Comparison - Acura MDX Base 2017 - vs - Subaru Forester Limited 2018

General

Other Names:

Also called:

--

Also called:

--

2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid Review - First Drive
Acura MDX 2017 Review,
acura mdx 2017
Acura 2017 MDX – Hello Hybrid
The New 2022 Acura MDX Has Two Crazy Features
2017 Acura MDX - Review and Road Test
The 2022 Acura MDX A-Spec is Acura's New 3-Row Flagship
Acura MDX Base 2016
Subaru Forester - TestDriveNow.com Review by Auto Critic Steve Hammes
The 2020 Subaru Forester is BETTER than you think
2020 Subaru Forester Hybrid 2.0e-L review
Euro NCAP Crash & Safety Tests of Subaru Forester 2019
Model: 
Average Price: 
49,576
Updated: 
28 Nov 2016
29,395
Updated: 
18 Feb 2018
Car Type: 
SUV
SUV
Drive Type: 
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Year: 
2017
2018
Total Seating: 
7
5
Transmission: 
9-speed Shiftable Automatic
Continuously Variable-speed Automatic
Bluetooth: 
yes
yes
Heated seats: 
no
yes
Navigation: 
yes
yes
Doors: 
5
5
Fuel Tank Capacity: 
19.50gals
15.90gals
Exterior Colors: 
Color: 
Crystal Black Pearl
#2A2A2A
Dark Cherry Pearl
#532831
Lunar Silver Metallic
#A9A9A9
Modern Steel Metallic
#616267
White Diamond Pearl
#DEDDDA
Color: 
Crystal Black Silica
#3D393A
Crystal White Pearl
#E7E7E7
Dark Gray Metallic
#333333
Ice Silver Metallic
#686672
Jasmine Green Metallic
#777581
Quartz Blue Pearl
#365890
Venetian Red Pearl
#882A3A

Expert Reviews

Expert reviews: 

The 2017 Acura MDX ranks 10 out of 21 Luxury Midsize SUVs. The 2017 Acura MDX is a well-rounded and reasonably priced option for drivers looking for a well-equipped luxury midsize SUV.The 2017 Acura MDX ranking is based on its score within the Luxury Midsize SUVs category.

Pros
Balanced ride and handling
Excellent fuel economy
More standard driver assistance features than rivals

Cons
Cumbersome infotainment system
Less cargo space than 3-row rivals

By: 
usnews.com

The 2017 Acura MDX is one of the best-driving, most technologically advanced three-row luxury crossovers, and a new Sport Hybrid model and active suspension should only add to that reputation.
Among luxury crossovers, the Acura MDX is a standout in nearly every possible way—and it stands as quite a counterpoint to the brand’s sedans, which can’t seem to get proper traction in the market.While this model is already one of the best-driving models in its class, the 2017 Acura MDX has been given ride and handling improvements, more standard active-safety features, and a new Sport Hybrid variant that promises both better performance and higher fuel economy numbers.We give it a 7.5 out of 10.

Pros
New Sport Hybrid
Refined and quiet
Great handling
Space for six

Cons
Rough-shifting transmission
Too much bright trim
Complex infotainment interface
Lacks steering feedback

By: 
thecarconnection.com

The 2017 Acura MDX receives a comprehensive face-lift, including a new front end with fresh headlight and grille designs. A Sport Hybrid model debuts with more power and better fuel economy than the regular MDX. New standard features for 2017 include capless fueling, an electronic parking brake, auto high beams, additional USB ports and the AcuraWatch suite of active safety aids (previously optional on some MDX versions). Newly available features include 20-inch wheels, LED foglights, automatic locking when you walk away from the vehicle, power-folding mirrors, a surround-view camera system, a heated steering wheel, upgraded wood trim and second-row captain's chairs.

Pros
Generous array of features and active driver aids for the money
Optional SH-AWD system enhances handling and all-season surefootedness
Smooth and confident acceleration from the V6 engine
Quiet, comfortable and spacious cabin

Cons
Touchscreen isn't user-friendly and graphics are subpar
Cabin looks and feels less luxurious than some rivals
Clunky auto stop-start function
Adaptive cruise control can be slow to respond and abrupt when it does

By: 
edmunds.com

HIGHS:
Standard active-safety tech, newly refined schnoz, excellent handling.

LOWS
No longer the best, expensive option packages, frustrating infotainment system.

Still a compelling alternative to European luxury SUVs.

By: 
caranddriver.com

The 2018 Subaru Forester ranked #5 in Compact SUVs. Currently the Subaru Forester has a score of 8.5 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 36 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.

Pros
Excellent cargo capacity
Spacious rear seats
Good mpg ratings, even with standard all-wheel drive
Many available safety features

Cons
Interior design and build quality trail some rivals'
Fewer tech features than rivals

By: 
usnews.com

The 2018 Subaru Forester continues to offer top safety scores, remarkable space inside, and all-round versatility; it’s still one of the best small SUVs, and a good value for money.

Pros
Fun to drive, good ride
Excellent safety ratings and systems
Good outward visibility
Standard all-wheel drive
Peppy Turbo option, CVT among the best

Cons
Front seats small for some
Priciest trims still not that premium
No manual gearbox for turbo engine
Paddle shifters only on turbo

By: 
thecarconnection.com

For 2018, the Subaru Forester offers a new Black Edition trim package that adds black-finished wheels, body trim and grille. The interior also receives black cloth upholstery and black gloss dashboard trim. Limited trim levels also get a new cargo area cover, while Touring trims now include Subaru's EyeSight safety package as standard along with automatic high beams and reverse automatic braking.

PROS
All-wheel drive comes standard and doesn't sink fuel economy
High ground clearance offers better than average off-road ability
Airy interior with plenty of room for adults both front and rear
Optional turbocharged engine makes Forester very quick

CONS
Modest tow rating limits overall utility
Cabin design and materials are just average
Handling isn't as sporty as some rivals
CVT feels less responsive and refined than a traditional automatic

By: 
edmunds.com

Fuel

Fuel Type: 
Premium Unleaded
Regular Unleaded
Fuel Economy City USA: 
19.00mpg
26.00mpg
Fuel Economy HWY: 
27.00mpg
32.00mpg
Engine type: 
Petrol/Gas
Petrol/Gas

Engine and Performance

Valves: 
24
16
Cylinders: 
6
V
4
Flat
Engine Size/Displacement: 
3.50L
2.50L
Torque: 
267ft-lbs
at 4 700rpm
174ft-lbs
at 4 100rpm
Horsepower: 
290hp
at 6 200rpm
170hp
at 5 800rpm
Cam Type: 
Single overhead cam (SOHC)
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Turning Circle: 
38.70Feet
34.80Feet

Convenience

Cruise Control: 
yes
yes
Door Pockets: 
yes
yes
Cupholders: 
yes
yes
Overhead console: 
yes
yes
Seatback Storage: 
yes
yes
Power Steering: 
yes
yes
Parking sensors: 
no
no
Steering Wheel Tilt: 
yes
yes
Telescopic steering wheel: 
yes
yes
Rear View Camera: 
yes
yes
Front view Camera: 
no
no
Side view Camera: 
no
no
On steering wheel: 
Transmission, cruise and audio controls on steering wheel
Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel
More in Convenience: 
Cargo Floor Mats

Exterior Dimensions

Length: 
196.20in
181.50in
Width: 
77.20in
70.70in
Height: 
67.40in
68.20in
Ground Clearance: 
5.60in
8.70in
Front Track: 
66.30in
Rear Track: 
66.30in
Wheel Base: 
111.00in
103.90in

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room: 
38.10
40.00
Rear Head Room: 
38.30
37.50
Front Leg Room: 
41.40in
43.00in
Rear leg room: 
36.60in
38.00in
Front Hip Room: 
57.50in
53.90in
Front Shoulder Room: 
61.10in
57.00in
Rear Hip Room: 
57.80in
53.00in
Rear Shoulder room: 
59.10in
56.50in

Weights and capacites

Cargo Capacity: 
68.40cu.ft
68.50cu.ft
Maximum Towing Capacity un-break: 
3500lbs
1500lbs
Cargo Capacity with Seats in Place: 
14.90cu.ft
31.50cu.ft
Angle of Approach: 
14.90degrees
23.00degrees
Angle of Departure: 
17.40degrees
25.00degrees
Curb Weight: 
4001.00lbs
3455.00lbs

Instruments

External Temperature Display: 
yes
yes
Clock: 
yes
yes
Trip computer: 
yes
yes
Techometer: 
yes
yes
Compass: 
yes
no

Power Features

Power windows: 
yes
yes
Remote Keyless doors: 
yes
yes
More Power Features: 
Heated mirrors
2 one-touch power windows

Seats

Rear Seat Collapsible: 
yes
yes
Front Seats Features: 
8 -way power driver seat
Bucket front seats
Height adjustable driver seat
Height adjustable passenger seat
Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support
8 -way power passenger seat
Multi-level heating driver seat
Leather
Multi-level heating passenger seat
8 -way power driver seat
Height adjustable passenger seat
Bucket front seats
Height adjustable driver seat
Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support
4-Way Manual Passenger Seat Adjustment
Leather
Multi-Level Heating Driver Seat
Multi-Level Heating Passenger Seat
Rear Seats Features: 
Folding with storage center armrest
Split-folding rear seatback
Reclining rear seats
Manual folding split-bench third row seats
Rear ventilation ducts with fan control
Reclining rear seats
Folding center armrest
Split-folding rear seatback

Suspension

Front Suspension: 
Front stabilizer bar
Front stabilizer bar
Rear Suspension: 
Rear stabilizer bar
Rear stabilizer bar
Suspension Info: 
Four-wheel independent suspension
Four-wheel independent suspension

Comfort

Interior air Filtration: 
yes
yes
Climate Control: 
yes
yes
More Comfort Features: 
Electrochromatic inside rearview mirror
Dual illuminating vanity mirrors
Turn signal in mirrors
Leather steering wheel
Dual illuminating vanity mirrors
Leather Steering Wheel
Interior Air Filtration

Entertainment

DVD player: 
no
no
AM/FM Radio: 
yes
yes
Satellite radio: 
yes
no
Video monitor: 
no
no
More Entertainment: 
USB connection
Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control
8 total speakers
1 subwoofer(s)
432 watts stero output
Speed sensitive volume control
6 total speakers
Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control
USB connection

Exterior Features

Sunroof: 
yes
yes
Rear defogger: 
yes
yes
More in Glass and Roof: 
Intermittent rear wiper
Privacy glass
Intermittent wipers
Remote sunroof operation
Power glass sunroof
Intermittent rear wiper
Variable intermittent wipers
Roof rack
Power glass sunroof
Alloy Wheels: 
yes
yes
Wheel size: 
18 x 8.0 in
17 x 7.0
Wheels more: 
All season tires
Underbody mounted spare tire
Null spare wheel
Alloy wheels
Inside mounted spare tire
Temporary spare tire
All season tires
Wheel Dimensions: 
Width: 
245.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
60
Width: 
225.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
60
Diameter: 
R17

Safety Features

ABS: 
yes
yes
Front head airbags: 
yes
yes
Rear head airbags: 
yes
yes
Dual front side-mounted airbags: 
yes
yes
Emergency braking assist: 
yes
yes
Traction control: 
yes
yes
Child seat anchors: 
yes
yes
Front brakes: 
Front ventilated disc brakes
Front ventilated disc brakes
Stability control: 
yes
yes
Rear brakes: 
solid rear disc brakes
rear ventilated disc brakes
Rear door child safety locks: 
yes
yes
Daytime running lights: 
yes
yes
Engine immobilizer: 
yes
yes
Front fog lights: 
no
yes
Dusk sensing headlamps: 
yes
yes
Auto delay off headlamps: 
yes
yes
Front headrests: 
yes
yes
Rear headrests: 
yes
yes
Tire pressure monitoring: 
yes
yes
More Safety Features: 
Post-collision safety system
Rear height adjustable headrests
Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
Rear center 3-point belt
LED headlamp
Remote anti-theft alarm system
Turn signal mirrors
Security System Shock Sensor
Rear center 3-point belt
Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
Post-collision safety system
Remote anti-theft alarm system
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests
Blind-Spot Warning Accident Avoidance System
4-Wheel ABS
2 Front Headrests
3 Rear Headrests

Options

Packages: 
Standard Model - 2.5i Limited
Popular Package #2
EyeSight, Navigation System, Audio W/Harmon Kardon Amplifier And Speakers
Navigation System, Audio W/Harmon Kardon Amplifier And Speakers
Exterior Options: 
Wheel Lock Kit (Alloy Wheels)
Body Side Molding Kit Ice Silver Metallic
Wheel Arch Moldings
Body Side Molding Kit Dark Gray Metallic
Door Edge Guard Crystal Black Silica
Door Edge Guard Ice Silver Metallic
Door Edge Guard Crystal White Pearl
Door Edge Guard Jasmine Green
Splash Guards
Rear Bumper Cover
Door Edge Guard Quartz Blue Pearl
Door Edge Guard Venetian Red Pearl
Front Bumper Underguard
Cross Bar Set - Aero
Sport Grille
Trailer Hitch And Harness
Body Side Molding Kit Jasmine Green
Door Edge Guard Dark Gray Metallic
Rear Bumper Underguard
Body Side Molding Kit Venetian Red
Body Side Molding Kit Crystal Black Silica
Body Side Molding Kit Quartz Blue Pearl
Body Side Molding Kit Crystal White Pearl
Interior Options: 
Compartment Separator
Cargo Net Rear Seat Back
Sunshade
Cargo Net Side
Auto-Dimming Mirror w/Compass
Cargo Net Rear
Tweeter Kit
Rear Seat Back Protector
All-Weather Floor Mats
STI Leather Shift Knob CVT
Footwell Illumination Kit - red
Kicker Audio Upgrade Package
Auto-Dimming Mirror w/Compass and Homelink
Speaker Kit
Side Still Plate-Front
Interior & Exterior Auto Dimming Mirror W/ Approach Lighting & Blind Spot Detection
Interior & Exterior Auto Dimming Mirror W/ Homelink & Approach Lighting & Blind Spot Detection

Colors

Interior Colors: 
Color: 
Ebony, leather
#101010
Graystone, leather
#78756F
Parchment, leather
#CFC0A3
Color: 
Black, cloth
#343436
Gray, cloth
#A9A6A3