2024 Ford Escape vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX presented a sophisticated yet subtle design, especially in its Type S Ultra trim. This model was characterized by its chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, automatic high-beam LED headlights, and a panoramic moonroof. The Type S Ultra trim featured quilted leather, aluminum interior trim, and a Sport Appearance package, which included a black headliner and stainless steel pedal covers. Despite its luxurious appeal, some design elements, such as the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made it challenging to use certain controls. The MDX's body design, with its tapering at the doors, sometimes gave the impression of a dented side, detracting from its overall aesthetic.

In contrast, the 2024 Ford Escape underwent a significant facelift in 2023, which carried over into the 2024 model, giving it a more aggressive front-end appearance. The rest of the SUV maintained a soft and generally appealing look. The ST-Line Elite trim, which we tested, featured extra-cost Rapid Red paint, black 19-inch wheels, and a Panoramic Vista Roof. The interior, while initially appearing upscale with diamond-stitched, perforated leather, was let down by excessively glossy surfaces and stiff upholstery. Despite these shortcomings, the Escape's updates made it a more attractive option in the compact crossover segment.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This was a significant increase over the standard 3.5-litre V6, but the Type S also weighed 130 kilograms more than the lightest standard MDX with AWD. The engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. The MDX Type S featured an Integrated Dynamics System with multiple driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience, with issues such as an indecisive transmission, lack of ride compliance, and poor brake pedal modulation. The fuel economy was also disappointing, averaging 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres during testing.

The 2024 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite offered a choice between a 192-horsepower hybrid powertrain and a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Our test vehicle featured the turbo engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD. The Escape's AWD system included a driveline disconnect feature to improve fuel economy, and drivers could select from Eco, Normal, Sport, and Slippery driving modes. The turbocharged engine provided quick acceleration, but the overall driving dynamics did not match the sporty appearance of the ST-Line. The ride was soft and compliant, with too much body motion, and the steering felt sluggish. The Escape averaged 9.8 L/100 km during testing, falling short of its official fuel economy rating.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a spacious interior with three rows of seats and a flexible second-row configuration. The Type S Ultra trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, wrapped in quilted leather upholstery. However, the seats were firm and did not provide the expected support during enthusiastic driving. The MDX's third row was best suited for children, and interior storage was limited due to design choices prioritizing style over functionality. The cargo area was generous, with 461 litres of space behind the third row and up to 2,021 litres with both rear rows folded.

The 2024 Ford Escape ST-Line featured a black interior with cloth inserts and artificial leather bolsters, accented by red stitching. Our test model included ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, and heated front seats. The front seats were large and comfortable, and the rear seat offered good support when slid to its rearmost position. Interior storage was ample in the front but limited for rear passengers. The Escape provided 1,061 litres of cargo space behind the back seat and 1,852 litres with the rear seat folded, with additional storage areas on either side of the cargo floor.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display, operated via a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the centre console. While the TTI was intended to improve driver interaction, it proved less intuitive than a touchscreen and occupied valuable console space. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa Built-In, and a top-tier ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers. A 10.5-inch head-up display was included with higher trims, but the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2024 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite boasted a 12.3-inch digital display and a 13.2-inch Sync 4 infotainment system. The landscape format of the screen was less distracting, but the colour theme and thin fonts made it difficult to read at a glance. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system, though the speakers in our test vehicle were damaged. The Escape also featured an optional head-up display and Active Park Assist 2.0, which provided semi-autonomous parking assistance.

The 2023 Acura MDX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a collision mitigation braking system, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it earned four stars for frontal-impact protection.

The 2024 Ford Escape included the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of driving assistance systems, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Our test vehicle also had adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and a 360-degree camera system. The Escape received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS had not yet rated the 2024 model at the time of writing.