Battle of the crossover giants: subaru ascent vs acura mdx: uncovering the differences

In the competitive realm of midsize SUVs, the Subaru Ascent and Acura MDX stand out as formidable contenders. With their spacious interiors, impressive performance capabilities, and advanced safety features, both vehicles offer a compelling combination of practicality and luxury. However, discerning buyers may wonder which SUV reigns supreme in key areas. This comprehensive comparison aims to dissect the Subaru Ascent vs Acura MDX and provide an in-depth analysis of their strengths, weaknesses, and overall value proposition.

Performance: Power and Efficiency

Under the hood, the Subaru Ascent boasts a robust 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the Ascent delivers a smooth and responsive driving experience. The Acura MDX, on the other hand, offers two engine options: a 3.5-liter V6 with 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, or a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Ascent has a slight edge over the MDX. The Ascent’s EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings are 21 mpg city / 27 mpg highway for the base model and 20 mpg city / 26 mpg highway for the Touring model. The MDX’s fuel economy ratings are 19 mpg city / 26 mpg highway for the V6 model and 17 mpg city / 21 mpg highway for the turbocharged V6 model.

Interior: Space and Comfort

Both the Subaru Ascent and Acura MDX offer spacious and well-appointed interiors. The Ascent accommodates up to eight passengers with three rows of seating, while the MDX has seating for up to seven with two rows of seating. The Ascent’s interior boasts ample headroom and legroom in all three rows, making it an ideal choice for families with multiple children. The MDX’s interior is equally spacious, with comfortable seating and a generous amount of legroom in both rows.

In terms of cargo capacity, the Ascent has a slight advantage over the MDX. With all three rows of seats upright, the Ascent offers 17.6 cubic feet of cargo space. With the third row folded down, the cargo space expands to 47.5 cubic feet. The MDX offers 15.8 cubic feet of cargo space with all three rows of seats upright and 43.1 cubic feet with the third row folded down.

Technology: Infotainment and Safety

The Subaru Ascent and Acura MDX come equipped with a variety of advanced technology features. The Ascent’s infotainment system features a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a six-speaker sound system. The MDX’s infotainment system features a larger 10.2-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a premium 10-speaker sound system.

Both SUVs offer a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Ascent comes standard with EyeSight, a suite of advanced safety technologies that includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The MDX comes standard with AcuraWatch, a suite of advanced safety technologies that includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.

Off-Road Capability: Adventure-Ready

The Subaru Ascent and Acura MDX offer different levels of off-road capability. The Ascent comes standard with all-wheel drive and a ground clearance of 8.7 inches. It also features X-Mode, a system that optimizes the vehicle’s performance for off-road driving. The MDX, on the other hand, is primarily designed for on-road driving and has a ground clearance of 7.3 inches. It does not offer any specific off-road driving modes.

Price: Value for Money

The Subaru Ascent has a starting price of $33,895 for the base model and $47,495 for the Touring model. The Acura MDX has a starting price of $46,900 for the base model and $60,600 for the top-of-the-line Advance model.

In terms of value for money, the Subaru Ascent offers more features and capabilities for a lower price than the Acura MDX. However, the MDX offers a more refined interior and a more powerful engine.

In a nutshell: The Ultimate Choice

The Subaru Ascent and Acura MDX are both excellent midsize SUVs with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The Ascent is a more affordable and versatile option with a spacious interior, impressive off-road capability, and a comprehensive suite of safety features. The MDX is a more luxurious and powerful option with a refined interior, a more powerful engine, and a larger infotainment system.

Ultimately, the best choice between the Subaru Ascent and Acura MDX depends on the individual buyer’s needs and preferences. Those who prioritize space, versatility, and off-road capability will likely prefer the Ascent. Those who prioritize luxury, performance, and a refined interior will likely prefer the MDX.

Questions We Hear a Lot

1. Which SUV has a more spacious interior?
The Subaru Ascent has a more spacious interior with more headroom, legroom, and cargo capacity than the Acura MDX.

2. Which SUV is more fuel-efficient?
The Subaru Ascent is slightly more fuel-efficient than the Acura MDX, with EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 21 mpg city / 27 mpg highway compared to 19 mpg city / 26 mpg highway for the MDX’s V6 engine.

3. Which SUV offers more advanced technology features?
Both the Subaru Ascent and Acura MDX offer a comprehensive suite of advanced technology features, including infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and safety features such as adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.

4. Which SUV is more capable off-road?
The Subaru Ascent is more capable off-road than the Acura MDX, with a higher ground clearance and a standard all-wheel drive system with X-Mode.

5. Which SUV is a better value for money?
The Subaru Ascent offers more features and capabilities for a lower price than the Acura MDX, making it a better value for money.