VS
At a Glance
Power
290hp @ 6200
400hp @ 5500
Torque
267lb-ft @ 4700
415lb-ft @ 3500
Fuel
22 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Towing
3500lbs
5000lbs
Engine
3.5 L/212ci
3.0 L/183ci
Choosing between the Acura Mdx and the Ford Explorer is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Acura Mdx delivers 290hp @ 6200 while the Ford Explorer produces 400hp @ 5500. On fuel, the Mdx returns 22 mpg est. while the Explorer uses 22 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $54,850 for the Mdx and $56,905 for the Explorer. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Acura MdxFWD w/Technology Package 2024 - From $54,850
Ford ExplorerST 4WD 2026 - From $56,905
Performance
Power Output (hp)
290hp @ 6200
400hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
267lb-ft @ 4700
415lb-ft @ 3500
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.5 L/212ci
3.0 L/183ci
Engine Layout
V
V
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic w/OD
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
22 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
19mpg
18 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
26mpg
25 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
18.5gal
20.2gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
198.4in
198.8in
Width (in)
78.7in
78.9in
Height (in)
67.1in
69.8in
Wheelbase (in)
113.8in
119.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4297lbs
4766lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
5000lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Ford Explorer
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Explorer
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Mdx
Practicality
Explorer
Pros & Cons
Acura Mdx
Lower starting price ($54,850)
Few notable weaknesses
Ford Explorer
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Mdx or Explorer?
The Mdx gets 22 mpg est. and the Explorer gets 22 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Explorer is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Mdx or Explorer?
The Mdx produces 290hp @ 6200 and 267lb-ft @ 4700 of torque while the Explorer delivers 400hp @ 5500 and 415lb-ft @ 3500 of torque. The Explorer is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Mdx and Explorer?
The Mdx starts from $54,850 and the Explorer from $56,905. The Mdx is cheaper by $2,055 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Mdx or Explorer?
The Mdx has a braked towing capacity of 3500lbs and the Explorer can tow 5000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Mdx or the Explorer?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.