Acura MDX vs Subaru Ascent
Overview | |
MSRP$50,150 | MSRP$34,395 |
Average price$35,475 | Average price$34,733 |
Listings831 | Listings296 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.8 out of 10 | Expert reviews6.8 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
|
Reviews SummaryThe Acura MDX is a mainstay of the luxury SUV segment, and it covers the bases remarkably well. Its well-rounded nature is perhaps because it shares a platform with the Honda Pilot (another fantastic family hauler) but for that same reason, it doesn’t offer the same cachet as a BMW X5 or Mercedes-Benz GLE. Whether you are on a road trip or heading to work, the MDX is comfortable, refined, and has space for the family and their gear. For 2024, there’s a new Type S Ultra trim level, bringing a new level of performance to the three-row, seven-passenger midsize luxury SUV. But as we’ll get into in a bit, the MDX is held back by a maddening infotainment system that could truly be a sticking point to overshadow all other positive attributes. Verdict: The MDX is a beautiful, safe, and cost-effective luxury SUV, and the new Type S Ultra trim level delivers a higher level of performance. However, it doesn’t offer as much space as some of its competitors, and we wouldn’t recommend it to anyone easily frustrated by finnicky tech interfaces. | |
Reviews SummaryThe Subaru faithful wanted a replacement for the discontinued three-row Tribeca midsize SUV, and the Ascent answered the call when it went on sale in 2019. In 2023, for its fifth model year, the Ascent got a light refresh with revised styling, updated technology, and a new trim level with plenty of equipment and a trendy blacked-out look. Now, the 2024 Subaru Ascent continues with almost no changes, while several competitors in the segment receive significant updates. Verdict: Can the 2024 Subaru Ascent fend off refreshed rivals in the midsize three-row SUV segment? The Ascent has plenty going for it, from standard all-wheel drive and substantial ground clearance to affordable prices and impressive safety ratings. But it comes across as a little quirky among mainstream choices, which could work in or against its favour. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine3.5L 290 hp V6 | Engine2.4L 260 hp H4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainAWD |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity8 |
Horsepower290 hp @ 6200 rpm | Horsepower260 hp @ 5600 rpm |
MPG City19 | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway26 | MPG Highway26 |
Engine | |
Engine Name3.5L 290 hp V6 | Engine Name2.4L 260 hp H4 |
Torque267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | Torque277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
Horsepower290 hp @ 6200 rpm | Horsepower260 hp @ 5600 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainAWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City19 | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway26 | MPG Highway26 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity8 |
Key Features | |
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 Space17.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight4271 lbs | Curb Weight4421 lbs |
Height67.1 in | Height71.6 in |
Length198.4 in | Length196.8 in |
Width78.7 in | Width85.7 in |
Wheelbase113.8 in | Wheelbase113.8 in |
Maximum Payload | Maximum Payload1579 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity3500 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity5000 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $50,150 | $34,395 |
Average price | $35,475 | $34,733 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.5 | 4.8 |
Expert reviews | 7.8 out of 10Read full review | 6.8 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | The Acura MDX is a mainstay of the luxury SUV segment, and it covers the bases remarkably well. Its well-rounded nature is perhaps because it shares a platform with the Honda Pilot (another fantastic family hauler) but for that same reason, it doesn’t offer the same cachet as a BMW X5 or Mercedes-Benz GLE. Whether you are on a road trip or heading to work, the MDX is comfortable, refined, and has space for the family and their gear. For 2024, there’s a new Type S Ultra trim level, bringing a new level of performance to the three-row, seven-passenger midsize luxury SUV. But as we’ll get into in a bit, the MDX is held back by a maddening infotainment system that could truly be a sticking point to overshadow all other positive attributes. Verdict: The MDX is a beautiful, safe, and cost-effective luxury SUV, and the new Type S Ultra trim level delivers a higher level of performance. However, it doesn’t offer as much space as some of its competitors, and we wouldn’t recommend it to anyone easily frustrated by finnicky tech interfaces. | The Subaru faithful wanted a replacement for the discontinued three-row Tribeca midsize SUV, and the Ascent answered the call when it went on sale in 2019. In 2023, for its fifth model year, the Ascent got a light refresh with revised styling, updated technology, and a new trim level with plenty of equipment and a trendy blacked-out look. Now, the 2024 Subaru Ascent continues with almost no changes, while several competitors in the segment receive significant updates. Verdict: Can the 2024 Subaru Ascent fend off refreshed rivals in the midsize three-row SUV segment? The Ascent has plenty going for it, from standard all-wheel drive and substantial ground clearance to affordable prices and impressive safety ratings. But it comes across as a little quirky among mainstream choices, which could work in or against its favour. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 3.5L 290 hp V6 | 2.4L 260 hp H4 |
Drive Train | FWD | AWD |
Seating Capacity | 7 | 8 |
Horsepower | 290 hp @ 6200 rpm | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm |
MPG City | 19 | 20 |
MPG Highway | 26 | 26 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 3.5L 290 hp V6 | 2.4L 260 hp H4 |
Torque | 267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | 277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
Horsepower | 290 hp @ 6200 rpm | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 19 | 20 |
MPG Highway | 26 | 26 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 7 | 8 |
Key Features | ||
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 16.3 cu ft | 17.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4271 lbs | 4421 lbs |
Height | 67.1 in | 71.6 in |
Length | 198.4 in | 196.8 in |
Width | 78.7 in | 85.7 in |
Wheelbase | 113.8 in | 113.8 in |
Maximum Payload | 1579 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 3500 lbs | 5000 lbs |
By: CarGurus + AI
This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.