2020 Acura MDX vs 2020 Ford Expedition

The 2020 Acura MDX presented itself as a stylish yet understated crossover SUV. Its design was not groundbreaking, but it was certainly not offensive, fitting seamlessly into any setting without drawing undue attention. The Jewel Eye LED headlights were a standout feature, adding a touch of sophistication to the vehicle's front end. The MDX's sleek, low-slung profile, combined with flawless paint and chrome, contributed to its overall appeal. Inside, the MDX offered a modern and simple aesthetic, with a focus on high-quality materials and a well-organized centre stack featuring twin infotainment screens.

In contrast, the 2020 Ford Expedition was a full-size SUV with a clean, albeit somewhat conservative, design. Its styling was not particularly exciting, but it was expected to age well. The King Ranch model, in particular, stood out with its 22-inch aluminum wheels, mesh grille insert, and LED headlights. The interior of the Expedition King Ranch was luxurious, featuring Del Rio leather and numerous King Ranch logos. However, the presence of hard plastics in lower trims was a drawback, especially given the vehicle's price point. Despite this, the Expedition's spacious and comfortable cabin, particularly in the King Ranch trim, was a highlight.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain options: a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a Sport Hybrid variant with a 3.0-litre V6 and three electric motors, delivering a combined 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. The MDX's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system enhanced its agility, particularly in corners, thanks to torque-vectoring technology. The vehicle's four-wheel independent suspension provided a comfortable ride, making it a pleasant companion for long journeys.

The 2020 Ford Expedition was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine, generating 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivered impressive acceleration for a vehicle of its size. The Expedition's adaptive damping suspension, standard on the King Ranch, effectively managed ride motions, although the large wheels sometimes resulted in a busy ride on rough surfaces. The independent rear suspension contributed to improved ride quality and interior space. Fuel consumption was reasonable for a full-size SUV, with the standard model achieving 14.1 L/100 km in the city and 10.6 on the highway.

The 2020 Acura MDX was a practical choice for families, offering sliding and reclining second-row seats for easy access to the third row. It provided 447 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,229 litres with the seats folded, and a maximum of 2,574 litres with both rear rows down. The interior featured ample storage options, including a flexible centre console and door panel pockets. Tri-zone climate control ensured comfort for all passengers.

The 2020 Ford Expedition excelled in towing, cargo capacity, and passenger comfort. The King Ranch model featured power running boards for easy access and heated, ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs provided first-class comfort, while the third-row seat was spacious enough for adults. The standard Expedition offered 546 litres of cargo space behind the third row, with the MAX version providing 971 litres. Folding the seats expanded the cargo area to 2,962 litres in the standard model and 3,440 litres in the MAX.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with a range of technology features, including Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a CD/MP3 player. The Technology Package added navigation, parking sensors, and a premium audio system. The A-Spec Package included additional tech features and aesthetic upgrades, while the Elite Package offered an advanced suspension system and a rear entertainment screen.

The 2020 Ford Expedition featured the Sync 3 infotainment system, which, while functional, was not as advanced as the newer Sync 4. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Expedition also offered FordPass Connect with a WiFi hotspot, a navigation system, and an available Bang & Olufsen sound system. The Pro Trailer Backup Assist was a notable feature for those who frequently tow.

The 2020 Acura MDX was equipped with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX received high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with a five-star overall rating from the latter.

The 2020 Ford Expedition came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, which included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot warning. Adaptive cruise control was optional. The Expedition earned five-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests, with a four-star rollover resistance rating.