Acura MDX vs Ford Explorer
Overview | |
Years produced2001-2020 | Years produced1991-Present |
MSRP$51,800 | MSRP$38,465 |
Listings859 | Listings3397 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.7 out of 10 | Expert reviews |
Pros
Cons
| |
Reviews SummaryAside from some minor updates regarding colour availability, nothing changes for the 2026 MDX following a refresh for 2025. The MDX remains a sporty-looking, comfortable, and reliable vehicle intended for on-road use rather than off-road. Any excitement it generates comes primarily from its styling, unless you upgrade to the performance-oriented Type S Ultra version. Value remains a highlight in comparison to other midsize three-row rivals like the Audi Q7, but without a hybrid powertrain option, unimpressive fuel economy blunts any savings. Verdict: Refreshingly, the 2026 Acura MDX embraces its crossover SUV status, emphasizing the paved-road ride and handling qualities that made crossovers popular in the first place. Comfortable, quiet, and decent to drive, it exudes quality, offers accessible technology, and provides good utility. All that’s missing is a hybrid option. | |
Reviews Summary | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine3.5L 290 hp V6 | Engine2.3L 300 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainRWD |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity7 |
Horsepower290 hp @ 6200 rpm | Horsepower300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City19 | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway26 | MPG Highway29 |
Engine | |
Engine Name3.5L 290 hp V6 | Engine Name2.3L 300 hp I4 |
Torque267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | Torque310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
Horsepower290 hp @ 6200 rpm | Horsepower300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainRWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City19 | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway26 | MPG Highway29 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity7 |
Key Features | |
Navigation SystemStandard | Navigation SystemStandard |
Sunroof/MoonroofStandard | Sunroof/Moonroof |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space16.3 cu ft | Cargo Space16.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight4268 lbs | Curb Weight4303 lbs |
Height67.9 in | Height69.6 in |
Length198.4 in | Length198.7 in |
Width78.7 in | Width89.3 in |
Wheelbase113.8 in | Wheelbase119.1 in |
Maximum Payload1173 lbs | Maximum Payload1467 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity3500 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity5000 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | Standard Towing Capacity5000 lbs |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 2001-2020 | 1991-Present |
MSRP | $51,800 | $38,465 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.7 out of 10Read full review | |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| |
Summary | Aside from some minor updates regarding colour availability, nothing changes for the 2026 MDX following a refresh for 2025. The MDX remains a sporty-looking, comfortable, and reliable vehicle intended for on-road use rather than off-road. Any excitement it generates comes primarily from its styling, unless you upgrade to the performance-oriented Type S Ultra version. Value remains a highlight in comparison to other midsize three-row rivals like the Audi Q7, but without a hybrid powertrain option, unimpressive fuel economy blunts any savings. Verdict: Refreshingly, the 2026 Acura MDX embraces its crossover SUV status, emphasizing the paved-road ride and handling qualities that made crossovers popular in the first place. Comfortable, quiet, and decent to drive, it exudes quality, offers accessible technology, and provides good utility. All that’s missing is a hybrid option. | |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 3.5L 290 hp V6 | 2.3L 300 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | RWD |
Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
Horsepower | 290 hp @ 6200 rpm | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City | 19 | 20 |
MPG Highway | 26 | 29 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 3.5L 290 hp V6 | 2.3L 300 hp I4 |
Torque | 267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
Horsepower | 290 hp @ 6200 rpm | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 19 | 20 |
MPG Highway | 26 | 29 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | Standard |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 16.3 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4268 lbs | 4303 lbs |
Height | 67.9 in | 69.6 in |
Length | 198.4 in | 198.7 in |
Width | 78.7 in | 89.3 in |
Wheelbase | 113.8 in | 119.1 in |
Maximum Payload | 1173 lbs | 1467 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 3500 lbs | 5000 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | 5000 lbs | |
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