If you’re shopping for an SUV, you want something with a ton of cargo space, enough power for both long road trips and off-roading, and some impressive tech and safety features. The Acura MDX has speed, comfort, and reliability all in one sleek package—but that doesn’t mean it’s the best in its class. It has quite a few rivals.

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, the

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Acura MDX insurance costs

if you do choose the popular vehicle.

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1. Audi Q7

Starting price:$59,445

Selling points: Impressive engine, Quattro all-wheel drive, interior design

Weak spot: Reliability rating

The Audi Q7 has a 2.0-liter TFSO turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and it offers performance and power within a modern-looking frame. It has three trim levels, with the

Q7 Premium Plus

(starting price of $53,900) delivering the best value for its 3.0-liter engine upgrade.

Certain previous Audi models have been ranked poorly for reliability, though. For instance, the 2018 Q7 had a J.D. Power reliability rating of only 2.5 out of 5. If you choose the Q7 over the MDX, you should look to invest in upgrading certain features that will make it more reliable.

2. BMW X5

Starting price: $61,600

Selling points: Performance, speed, power, luxurious interior

Weak spots: Electrical system, vehicle structure, steering

There are few SUVs that offer the same level of performance as the BMW X5. The 2023 base model has a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower—and you’ll feel that power when you’re behind the wheel.

While this is a fantastic SUV, it might not be the best choice for everyday use. Some

common BMW problems

include steering issues and problems with the electrical system in certain X5 models. That said, it is sure to appease speed demons.

3. GMC Acadia Denali

Starting price: $46,800

Selling points: Luxury, convenience, infotainment features

Weak spot: Engine issues

The 2023 Acadia Denali is quite an improvement over older models. It’s quick, fuel-efficient, and a lot of fun to drive. It also includes a revised list of paint options. There are two engine options including the turbocharged 2.0-liter l4 LSY gas engine with 228 horsepower at 5,000 rpm.

Another pro is its convenient infotainment system that can help you navigate and stay entertained. The negatives are that some owners have complained about the electrical system, a shift-to-park error, and issues with the service brakes.

MORE: 2022’s 15 best SUVs for tall people

4. Honda Pilot

Starting price: $38,000

Selling points: Comfy interior, five-inch color LCD screen, V6 engine

Weak spot: Lack of driver assist technologies on lower trim levels

The

Honda Pilot

is an affordable alternative to many of the MDX’s competitors. Comfort comes in the form of cloth seats, a relatively big LCD screen (minus any navigation function), and a 3.5-liter V6 engine.

Unfortunately, the lower trim levels don’t have any of Honda’s popular driver-assist technologies. If you want to taste even a bit of what the MDX offers, you should go with the Elite trim. This option includes Honda sensing, LED low-beam headlights, leather seating, and more.

5. Infiniti QX60

Starting price: $47,850

Selling points: Smooth acceleration, fuel economy

Weak spot: Lack of transmission boost

The

Infiniti QX60

must make the MDX sweat a bit at night. It has a continuously variable automatic transmission, a stunning exterior that shines in the daylight, luxury features, and a lot more to brag about.

The transmission is the main difference between the Infiniti and the MDX. When deciding if this is the one for you, remember that there have been complaints about the brakes, electrical system, and engine. While the performance and drivability are through the roof, these are hard issues to ignore.

We recommend doing your homework before you buy a QX60 and making sure you take it in for a

pre-purchase car inspection

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6. Land Rover Discovery

Starting price: $53,900

Selling point: Off-roading abilities

Weak spots: Measly cargo space, high price

Maybe you want something a bit sportier and less luxurious than the MDX? If so, you should go for the

Land Rover Discovery

, which is a joy to drive to work or to take for a weekend of off-roading. It’s definitely the more rough and rugged option.

This vehicle is capable of towing up to 8,200 pounds and is powered by a 355-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that delivers 369 lb-ft of torque. This is a great ride if you’re curious about off-roading or a trail vet looking for the next big hill to overcome. That said, it’s still practical enough for your daily commute.

With only nine cubic feet of cargo space, though, you won’t be able to bring much along for your road warrior weekends.

7. Lexus RXL

Starting price: $60,500

Selling points: Third row, front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive options, hybrid gas-electric powertrain

Weak spot: Lack of legroom

The

Lexus RXL

is a popular crossover SUV for a reason. It’s been a huge success for Lexus since it first hit the market. Sleek, responsive, quiet, smooth—there is so much to love about driving an RXL.

While the RXL might be a total dream to drive, there are some negatives to consider. For instance, despite being longer, it can still be a bit cramped with only 23.5 inches of legroom. That’s a lot less spacious than the MDX.

If legroom isn’t an issue or even a consideration for you, then you should further compare the RXL to the MDX to see if you like it better.

8. Lincoln MKT

Starting price: $43,030

Selling points: Roomy and luxurious, can fit up to seven passengers and luggage

Weak spots: Unexciting base trim, poor cargo space, interior design

There’s a reason that so many car services use the

Lincoln MKT

. It has an eye-catching body, exquisite accommodations, and an elegant profile. Whether you choose a 3.7-liter V6 engine or the 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, you are getting one powerful ride.

The MKT might be the best of what this class offers as long as you don’t go for the base trim. Higher levels simply provide a better bang for your buck, and they help negate some of the MKT’s flaws, including the lack of headroom, a lackluster interior, and less-than-ideal cargo space.

MORE: Tips for choosing the perfect car color

Acura MDX vs. the competition

We’ve gone through a lot of information, which can sometimes be confusing. Let’s do a side-by-side comparison to see how the Acura MDX truly stacks up against the competition.

Model	Starting price range	Engine options	Maximum seating capacity	Maximum cargo volume	Maximum towing capacity	Fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
Acura MDX	$48,000	3.5-liter SOHC i-VTEC or 3.0-liter SOHC i-VTEC	7 seats	39.1 cubic feet	3,500 lbs	19/26/22 mpg
Audi Q7	$59,445	2.0-liter TFSO turbocharged four-cylinder engine	7 seats	69.6 cubic feet	7,000 lbs	19/23/21 mpg
BMW X5	$61,600	Turbo-6, Tein-turn V8, plug-in hybrid variant	5 seats	72.3 cubic feet	7,200 lbs	21/26/20 mpg
GMC Acadia Denali	$46,800	2.0-liter turbo engine or 3.6-liter V6 engine	6 seats	79 cubic feet	4,000 lbs	22/29/21-22 mpg
Honda Pilot	$38,000	V6	7 seats	79 cubic feet	4,000 lbs	22/29/21-22 mpg
Land Rover Discovery	$53,900	Four-cylinder or inline-six	4, 5 or 7 seats	118 cubic feet	8,200 lbs	19/26/23 mpg
Lexus RXL	$60,500	3.5-liter 6-cylinder, hybrid drive	5 seats	58.5 cubic feet	3,500 lbs	20/27/23 mpg
Toyota Highlander	$42,000	V6 or hybrid	8 seats	84.3 cubic feet	5,000 lbs	20/27/23 mpg
Lincoln MKT	$43,030	3.7-liter V6 or 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6	7 seats	77.7 cubic feet	6,700 lbs	17/24/N/A mpg

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