2025 Acura MDX vs 2026 Nissan Armada

People want stylish, reliable, and safe vehicles equipped with simple controls, intuitive technology, and enjoyable driving dynamics. Of course, value is a part of that equation, particularly when it comes to fuel economy. We’re happy to report the refreshed 2025 Acura MDX meets nearly all of those requirements. Furthermore, Acura has apparently gotten the user-experience and user-interface message loud and clear, as the changes to the 2025 MDX reflect a shift to simplicity, sophistication, and refinement.

Verdict: This year’s updates make the 2025 Acura MDX more appealing than ever. However, this is not a fuel-efficient choice and the standard V6 engine is somewhat underwhelming. Acura needs to install a hybrid or plug-in hybrid in the MDX as soon as possible if it wants to woo customers shopping in this segment.

In our recent testing, no vehicle has outperformed its prior generation like the Nissan Armada. Gutted and redone for the 2025 model year, the Armada brings power, towing capacity, premium materials, and luxury-grade driving dynamics at a reasonable price. For 2026, Nissan made a NISMO version as a trial run for its planned lineup of performance trucks. Slammed on air springs and painted like the Z sports car, this is yet another Armada trim that goes further than Toyota, Chevrolet, GMC, and Jeep are willing to for $80,000.

Verdict: The Armada offers a surprising level of quality, choice, and driving enjoyment that puts it ahead of the competition.