2022 Acura MDX vs 2023 Ford Escape

The 2022 Acura MDX was a pioneer in the three-row luxury crossover SUV category, offering a spacious interior that belied its compact exterior. Built on a new dedicated platform, the MDX featured a longer wheelbase, wider body, and an increased dash-to-axle distance, enhancing its elegant appearance. The vehicle's exterior design was modern and sporty, highlighted by standard Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels. Inside, the MDX boasted a refined cabin with authentic materials like natural wood and real leather, complemented by high-quality plastics. The dashboard was designed to emphasize cabin width, and the unique gear selection system added a touch of sophistication. The MDX's interior was both comfortable and functional, with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen strategically placed for safety.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Escape embraced a more European design language, moving away from the rugged, boxy aesthetic of its predecessors. The refreshed front end featured a traditional grille with the Ford logo and a stylish LED light bar. As one of the smallest vehicles in Ford's lineup, the Escape offered a sleek design with 19-inch wheels and body-colour mirror caps. Inside, the ST-Line Elite trim showcased diamond-stitched leather upholstery, though it felt somewhat hard and plasticky. The seats were comfortable, and the 10-way power adjustable driver's seat provided ease of adjustment. However, the interior was dominated by plastic materials, some of which felt cost-cutting. Despite this, the Escape's interior was practical, with well-positioned armrests and a head-up display for driver convenience.

The 2022 Acura MDX was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. It featured a new 10-speed automatic transmission and Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which was standard in Canada. The SH-AWD system offered torque vectoring, enhancing cornering feel and control. The MDX's suspension was upgraded with a double-wishbone setup in the front and revised rear multi-link suspension, improving ride quality and handling. The vehicle's overall stiffness and rigidity were significantly improved, providing a solid ride feel. The MDX offered five drive modes, allowing drivers to tailor performance to their preferences.

The 2023 Ford Escape offered multiple powertrain options, including a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite trims featured a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. While the Escape's suspension was soft and compliant, it was not tuned for performance. The brakes provided predictable stopping power, and the steering was well-weighted, avoiding the twitchiness found in some competitors. However, the Escape lacked paddle shifters and performance-oriented transmission tuning.

The 2022 Acura MDX excelled as a versatile three-row SUV, offering comfortable seating for the first two rows and a flexible second row with a removable centre section. The second row could slide and recline, providing balanced legroom for passengers. The third row was best suited for smaller passengers, but the MDX's seating capacity was appreciated for family use. The vehicle offered between 461 and 512 litres of luggage space behind the third row, expandable to 2,690 litres with the second and third rows folded. The power tailgate featured convenient functions like "Walk Away Close" and Hands-Free Access, enhancing utility.

The 2023 Ford Escape provided comfortable seating with supportive seats and excellent ergonomics. The steering wheel felt great to hold, and the armrests were well-positioned. However, the Escape fell short in cargo space compared to segment leaders, offering up to 1,061 litres behind the second row and 1,851 litres with the second row folded. Passenger space was slightly less than some competitors, but the back seat's headroom and front-seat design helped maximize space for taller passengers.

The 2022 Acura MDX was equipped with advanced tech features, including the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System with 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification. The 12.3-inch infotainment system and Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument panel were standard, offering a customizable experience. Amazon Alexa integration, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were included, along with a head-up display on the Platinum Elite trim. The MDX also featured a WiFi hotspot and over-the-air software updates.

The 2023 Ford Escape impressed with its Sync 4 system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 13.2-inch screen on higher trims. The larger screen enhanced the cabin's look and offered intuitive navigation. Sync 4 was well-organized, with easy transitions between Android Auto and the native navigation system. A WiFi hotspot was available with a subscription, and the audio system could be upgraded to a Bang & Olufsen system on higher trims. Despite minor annoyances, the Escape's tech features were user-friendly and comprehensive.

The 2022 Acura MDX received a "Top Safety Pick +" rating from the IIHS, with top marks in every category. The vehicle was engineered with a higher percentage of high-strength steel and an advanced safety structure. The front end was redesigned for pedestrian safety, and the low-speed braking control system enhanced safe operation. The AcuraWatch suite of safety features was standard, including collision mitigation emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more.

The 2023 Ford Escape earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high scores in frontal and side-crash tests. However, it received a "Marginal" score in the IIHS's updated side-impact test. The Escape came standard with Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Co-Pilot360 2.0 added adaptive cruise control, road sign recognition, and lane-centring technology, enhancing the driving experience.