2024 Acura MDX vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

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 luxurious features like massaging front seats and a 25-speaker ELS sound system. Despite its busy interior, the MDX provided a comfortable and refined driving experience.

In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 exuded a luxury SUV vibe with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. The sculptural sheet metal and athletic stance added to its premium appearance. Inside, the CX-90's interior was elegantly designed with Nappa leather and polished metallic trim, though some materials reflected its price point. However, the ergonomics were less than ideal, with a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls. Despite these issues, the CX-90 maintained a sophisticated look and feel compared to other midsize three-row crossovers.

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 through a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System (SH-AWD). The MDX Type S Ultra offered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, with adaptive air suspension and Brembo performance brakes enhancing its driving dynamics. The SUV's towing capacity reached 2,268 kilograms, and its steering and handling were akin to a luxury sedan.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 offered three powertrain options, including a turbocharged 3.3-litre inline-six engine. The standard-output version produced 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, while the high-output variant delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft (340 hp with premium gas). An eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel-drive system provided power distribution. The CX-90's towing capacity matched the MDX at 2,268 kilograms. However, the drivetrain lacked refinement, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behaviour. Despite these issues, the CX-90 excelled in ride and handling, offering a firm and communicative driving experience.

The 2024 Acura MDX came standard with three rows of seating, with the first two rows offering comfort and support. The third row was smaller and best suited for children. Cargo space was generous, with a maximum of 2,690 litres available when both the second and third rows were folded. The MDX featured a hands-free power liftgate and ample storage throughout the cabin. However, the centre console controls were cluttered, and the shifter design took some getting used to.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior featured Nappa leather upholstery and heated and ventilated seats in the Signature trim. The three-zone climate control system was slow to cool the cabin, and the front-seat ventilation was less effective. The CX-90 offered a panoramic sunroof and comfortable second-row captain’s chairs, though rear-facing child seats could be a snug fit. Cargo space was slightly less than the MDX, with a maximum of 2,129 litres available. The CX-90's emphasis on style over practicality was evident in its limited storage options.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its Achilles Heel, with a clumsy interface controlled by a touchpad rather than a touchscreen. Despite this, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The vehicle also featured multiple USB ports, a digital instrument panel, and wireless device charging. However, the unintuitive infotainment system detracted from the overall experience.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment screen. The infotainment system was touch-sensitive only when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, with the native Mazda Connect platform requiring a knob and buttons for control. The CX-90's voice recognition system was lacking, but the vehicle featured a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a head-up display. Mazda's decision to introduce a new Google built-in infotainment system in future models was a welcome change.

The 2024 Acura MDX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The MDX earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+. However, the infotainment system's design posed a distraction risk for drivers.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was one of the few midsize SUVs to receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and five-star ratings from NHTSA. The vehicle offered a long list of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added advanced features like emergency lane-keeping assist and a surround-view camera system. Despite some issues with the speed reduction feature, the CX-90's safety tech was effective and comprehensive.