VS
At a Glance
Power
355hp @ 5500
518hp @ 6500
Torque
354lb-ft @ 1400
461lb-ft @ 2500
Towing
5000lbs
8200lbs
Engine
3.0 L/183cc
5.0 L/305cc
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 355hp @ 5500 while the Land Rover Defender produces 518hp @ 6500. Pricing starts at $73,800 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)
355hp @ 5500
518hp @ 6500
Torque (lb-ft)
354lb-ft @ 1400
461lb-ft @ 2500
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.0 L/183cc
5.0 L/305cc
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
8
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Supercharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
17mpg
—
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
21mpg
—
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
18.5gal
23.8gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
198.4in
197.5in
Width (in)
78.7in
79.1in
Height (in)
67.1in
77.4in
Wheelbase (in)
113.8in
119in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4788lbs
5735lbs
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 355hp @ 5500 and 354lb-ft @ 1400 of torque while the Defender delivers 518hp @ 6500 and 461lb-ft @ 2500 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Mdx and Defender?
The Mdx starts from $73,800 and the Defender from $63,500. The Defender is cheaper by $10,300 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.