDX over the Q7.

Comparing performance figures, the Q7 is simply no match for the superior horsepower and torque offered by the MDX. In addition to more power, the more advanced 10-speed automatic transmission included as standard on the Acura MDX provides more responsive gear changes and enhanced efficiency. Standard driver-assist technologies you'll enjoy on the MDX include lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. Both features are not available on the Q7.

Other premium features you'll find inside the MDX include a smart-device remote start system and Qi wireless smartphone charging capabilities. Again, you won't find these great features on the Q7. In terms of overall cargo capacity, the MDX is also the clear favorite with an impressive 25.4 cubic feet of additional room compared to the Q7. Finally, Audi cannot match the outstanding powertrain warranty protection and complimentary scheduled maintenance coverage that's included as standard on every new Acura vehicle.

Acura MDX vs BMW X5

2023 Acura MDX Base FWD	VS	2023 BMW X5 sDrive40i
$49,050* ✓	MSRP*	$61,600
10 ✓	Transmission Speeds	8
4,503 lbs ✓	Curb Weight	4,828 lbs
Standard ✓	Wireless Charging	Not Available
AcuraLink Smart Device ✓	Remote Start	Not Available
Standard ✓	Lane-Keeping Assistance	Optional
Standard ✓	Adaptive Cruise Control	Optional
7 Passengers ✓	Seating Capacity	5 Passengers
95.0 cubic feet ✓	Max Cargo Capacity	72.3 cubic feet
6 Years / 70,000 Miles ✓	Powertrain Warranty Coverage	4 Years / 50,000 Miles

For the second comparison, we'll look at the Acura MDX against the equivalent BMW X5 sDrive40i. As we've seen previously, the sophisticated 10-speed automatic transmission provides crisper gear changes while a 300-pound lower curb weight delivers more agile handling compared to the much-heavier X5. Useful convenience features like a remote start system and wireless smartphone charging inside the MDX help enhance your drive. BMW shoppers will be disappointed to learn that these features are unavailable on the X5.

Driver-assistive safety is another category in which the Acura MDX outperforms the BMW X5. Lane-keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control are both included as standard on the MDX while you'll have to shell out additional cash for them on the X5. Seating for an extra 2 passengers and an extra 22.7 cubic feet of cargo space are two other reasons to choose the MDX. A longer term of powertrain warranty coverage also adds confidence and peace of mind from choosing Acura over BMW.

Acura MDX vs INFINITI QX60

2023 Acura MDX FWD Base	VS	2023 INFINITI QX60 Pure FWD
$49,050* ✓	MSRP*	$49,200
22**	Combined MPG**	21 (estimated)
10-Speed Automatic ✓	Transmission	9-Speed Automatic
Standard ✓	Adaptive Cruise Control	Requires Higher Trim Level
Standard ✓	Wireless Charging	Not Available
Standard ✓	Remote Start	Not Available
Standard ✓	Rear Collision Warning	Not Available
90.9 cubic feet ✓	Maximum Cargo Volume	76.2 cubic feet
2 Years / 24,000 Miles ✓	Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	Not Available

Our third rival to square off against the Acura MDX is the INFINITI QX60. While both SUVs share nearly identical starting prices in base trim levels, the MDX has the edge when it comes to combined fuel economy ratings. This is due in part to a more advanced 10-speed automatic transmission. Along with offering greater response and efficiency, the simulated gearing of the INFINITI QX60 offers a less-engaging experience compared to taking a seat behind the wheel of the Acura MDX.

Adaptive cruise control on the MDX also gives you greater confidence when stuck in stop-and-go traffic by maintaining a fixed following distance to the vehicle ahead of you. Other advantages of the MDX include standard wireless charging, a remote start system, and standard Rear Collision Warning for maximum confidence. As we've seen previously, the Acura MDX offers a far greater cargo capacity than the INFINITI QX60. You'll also appreciate the added value of complimentary scheduled maintenance coverage for a term of 2 years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Acura MDX vs Mercedes-Benz GLE

2023 Acura MDX Base FWD	VS	2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 SUV
$49,050* ✓	MSRP*	$57,700
290 ✓	Horsepower	255
10 ✓	Transmission Speeds	9
Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto ✓	Smartphone Integration	Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Standard ✓	Adaptive Cruise Control	Optional
Standard ✓	Traffic Sign Recognition	Not Available
Standard ✓	Tire Fill Assistant	Not Available
7 ✓	Seating Capacity	5
95.0 cubic feet ✓	Max Cargo Volume	74.9 cubic feet
6 Years / 70,000 Miles ✓	Powertrain Warranty Coverage	4 Years / 50,000 Miles
2 Years / 24,000 Miles ✓	Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	Not Available

The final competitor to challenge the Acura MDX is the Mercedes-Benz GLE. Comparing equal trim levels, once again the Acura MDX begins with a significant price advantage over the Mercedes-Benz GLE. Performance is another area in which the MDX tops the GLE, boasting significantly more horsepower and a more sophisticated 10-speed automatic transmission. More power and more refinement are two obvious benefits when it comes to choosing the right midsize luxury SUV.

Shifting our focus towards technology, the MDX continues to shine. While both models offer standard smartphone integration, only the MDX offers wireless compatibility that eliminates unnecessary clutter from cables and wires. Other premium features included as standard on the MDX are Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Tire Fill Assistant. While the GLE only offers two-row seating for up to 5 passengers, the MDX delivers three-row seating for up to 7. Similarly, Acura delivers over 20 additional cubic feet of cargo space compared to Mercedes-Benz. Rounding out the list of advantages for the MDX include its longer powertrain warranty and 2 years / 24,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance, both of which provide long-lasting confidence and peace of mind.

Now that we've tallied the results of this comparison, the clear winner is the Acura MDX. None of the competition is able to compete with the incredible value, premium features, efficiency, interior volume, and striking style found on every MDX. Want to learn more? Motorcars Acura welcomes you to come experience all that the MDX has to offer.

*Prices shown are Acura suggested retail prices only and do not include taxes, license or destination and handling charge. Acura vehicle accessory costs, labor and installation vary. Dealers set their own prices. Please consult your selected dealer.

**Based on 2023 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery pack age/condition (hybrid only) and other factors.