2022 Acura MDX vs 2021 Ford Escape

The 2022 Acura MDX had a longstanding reputation for setting the benchmark in the three-row luxury crossover SUV category. It managed to appear compact on the exterior despite spacious interiors. In its latest iteration, it was built on a brand-new platform dedicated solely to the MDX, rather than sharing with the Honda Pilot, as it had in previous generations. The vehicle had undergone several proportional tweaks, resulting in a longer wheelbase, overall length, wider body, and track width. An important design element, the dash-to-axle distance, was increased by over four inches, contributing to a more elegant appearance. Acura had also emphasized the visual appeal by incorporating Jewel Eye LED headlights paired with linear LED daytime running lights. The larger wheels added to its sporty, assertive look. The craftsmanship was evident, given that it was built in East Liberty, Ohio.

Inside, the MDX received substantial updates. The layered dashboard accentuated the cabin's width while offering a sense of spaciousness due to its lower positioning. High-quality materials such as natural wood, genuine aluminum, and real leather enhanced the luxurious feel. The control layout, although a bit quirky, was intuitive after initial use. Unique features included the fighter jet-inspired gear selector and a square touchpad for infotainment functions. The infotainment screen, a 12.3-inch display, was smartly positioned to ensure safety and convenience. The seats were designed for comfort with significant adjustability and ample space.

Colors and interior themes provided choices for customization, with eight exterior colors and six interior themes. The MDX's exterior sported a range of hues from standard metallics to premium pearls, while the interior offered a diverse palette to match.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Escape presented a blend of SUV and hatchback features. Its exterior styling was more akin to an enlarged Focus with a tall ride height, setting it apart from competitors like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. The design wasn't as distinctive as the Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage but still offered packages that introduced new aesthetic elements. For instance, the SE Sport Appearance Package, SEL Stealth AWD Package, and Titanium Elite Package brought updates like 19-inch alloy wheels and specialized upholsteries.

Inside, the Escape didn't possess as cohesive a design theme as its exterior. Some choices, such as the angular instrument cluster, seemed out of place. Interior materials were often criticized for their low quality, even in higher trims like the Titanium. Notable features like leather upholstery were not standard, although some other amenities were available in upgraded trims.

The 2022 Acura MDX was equipped with a familiar yet enhanced 3.5-liter V6 engine, yielding 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission facilitated smooth power delivery. Front-wheel drive was standard on base and Tech trims, while the advanced Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) was optional for these trims and standard on others. The SH-AWD system provided torque vectoring, significantly aiding in cornering by redistributing torque up to 70% to the rear and up to 100% to either side during turns. This advanced system made the MDX a standout in handling dynamics.

Suspension upgrades played a crucial role in the MDX’s improved ride and handling. The introduction of a double-wishbone front suspension and a revised multi-link rear suspension enhanced both sporty handling and ride quality. Larger disc brakes added to the performance appeal by ensuring rapid deceleration.

Two days of driving the MDX in southeastern Michigan revealed its prowess. When compared to competitors like the Lexus RX L, Volvo XC90, and Audi Q7, the Acura MDX held its own, showcasing superior handling and a solid ride quality without flex or body twist.

The 2021 Ford Escape offered a diverse range of powertrains, including two gasoline engines, and hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. The base 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine produced 181 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine was stronger, delivering 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, but it was only available with all-wheel drive.

The hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants used a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric assistance, combining for 200 horsepower. The plug-in hybrid could drive longer distances solely on electric power, offering another level of fuel efficiency.

Despite a respectable engine lineup, the Escape’s ride quality left much to be desired, with vague suspension and steering responses. The towing capacity was noteworthy, with the 2.0-liter engine providing a maximum of 3,500 pounds, although figures for the hybrid models weren’t disclosed.

The 2022 Acura MDX excelled in both passenger comfort and versatile storage. As a three-row SUV, it offered ample seating for the first two rows and innovative second-row seating with a removable center. The third row, suitable for children or small adults, was easily accessible, enhancing overall functionality. Luggage space varied with seat configurations: 16.3 to 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 39.1 to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a substantial 71.4 to 95 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

Enhancements like the power tailgate features, including “Walk Away Close” and customizable opening heights, improved convenience. The interior lighting options allowed for personalization, adding another layer of sophistication and comfort.

On the other hand, the 2021 Ford Escape provided a commendable level of interior space despite its car-like design. With the rear seat up, the gasoline model offered 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 37.5 cubic feet with the rear seat slid forward. In hybrid models, the space was slightly less due to battery placement, 30.7 cubic feet with the seat up and 34.4 cubic feet when slid forward. Folding the rear seat expanded cargo capacity to 65.4 cubic feet for gasoline models and 60.8 cubic feet for hybrids.

While competitors like the Nissan Rogue and Subaru Forester offered more cargo space, the Escape's sliding rear seat added a layer of flexibility to balance passenger comfort and storage needs.

The 2022 Acura MDX was packed with cutting-edge technology. The standout feature was the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System, available in higher trims and comprising 16 speakers with 710 watts, delivering an immersive audio experience. The base and mid-range systems also boasted impressive sound quality. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen, paired with the Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument panel, offered a configurable and user-friendly interface. Built-in Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto ensured seamless connectivity. The CabinTalk feature and head-up display in upper trims added to the suite of advanced tech, enhancing convenience and safety.

Contrastingly, the 2021 Ford Escape utilized the older Sync 3 infotainment system. The base model featured a small 4.2-inch touchscreen, but upgrading to higher trims brought an 8-inch display and other perks like SiriusXM radio and a digital instrument cluster. The Titanium trim, in particular, included a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. Despite Sync 3's user-friendly nature, it lacked the modernity and comprehensive feature set found in newer systems, missing out on wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2022 Acura MDX, though not yet crash-tested by IIHS or NHTSA at the time, was anticipated to excel based on past performance and structural enhancements. The vehicle incorporated an advanced safety structure, pedestrian protection features, and a low-speed braking control system, ensuring high safety standards. The standard AcuraWatch suite included many driver assistance features, further solidifying its safety credentials.

The 2021 Ford Escape received a “Top Safety Pick” from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA, marking it as a safe choice. Standard safety features from Ford Co-Pilot360 included multiple active safety and driver assistance systems, with advanced options available in the Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package.