2019 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2019 Acura MDX

Even at the LS level, the features included were pretty basic, extending only to a power driver’s seat and some cosmetic enhancements. Notable advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control or forward collision warning weren’t available until the Premier trim, placing the price near $33,000. However, the Equinox did offer a range of engine choices and both FWD and AWD options, making it a versatile option.

In sharp contrast, the 2019 Acura MDX boasted a long-standing dominance in the midsize, 3-row crossover segment, with few real competitors until recent years. With new luxury SUVs entering the field, the MDX faced more competition but maintained a strong proposition for buyers in 2019. Continuous improvements since its 2017 facelift included better interior materials, an optional adaptive damping suspension, and transmission tweaks.

The MDX's A-Spec trim, priced at $55,795, emphasized an aggressive, sporty aesthetic with unique bumper designs, 20-inch Shark Gray wheels, and a distinctive mix of dark chrome and gloss black trim elements. Inside, the A-Spec trim featured red leather and black Alcantara suede seats, a specialized steering wheel, and striking red illumination on the instrument panel. Overall, the MDX exhibited a blend of luxury and practicality, with high-quality materials and an advanced dashboard layout, although its dual-screen infotainment system received mixed reviews.

The 1.6-liter turbodiesel engine offered 240 lb-ft of torque but reduced towing capacity substantially, failing to match its fuel economy claims of 28 mpg city and 39 highway. The most recommended engine was the 2.0-liter turbocharged option, generating 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a 9-speed automatic transmission. This engine performed well, though the 9-speed transmission showed inefficiencies at lower speeds. Fuel economy for this setup was 22 mpg city and 28 highway.

The 2019 Acura MDX came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, providing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, transferred through a 9-speed automatic transmission. The A-Spec trim and other variants featured 20-inch wheels, with the optional Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system recommended for its torque-vectoring capabilities and improved vehicle stability. This option, costing $2,000, became necessary for the A-Spec Package.

An even more engaging alternative was the MDX Sport Hybrid, integrating a 3.0-liter V6 engine with three electric motors, delivering 321 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque while achieving superior city fuel economy. Drive modes and refined transmission changes in 2019 enhanced the MDX’s driving experience substantially. During testing, the MDX A-Spec proved quick and satisfying, though its brakes showed strain under repeated use. It delivered near-expected fuel economy and handled well with some body roll, offering a dynamic drive improved further by various packages.

In terms of interior spaciousness and cargo capacity, the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox fell short when compared to its rivals. Although front and rear seats provided ample room for someone as tall as 6-foot-4, the overall cargo space was limited, with only 29.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and a total of 63.5 cubic feet when the seats were folded. Materials within the higher trims of the Equinox started looking less satisfactory, with visible gaps between panels despite the overall decent quality of the seating cloth.

On the other hand, living with the 2019 Acura MDX proved a superior experience regarding both comfort and practicality. The front seats were exceptionally supportive and came with a sliding center armrest for added comfort. The triple-zone climate control and copious storage options—especially with the Advance Package's second-row captain’s chairs—made it an exceptional family vehicle. The third-row seat was notably cramped, suitable primarily for shorter trips or additional cargo space when folded.

Cargo space in the MDX was more generous than the Equinox, offering 38.4 cubic feet behind the second row and expanding to 68.4 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. When the third-row seats were in use, cargo capacity dropped to 15 cubic feet.

For 2019, the Chevrolet Equinox received significant attention in technology upgrades, including a new infotainment system and HD camera options that improved visibility issues significantly. Despite these improvements, the system’s response time, particularly for functions like pinch and zoom in navigation, lagged. Standard offerings like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay provided convenient smartphone integration, and the larger 8-inch touchscreen option added a premium feel.

The Equinox expanded its tech offerings with the Lights and Bright package making LEDs available on the LT trim, alongside a 120-volt outlet and additional USB ports. However, critical features such as dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats were part of the Confidence and Convenience package, priced at $1,945, leading to concerns about value in mid-tier trims.

In comparison, the Acura MDX’s technology enhancements included an upgraded infotainment system with added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Nevertheless, the dual-screen setup was often criticized for being confusing and outdated. The top display handled navigation and vehicle settings, while the lower touchscreen managed radio and secondary climate controls. The lack of a tuning knob for the radio and a subpar voice-recognition system further complicated operations.

Despite these drawbacks, primary climate controls remained separate from the touchscreen, somewhat simplifying their use. Acura’s future technology aims included plans to incorporate their improved True Touchpad Interface system in future MDX models, which was already a notable feature in the 2019 RDX.

Safety ratings and features play a pivotal role in assessing vehicle value, and the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox held strong in both government and independent crash tests. It received excellent overall marks, although headlights across trims were rated as Marginal by the IIHS. Attempts to address this with the Lights and Bright package added LEDs to the LT trim. Despite high safety scores, basic features like blind-spot monitoring were not standard, becoming available at the Premier trim level and upwards. Advanced safety features like adaptive cruise and pedestrian detection required expensive packages on the highest trims.

In contrast, the 2019 Acura MDX boasted impressive crash-test ratings, being a key reason for its selection by many, including the writer. The AcuraWatch suite of safety systems was standard across all trims, but additional blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert required the Technology Package. While the headlights and child seat anchor points resulted in an Acceptable rating from the IIHS, the Jewel Eye LED headlights performed well in practice, and the AcuraWatch systems—though lacking refinement—provided essential safety functionalities.

Moreover, every MDX came with a free 90-day trial of AcuraLink Connect services, offering features such as automatic collision notification and emergency SOS calling, echoing higher safety confidence to potential buyers.