VS
At a Glance
Power
290hp @ 6200
395hp @ 5500
Torque
267lb-ft @ 4700
406lb-ft @ 2000
Towing
5000lbs
8200lbs
Engine
3.5 L/212cc
3.0 L/183cc
Choosing between the Acura Mdx and the Land Rover Defender is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Acura Mdx delivers 290hp @ 6200 while the Land Rover Defender produces 395hp @ 5500. Pricing starts at $68,900 for the Mdx and $63,500 for the Defender. 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.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
290hp @ 6200
395hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
267lb-ft @ 4700
406lb-ft @ 2000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.5 L/212cc
3.0 L/183cc
Engine Layout
V
Inline
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
Gasoline
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
19mpg
—
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
25mpg
—
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
18.5gal
23.8gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
198.4in
197.5in
Width (in)
78.7in
79.1in
Height (in)
67.9in
77.7in
Wheelbase (in)
113.8in
119in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4544lbs
5035lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
5000lbs
8200lbs
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
Land Rover Defender
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Defender
Practicality
Defender
Pros & Cons
Acura Mdx
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Land Rover Defender
Lower starting price ($63,500)
Higher towing capacity (8200lbs)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Mdx or Defender?
The Mdx produces 290hp @ 6200 and 267lb-ft @ 4700 of torque while the Defender delivers 395hp @ 5500 and 406lb-ft @ 2000 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Mdx and Defender?
The Mdx starts from $68,900 and the Defender from $63,500. The Defender is cheaper by $5,400 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Mdx or Defender?
The Mdx has a braked towing capacity of 5000lbs and the Defender can tow 8200lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Mdx or the Defender?
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.