Acura MDX vs BMW X5: A Head-to-Head Comparison on Performance and Luxury SUVs

Choosing between the Acura MDX and the BMW X5 is no easy task. Both SUVs offer a blend of luxury, performance, and versatility that appeal to those looking for an upscale, spacious ride for both city driving and road trips. However, each has its own strengths and weaknesses that make them stand apart in this highly competitive market.

Acura MDX vs BMW X5: Luxury Features and Interiors

When it comes to interior design and comfort, both the Acura MDX and BMW X5 excel, but they cater to slightly different preferences.

Acura MDX: Interior and Technology

The Acura MDX leans toward a practical but premium interior. The design emphasizes usability, with spacious seating for up to seven passengers. Acura prioritizes comfort, and with three rows of seats, the MDX can handle family duties with ease. The seats in the MDX are covered in high-quality leather upholstery even at the base trim level. You’ll find ample legroom and headroom, particularly in the first two rows, though the third row can feel a bit tight for adults on longer trips.

As for technology, the MDX is loaded. You get a 12.3-inch display, but instead of a touchscreen, Acura uses a touchpad controller that can take some getting used to. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, along with wireless charging on higher trims. The premium ELS Studio 3D sound system offers an immersive audio experience, which audiophiles will appreciate.

In terms of usability, Alex Collantes, a frequent MDX driver, says, "The MDX offers a very driver-focused interface, but the touchpad sometimes feels less intuitive than a touchscreen, especially for quick inputs."

Potential Drawbacks of the Acura MDX:

• Touchpad controls can be frustrating to use
• Third-row seating isn't very spacious for adults
• No hybrid option yet, unlike some competitors

BMW X5: Interior and Technology

On the other hand, the BMW X5 leans more toward a sport-luxury aesthetic. The X5 exudes premium materials, with finely stitched leather, soft-touch surfaces, and real wood accents throughout the cabin. The X5 seats five, though a third row is optional. If you choose the third row, it's best reserved for children or short-distance rides since it’s relatively cramped.

The BMW X5 boasts a more technologically advanced cabin, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a matching infotainment display. Unlike the MDX, the BMW offers a true touchscreen system with iDrive controls that are widely regarded as one of the best in the business. Standard features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, along with a panoramic sunroof. Higher trims offer an even more luxurious experience with heated and ventilated front seats, a Harman Kardon sound system, and an available 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins setup.

As Alex Collantes put it: "The BMW X5’s iDrive system is really intuitive and fast, but some of the luxury features can get pricey as you add options."

Potential Drawbacks of the BMW X5:

• Optional third-row seating is tight
• Can get expensive with added options
• Base model lacks some standard features you’d expect at this price point

Performance: Handling, Power, and Driving Dynamics

Both SUVs come with multiple powertrain options and offer excellent performance. However, there are noticeable differences in how they deliver power and their overall driving feel.

Acura MDX: Engine and Driving Experience

The Acura MDX comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It’s a competent setup for everyday driving, providing enough power for highway merging and overtaking. However, the MDX is more about smooth, confident performance rather than outright athleticism.

Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) is available on the MDX, improving cornering and stability by distributing torque between the front and rear wheels. Fuel efficiency is also decent for a vehicle of this size, averaging 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

In terms of ride quality, the MDX is more comfortable than sporty. It absorbs bumps and road imperfections well, but it lacks the razor-sharp handling of some European competitors. The steering is precise but doesn’t give you much feedback, making the drive feel somewhat detached for enthusiasts.

Pros of Acura MDX's Performance:

• Smooth and reliable V6 engine
• Decent fuel economy for the class
• SH-AWD provides excellent stability and control

Cons:

• Not as sporty or engaging to drive as some competitors
• Lacks a hybrid option, which is becoming more common

BMW X5: Engine and Driving Experience

The BMW X5 offers multiple engine choices, starting with the base 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 that generates 335 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that shifts seamlessly. For those seeking more power, there’s a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, which produces a whopping 523 horsepower in the X5 M50i trim.

When it comes to driving dynamics, the X5 easily outshines the MDX. The BMW X5 is one of the sportiest SUVs on the market, and its well-tuned suspension makes it feel much more like a luxury sedan than a bulky SUV. Standard all-wheel drive (xDrive) further enhances grip and handling. Despite its size, the X5 corners with precision, offering a level of driver engagement rarely found in an SUV of this class.

Fuel economy for the base engine is respectable, at 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. However, opting for the V8 drops these numbers significantly.

Pros of BMW X5's Performance:

• Excellent handling and driving dynamics
• Powerful engine options, especially the V8
• Smooth, responsive transmission

Cons:

• The V8 engine is thirstier in terms of fuel consumption
• Can be overly firm for those seeking a more cushioned ride
• The sporty setup might feel too stiff for comfort-oriented drivers

Cargo Space and Practicality

When it comes to practicality, SUVs are judged on more than just how well they drive. Storage space and usability are key factors, especially for families.

Acura MDX: Cargo and Space

The Acura MDX offers competitive cargo capacity, with 18.1 cubic feet of space behind the third row, which expands to 48.4 cubic feet when the third-row seats are folded. With both the second and third rows down, you’ll get 95 cubic feet of space to work with. The low load floor and wide opening make it easy to fit large items like suitcases or a week’s worth of groceries.

One major advantage of the MDX is its standard third-row seating, which provides the extra passenger capacity families often need. However, as mentioned earlier, the third-row seats can feel cramped for taller passengers.

Acura MDX Pros for Cargo Space:

• Large cargo capacity for the class
• Easy access with a hands-free power liftgate
• Standard third-row seats

Cons:

• Third row can be cramped for adults
• No hybrid model to maximize efficiency

BMW X5: Cargo and Space

The BMW X5 is slightly less practical in terms of cargo space. With all seats in place, the X5 offers 33.9 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row. When the second row is folded, the space expands to 72.3 cubic feet, which is still respectable but less than what the MDX offers.

While the X5 can be fitted with a third row, its cargo capacity with the third row in use drops to 12.8 cubic feet. For this reason, the third-row option is best for those who only need the extra seats occasionally and can live with the reduced cargo room.

BMW X5 Pros for Cargo Space:

• Plenty of space with two rows of seating
• Optional third-row seating (though limited in space)
• Wide-opening rear hatch for easy loading

Cons:

• Less cargo space than the MDX
• Limited third-row space for passengers and luggage

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is a priority for SUV buyers, especially families, and both the MDX and X5 come loaded with driver-assistance technologies.

Acura MDX: Safety Features

The Acura MDX is well-equipped with standard safety features, including AcuraWatch, which bundles adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking. The MDX has earned high safety ratings, including a 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Other notable safety features include a surround-view camera and parking sensors on higher trims. However, some advanced features like blind-spot monitoring are only available as part of option packages.

Pros:

• Strong safety ratings
• Comprehensive AcuraWatch suite of driver aids
• Available surround-view camera

Cons:

• Some features are not standard on lower trims
• Lane-keeping assist can feel intrusive

BMW X5: Safety Features

The BMW X5 comes with a Driver Assistance package, which includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Like the MDX, the X5 has received top safety scores, including a 5-star rating from NHTSA and high marks from IIHS.

However, one of the downsides of the BMW is that many safety features are locked behind optional packages, meaning you’ll have to spend more to get all the available technology.

Pros:

• Excellent crash-test ratings
• Lots of available safety tech
• Advanced driver aids like adaptive cruise control are available

Cons:

• Some safety features are only available as expensive options
• Can get pricey when adding advanced tech

Price and Value

Both the Acura MDX and BMW X5 are positioned as luxury SUVs, but there is a significant price difference between the two.

Acura MDX: Pricing

The Acura MDX starts at around $50,000 for the base model and goes up to around $73,000 for the fully loaded Type S Advance trim. For the price, you get a well-rounded luxury SUV with standard features that would cost extra on many European competitors.

Pros:

• Competitive starting price
• Lots of features standard across trims
• Type S model offers strong performance

Cons:

• Higher trims can approach BMW X5 pricing
• Lacks some premium touches found in rivals

BMW X5: Pricing

The BMW X5 has a starting price of around $67,000 for the base sDrive40i model and goes well over $100,000 if you opt for the higher-performance models or load it up with options. While the X5 provides a more premium experience overall, the price can escalate quickly, especially with add-ons.

Pros:

• Luxury features and build quality are top-notch
• Great performance with higher trims

Cons:

• Much more expensive than the MDX
• Many desirable features are not standard

Final Verdict

Choosing between the Acura MDX and the BMW X5 depends largely on what you’re looking for in a luxury SUV. The Acura MDX offers a more affordable, well-rounded package with strong safety features, decent power, and plenty of room for families. It’s the more practical choice for those who need third-row seating and value for money.

On the other hand, the BMW X5 shines in performance and luxury. It’s more engaging to drive and offers a premium experience, but at a significantly higher price. If performance and tech features are more important than cost, the X5 might be worth the investment. However, be prepared to spend more if you want all the bells and whistles.

Ultimately, Alex Collantes sums it up best: "The MDX is a great value luxury SUV for families. But if you want something sportier with more premium features and don’t mind spending the extra cash, the X5 is hard to beat."

Both SUVs are top contenders in the luxury SUV market, and the decision will come down to your budget and preferences for performance vs practicality.