**Based on current year EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery pack age/condition (hybrid models only) and other factors.
2023 Acura MDX vs. 2023 BMW X5
2023 Acura MDX vs. 2023 BMW X5
The 2023 Acura MDX and the BMW X5 are two high-class midsized crossovers with many similar attributes. It's easy how to somebody in the market for a vehicle in this segment would find it tough to choose just one.
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How do they compare?
To help out drivers in this predicament, we decided to make as accurate a comparison as we could: we chose to size up the Acura MDX SH-AWD with the Advanced Package against the BMW X5 xDrive 40i. These respective trim configurations are quite evenly matched in amenities - although you'll save about $4,000 if you buy the Acura. When we looked closely at all of the most critical factors, we found that one clearly rose over the other in overall desirability.
Powertrains and Performance
While the turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine in the X5 xDrive 40i is more powerful than the MDX Advanced's 3.5-liter V6, the Acura has a transmission advantage: it uses a 10-speed automatic versus the X5's 8-speed automatic transmission. You'll likely find that those two additional gears in the MDX Advanced trim allow for smoother shifting. Another perk of the MDX is that its Integrated Dynamics System comes with an Individual drive mode that allows you to tailor performance based on your unique preferences. While the X5 also has selectable drive modes, it doesn't offer this innovative individualized setting.
Interior Advantages
The 2023 MDX Advanced has superior amenities when compared to the X5 xDrive
40i (and don't forget: it's $4,000 cheaper). On the comfort and convenience front, these include
GPS-linked tri-zone automatic climate control, a heated steering wheel, remote engine start,
leather upholstery, ventilated front seats with position memory (the X5 only has memory for the
driver's seat), heated one-touch sliding second-row seats with a multi-functional center seat,
and manual second-row sunshades. The MDX Advanced also comes with a standard 50/50-split
third-row seat, which is costlier to add in the X5.
Regarding tech, even though both
models come with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, the MDX Advanced also has some items you won't find in
the X5: a 15-inch head-up display, active sound control, a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D sound
system, built-in Amazon Alexa, an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, and seven USB ports. To top it off, the
MDX's ambient interior lighting system has more color settings than the X5's.
Advanced Safety Tech
The driver-assist features in both models are impressive, but the X5 xDrive 40i really doesn't hold a candle to the MDX Advanced. While they each come with front and rear parking sensors, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and traffic sign recognition, the MDX has more. In addition to that list, it receives a surround-view camera system, lane keeping assist, road departure mitigation, and traffic jam assist.
Comprehensive Coverage
Even though the two models both have a basic bumper-to-bumper warranty that lasts for 4 years/50,000 miles, the MDX is protected by a superior powertrain warranty that covers its various mechanical components for 6 years/70,000 miles. In contrast, the X5's powertrain coverage expires at the 4-year (or 50K-mile) interval as its bumper-to-bumper warranty.