2024 Acura MDX vs 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2024 Acura MDX presented a striking exterior with its large shield grille, rakish headlights, and modern lower bumper design. Inside, the MDX was high-tech but cluttered, with a centre console filled with controls that could be overwhelming at first. The vehicle was available in several trims, including the A-Spec and Platinum Elite, with the Type S Ultra offering top-tier features like a 25-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats. The interior boasted ambient lighting, power-adjustable seats, and a panoramic moonroof, though the controls could be cumbersome.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, available in XRT, Luxury, and Ultimate Calligraphy trims, maintained its chunky, boxy design with a long wheelbase and pixelated H-shaped LED headlamps. The rear design, however, suffered from mismatched proportions. Each trim had specific wheels, and the XRT trim added off-road features. Inside, the Santa Fe offered room for seven, with the Ultimate Calligraphy trim featuring captain’s chairs. The interior was well-finished, though some squeaks were noted, and the controls were a mix of physical dials and flat icons.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured a standard 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type S Ultra variant came with a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System. The MDX Type S Ultra offered strong acceleration, a comfortable ride, and adaptive air suspension with multiple drive modes. It could tow up to 2,268 kilograms and handled corners well for its size.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe was equipped with a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, generating 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was standard, and the Santa Fe Hybrid offered a combined 231 horsepower. The Santa Fe felt stable in corners, though turbo lag and delayed downshifts were noted. The XRT trim featured off-road enhancements, including 30-inch all-terrain tires and increased ground clearance, but it wasn’t suited for rugged terrain. The Santa Fe could tow up to 2,040 kilograms in the XRT trim.

The 2024 Acura MDX offered three rows of seating, with the first two rows being comfortable and supportive, while the third row was smaller and best for children. Cargo space was generous, with a maximum of 2,690 litres available when both rear rows were folded. The MDX featured a hands-free power liftgate and a centre console with ample storage, though the centre stack of controls was cluttered and unintuitive.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe provided ample space, with the most third-row legroom in its class. Cargo capacity was competitive, with up to 2,267 litres available when the second and third rows were folded. The rear opening was wider and taller, facilitating easier loading of large items. The Santa Fe could tow up to 2,040 kilograms in the XRT trim, and the interior featured heated and ventilated seats, a premium audio system, and a sunroof.

The 2024 Acura MDX was equipped with a 12.3-inch display controlled by a touchpad, which was unintuitive and cumbersome. Despite this, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Charging ports were cleverly placed, and the vehicle featured a fully digital instrument panel and wireless device charging.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment, with clear graphics and quick response times. Navigation was available on higher trims, but wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The Santa Fe offered multiple USB-C ports, wireless charging, and a digital key feature. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included a digital rearview mirror and a head-up display, while Bluelink app connectivity and over-the-air updates were standard across all trims.

The 2024 Acura MDX came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. It earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+. However, the infotainment system could be a distraction, requiring drivers to look away from the road.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a range of standard safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance assist. Higher trims included additional features like Highway Drive Assist and Blind View Monitor. The Santa Fe received a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a "Good" rating from IIHS, with some areas rated as "Acceptable."