2024 Acura MDX vs 2024 BMW X5

The 2024 BMW X5, last redesigned in 2019, maintained a timeless appeal, though the M Sport treatment was not universally appreciated, giving it a station wagon-like appearance. The test vehicle featured optional 21-inch “741M” wheels with staggered-width summer tires, which were considered a worthwhile upgrade despite the potential cost of tire replacement. The X5 offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, a turbo-six PHEV powertrain, and a turbocharged V8 engine, with various trim packages and equipment options available. The xDrive50e M Sport model tested came with Brooklyn Grey paint, 21-inch wheels, and all available equipment packages, priced at $88,075. The 2024 model received a light styling refresh and introduced the BMW Curved Display, modernizing the interior while retaining high-quality materials and construction.

The 2024 Acura MDX impressed with its design, featuring a large shield grille, rakish headlights, and a modern lower bumper area. Inside, it was high-tech but busy, with numerous controls on the center console. The MDX was available in several trims, including the Technology, A-Spec, and Advance Packages, as well as the Type-S and Type-S Advance. Standard features included tri-zone climate control, push-button start, synthetic leather upholstery, and a panoramic sunroof. The Technology Package added ambient lighting, navigation, and a premium stereo system, while the A-Spec trim offered sportier styling and an upgraded audio system. The Type-S Advance package, tested, included a 26-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats, providing a comfortable and refreshing experience on long drives.

The 2024 BMW X5 featured new mild-hybrid six-cylinder and V8 engines, with the xDrive50e PHEV offering a significant upgrade in electric range and power output. The PHEV's electric motor, integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission, and a 19.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack provided 38 miles of electric-only driving and 22 mpg in combined driving. The xDrive50e produced 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The PHEV was praised for its driving dynamics, with adaptive damping air suspension and excellent handling. It delivered 2.7 miles per kWh on an all-electric drive and averaged 38.8 mpg during a 95.5-mile evaluation drive. The X5 PHEV was recommended for its balance of performance and efficiency, with a Level 2 home charging station suggested for maximizing electric driving.

The 2024 Acura MDX came with a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type-S featured a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and available Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System. The Type-S Advance model tested offered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, with Brembo performance brakes and adaptive air suspension. The Integrated Dynamics System provided various driving modes, including Sport and Sport+, enhancing the MDX's agility. The MDX excelled on highways and boulevards, with a firm yet comfortable ride, and a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e offered a spacious interior with room for five passengers and a 33.1 cubic-foot cargo area, expandable to 71.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The split liftgate design provided a convenient seating area but required stretching to reach deep cargo. The test vehicle featured Sensafin artificial leather upholstery, standard sport seats, and the Climate Comfort Package, which included 20-way power-adjustable front seats, four-zone climate control, and heated elements. The panoramic sunroof and side window sunshades enhanced rear-seat comfort. The X5 no longer offered a third-row seat, with the BMW X7 recommended for those needing additional seating.

The 2024 Acura MDX came standard with three rows of seating, with the first two rows offering comfort and support, while the third row was best suited for children. The cargo space measured 16.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 39.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 71.4 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down. The Type-S Advance model featured a second-row bench with a fold-down center console and integrated cupholders, providing an individual-seat experience. The center console offered ample storage, though the center stack of controls was cluttered, with a touchpad for the infotainment system that was unintuitive. The MDX included a power liftgate, with a hands-free option available on higher trims.

The 2024 BMW X5 featured the BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system ran BMW Operating System 8.5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, connected services, and over-the-air updates. The Intelligent Personal Assistant, however, struggled with voice recognition, providing inaccurate directions and responses. The optional Harman Kardon sound system was praised, and the head-up display effectively conveyed data. Despite the voice recognition issues, the X5's technology package was comprehensive, though the reduction in physical controls was seen as a drawback.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was criticized for its clumsy interface, with a 12.3-inch display controlled by a touchpad rather than a touchscreen. Despite this, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The center console cleverly housed charging ports and a wireless charging pad, though the touchpad's unintuitive nature detracted from the overall experience. The hope was that Acura would adopt a more intuitive touchscreen setup in future models, as seen in the new Integra, to improve the MDX's technology offering.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced the Highway Assistant hands-free driving assistance system, which required deliberate activation and worked well in specific traffic conditions. However, it occasionally engaged the brakes unexpectedly. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance performed well, though the system's subtle operation was appreciated. The X5 received high ratings from the IIHS, though lower headlight ratings prevented an IIHS safety award. The NHTSA gave the X5 a four-star overall crash-test rating.

The 2024 Acura MDX came with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Technology Package added parking sensors and reverse automatic emergency braking, while the Advance package included a 360-degree camera system and head-up display. The 2022 MDX, which the 2024 model carried over from, received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+. However, the infotainment system's touchpad was a distraction, taking drivers' eyes off the road.