2025 Acura MDX vs 2025 Subaru Outback

The 2025 Acura MDX featured subtle styling updates, including a new grille, revised front bumper, and darkened lights, enhancing its sporty appearance. Most versions received new wheel designs, adding to the SUV's visual appeal. Inside, the MDX saw significant changes with a new touchscreen infotainment system replacing the old touchpad, offering more storage. The seats from the previous Type S model were introduced to the Platinum Elite A-Spec trim, while the Type S received a new seat design. Enhanced sound insulation improved cabin quietness, though the gloss black plastic trim was prone to collecting dust and smudges. Controls were logically placed, making them easy to use.

The 2025 Subaru Outback maintained its rugged design with features like chunky wheel-arch flares and a robust roof rack, emphasizing its off-road capabilities. The exterior design was complemented by a practical interior, with a focus on functionality. The Outback's wagon shape provided easy entry and exit, and its lower roof height made loading the roof rack simpler. The interior offered ample cargo space with a flat floor and square shape, maximizing usability. Passenger space was generous, with more front headroom and legroom compared to competitors, though the rear seat was slightly smaller.

The 2025 Acura MDX was known for its performance-oriented design, featuring a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine in the Type S, producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Most buyers opted for the standard 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. The MDX offered a smooth ride with various driving modes, though fuel economy could drop when using Sport mode. It handled well on mountain roads, though some brake fade was noted. The MDX was not designed for off-roading, with limited ground clearance unless opting for the Type S Ultra with air suspension.

The 2025 Subaru Outback offered two engine options: a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder with 182 horsepower and a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine with 260 hp. The Outback's CVT and standard AWD system provided smooth acceleration, though the base engine felt underpowered. With 22 cm of ground clearance and Subaru’s X-Mode, the Outback excelled on slippery surfaces. The Wilderness model offered even more clearance and off-road capabilities. The Outback's ride was smooth and comfortable, though the stop/start technology was less refined, and the CVT could be slow to respond.

The 2025 Acura MDX Platinum Elite A-Spec trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage programs. The second row could be configured as a bench or individual seats, with comfortable outboard positions and ample legroom. The third row was less comfortable for adults. Cargo space was generous, with up to 2,690 litres available with seats folded. The manual operation of the third-row seats was preferred for reliability.

The 2025 Subaru Outback's wagon shape provided practical benefits, with easy entry and a lower roof height for loading. Cargo space measured 923 litres with the rear seat up and 2,141 litres with it folded. The Outback offered more passenger volume than competitors, with ample front headroom and legroom. Buyers were advised to test different trims, as driving dynamics varied significantly. The turbocharged engine increased towing capacity to 1,588 kilograms.

The 2025 Acura MDX introduced a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Alexa and Google Built-in, replacing the old touchpad interface. The system was intuitive, though SiriusXM required streaming via Bluetooth. AcuraLink connected services and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot were standard. The Bang & Olufsen audio system impressed, and the digital instrumentation display was user-friendly. A head-up display and surround-view camera system enhanced convenience.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen with large icons, though the Starlink system was slow to respond. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, with a Harman Kardon audio system providing quality sound. The dashboard had a mix of physical controls, though some functions required touchscreen navigation. A CD player and USB ports catered to various tech preferences.

The 2025 Acura MDX included AcuraWatch driver assistance features, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Type S Ultra added advanced radar and camera systems for enhanced safety. The MDX received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS.

The 2025 Subaru Outback came with EyeSight driver-assist technology, offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Outback earned a Top Safety Pick from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.