2019 Subaru Forester vs 2020 Acura MDX

2019 Subaru Forester
2019 Subaru Forester
$24,295MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Acura MDX
2020 Acura MDX
$44,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Subaru Forester
$24,295MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Acura MDX
$44,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$24,295

MSRP

$44,500

Average price

$20,881

Average price

$27,801

Listings

725

Listings

756

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.2 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.2 out of 10
Pros
  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
  • Uninspired styling
Pros
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Spacious
Cons
  • Uninspired styling
  • Outdated technology

2019 Subaru Forester Reviews Summary

Consumers are hungry for all-weather capability, plenty of space for passengers, and plenty of space for the gear that comes with those passengers. Crossovers can offer all of this, while also providing solid fuel economy. So, it makes sense that crossovers of different sizes and price ranges are dominating the new car market. Nearly every automaker out there today offers at least one, if not multiple crossovers, in their showrooms.

But while this is a new trend for some brands, Subaru has been offering multiple vehicles that fit the crossover formula for decades.

In particular, the Subaru Forester has been around since 1997. When it arrived, the Forester provided standard all-wheel drive, reasonable fuel economy, plenty of cargo space, and an affordable base price. It was not the first vehicle to come standard with all-wheel drive—that would be the AMC Eagle of the 1970s. But the AMC brand is no more, and the '97 Forester offered all these attributes while also being incredibly reliable, and thus set the blueprint for the modern crossover craze.

The modern compact SUV market includes popular vehicles like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Volkswagen Tiguan, and more. With all these rivals, can the all-new 2019 Subaru Forester once again set the curve in this segment?

2020 Acura MDX Reviews Summary

The Acura MDX is the best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all time, with solid performances through three generations of production since 2001. While it may not be an industry leader in any one category, the MDX delivers competitive levels of comfort, convenience, and technology and an attractive overall package that has spawned a loyal repeat audience.
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.5L 182 hp H4

Engine

3.5L 290 hp V6

Drive Train

AWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

182 hp @ 5800 rpm

Horsepower

290 hp @ 6200 rpm

MPG City

26

MPG City

20

MPG Highway

33

MPG Highway

27
2019 Subaru Forester
2019 Subaru Forester
$24,295MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Acura MDX
2020 Acura MDX
$44,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Subaru Forester
$24,295MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Acura MDX
$44,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$24,295
$44,500
Average price
$20,881
$27,801
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews
4.7
4.5
Expert reviews

8.2 out of 10

Read full review

7.2 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
  • Uninspired styling
Pros
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Spacious
Cons
  • Uninspired styling
  • Outdated technology
Summary

Consumers are hungry for all-weather capability, plenty of space for passengers, and plenty of space for the gear that comes with those passengers. Crossovers can offer all of this, while also providing solid fuel economy. So, it makes sense that crossovers of different sizes and price ranges are dominating the new car market. Nearly every automaker out there today offers at least one, if not multiple crossovers, in their showrooms.

But while this is a new trend for some brands, Subaru has been offering multiple vehicles that fit the crossover formula for decades.

In particular, the Subaru Forester has been around since 1997. When it arrived, the Forester provided standard all-wheel drive, reasonable fuel economy, plenty of cargo space, and an affordable base price. It was not the first vehicle to come standard with all-wheel drive—that would be the AMC Eagle of the 1970s. But the AMC brand is no more, and the '97 Forester offered all these attributes while also being incredibly reliable, and thus set the blueprint for the modern crossover craze.

The modern compact SUV market includes popular vehicles like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Volkswagen Tiguan, and more. With all these rivals, can the all-new 2019 Subaru Forester once again set the curve in this segment?

The Acura MDX is the best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all time, with solid performances through three generations of production since 2001. While it may not be an industry leader in any one category, the MDX delivers competitive levels of comfort, convenience, and technology and an attractive overall package that has spawned a loyal repeat audience.
Video
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.5L 182 hp H4
3.5L 290 hp V6
Drive Train
AWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
7
Horsepower
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
290 hp @ 6200 rpm
MPG City
26
20
MPG Highway
33
27
Look and feel
2019 Subaru Forester
7/10
2020 Acura MDX
6/10

The 2019 Subaru Forester was slightly larger and wider than its predecessor, resembling a scaled-down version of the Subaru Ascent. The exterior design was practical, prioritizing function over luxury. Inside, the cabin maintained a modern look without sacrificing utility. The Forester was available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trims, each offering a range of features from standard LED headlights and symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) to advanced driver-assistance systems. Higher trims added amenities like larger alloy wheels, leather upholstery, and advanced infotainment systems.

In contrast, the 2020 Acura MDX had a sleek and low-slung design, with Acura's signature Jewel Eye LED headlights adding a touch of sophistication. The interior was modern and simple, featuring a center stack with twin infotainment screens and high-quality materials. The MDX's design was functional, with a focus on comfort and ease of use. The vehicle's fit and finish were top-notch, providing a solid and well-built feel.

Performance
2019 Subaru Forester
6/10
2020 Acura MDX
6/10

The 2019 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a smooth ride and a low center of gravity but lacked the torque needed for quick acceleration. The Forester came standard with symmetrical AWD and a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which prioritized efficiency over performance. The SI-Drive system allowed drivers to choose between Intelligent and Sport modes, while the X-Mode terrain-management system optimized power delivery for various driving conditions. Fuel economy was impressive, with an EPA rating of 26 mpg city, 33 highway, and 29 combined.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrains: a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a Sport Hybrid model with a combined system power of 321 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque. The MDX's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system provided excellent handling and torque vectoring, making it nimble in corners. The MDX's suspension system absorbed road bumps well, ensuring a comfortable ride. The gasoline-only model delivered good straight-line performance and smooth acceleration.

Form and function
2019 Subaru Forester
8/10
2020 Acura MDX
7/10

The 2019 Subaru Forester offered a spacious interior with a class-leading 76.1 cubic feet of cargo space in the base trim and 70.9 cubic feet in other trims. The larger wheelbase provided more backseat space, and the 8.7 inches of ground clearance made it suitable for various terrains. The cabin was designed with numerous cubbies, compartments, and bottle holders, ensuring practicality. The tall greenhouse and commanding driving position provided excellent visibility and ample legroom and headroom.

The 2020 Acura MDX featured sliding and reclining second-row seats, making it easy to access the third row. The MDX offered 15.8 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 43.4 cubic feet with the third row folded and 90.9 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The interior included a flexible center console, multiple storage compartments, and tri-zone climate control. The MDX's design catered to families needing minivan functionality without compromising on style.

Technology
2019 Subaru Forester
9/10
2020 Acura MDX
7/10

The 2019 Subaru Forester's Starlink infotainment system was available with either a 6.5-inch or 8-inch screen, offering high resolution and responsiveness. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EyeSight suite of driver-assistance systems included Lead Vehicle Alert, forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and adaptive headlights, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with standard tech features like Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. The Technology Package added navigation, rain-sensing wipers, and a premium audio system. The Advance Package included additional features like a surround-view camera and heated and ventilated seats. The Entertainment Package offered a rear entertainment system with a large screen and wireless headphones.

Safety
2019 Subaru Forester
10/10
2020 Acura MDX
9/10

The 2019 Subaru Forester came standard with the EyeSight suite, which included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Additional safety features included front- and side-impact airbags and a reversing camera, making it a very safe vehicle.

The 2020 Acura MDX featured AcuraWatch, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Advance Package included Head-Up Warning. The MDX's ACE Body Structure was designed to absorb crash impact, and it received high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

Cost Effectiveness
2019 Subaru Forester
9/10
2020 Acura MDX
8/10

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2019 Subaru Forester is 8.2 out of 10, while the 2020 Acura MDX scores 7.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2019 Subaru Forester is the better choice, offering superior practicality, safety features, and overall value.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2019 Subaru Forester is 8.2 out of 10, while the 2020 Acura MDX scores 7.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2019 Subaru Forester is the better choice, offering superior practicality, safety features, and overall value.

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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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