2024 Ford Escape vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX presented a blend of luxury and subtlety, especially in its Type S Advance trim. With a price tag of $74,995, it aimed to deliver a high-end experience, though it occasionally fell short of expectations. The MDX Type S was the first Acura SUV to sport the Type S badge, offering a refined yet understated design. It featured chicane-design LED lights, 21-inch wheels, and a panoramic sunroof, contributing to its sophisticated appearance. Inside, the MDX boasted perforated Milano leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package, though some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, were less user-friendly.

In contrast, the 2024 Ford Escape underwent a significant facelift in 2023, which carried over into the 2024 model, giving it a more aggressive front-end design. The Escape was available in various trims, including the sporty ST-Line Elite, which we tested. Priced at $43,650, it featured Rapid Red paint, black 19-inch wheels, and a Panoramic Vista Roof. The interior, while initially appearing upscale with diamond-stitched leather, revealed some shortcomings in material quality. Despite its sporty appearance, the Escape's driving dynamics didn't fully match the ST badge's promise, offering a more comfortable and isolated ride.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This was a notable increase over the standard MDX's 3.5-liter V6. However, the Type S was heavier, which affected its performance. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience, with issues like an indecisive transmission and poor brake pedal modulation. Fuel economy was also a concern, with an average of 16.9 mpg during testing, falling short of the EPA's 19 mpg rating.

The 2024 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite offered a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, it provided quick acceleration. However, the Escape's driving dynamics didn't fully align with its sporty appearance. The ride was soft and compliant, with handling that allowed too much body motion. The brake pedal was responsive, but the steering felt sluggish. The Escape averaged 24.1 mpg during testing, slightly below the EPA's 26 mpg rating. While the turbo engine offered power, it seemed underutilized in this application.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a spacious interior with three rows of seats and flexible second-row configurations. Our test vehicle featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the seats didn't provide the expected support for spirited driving. The MDX's third row was best suited for children, and interior storage was somewhat limited due to design choices. Cargo space was generous, with 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 71.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Ford Escape ST-Line featured a black interior with cloth inserts and artificial leather bolsters. Our test model included ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, and heated front seats. The front seats were large and comfortable, while the rear seat offered good support when slid back. Interior storage was ample in the front but less so for rear passengers. Cargo volume measured 37.5 cubic feet behind the back seat, expanding to 65.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2023 Acura MDX came equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment system relied on a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) instead of a touchscreen, which could be distracting. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In. Our test vehicle featured a high-end ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers, delivering impressive sound quality. A 10.5-inch head-up display was also included, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2024 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite boasted a 13.2-inch Sync 4 infotainment system with a landscape format, offering an intuitive layout. However, the display's color theme appeared washed out, and the climate controls were integrated into the screen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Our test vehicle had a Bang & Olufsen sound system, though the speakers were damaged. The Escape also featured an optional head-up display and Active Park Assist 2.0, which worked well but was impractical in busy areas.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured the Acura Watch suite of safety systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also had blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it earned four stars for frontal-impact protection.

The 2024 Ford Escape came with Ford Co-Pilot360, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Our test vehicle included adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and a 360-degree camera system. The Escape received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS had not yet rated the 2024 model.