VS
At a Glance
Power
355hp @ 5500
300hp @ 5500
Torque
354lb-ft @ 1400
310lb-ft @ 3500
Towing
5000lbs
5000lbs
Engine
3.0 L/183cc
2.3 L/140cc
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 355hp @ 5500 while the Ford Explorer produces 300hp @ 5500. Pricing starts at $75,850 for the Mdx and $52,965 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.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
355hp @ 5500
300hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
354lb-ft @ 1400
310lb-ft @ 3500
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.0 L/183cc
2.3 L/140cc
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
17mpg
20 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
21mpg
27 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
18.5gal
17.9gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
198.4in
198.8in
Width (in)
78.7in
78.9in
Height (in)
67.9in
70.2in
Wheelbase (in)
113.8in
119.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4776lbs
4457lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
5000lbs
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
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Explorer
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Acura Mdx
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Ford Explorer
Lower starting price ($52,965)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Mdx or Explorer?
The Mdx produces 355hp @ 5500 and 354lb-ft @ 1400 of torque while the Explorer delivers 300hp @ 5500 and 310lb-ft @ 3500 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Mdx and Explorer?
The Mdx starts from $75,850 and the Explorer from $52,965. The Explorer is cheaper by $22,885 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 5000lbs 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.