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2021 BMW X5 vs. 2022 Acura MDX

2021 BMW X5 vs. 2022 Acura MDX
2021 BMW X5

vs.

2022 Acura MDX
335 hp 3.0L turbocharged V6

Base Engine

290 hp 3.5L V6 engine
7,200 pounds

Max Towing

5,0-00 pounds
Rear-Wheel Drive

Standard Drivetrain

Front-Wheel Drive
21 mpg city / 26 mpg highway

Standard Fuel Economy

19 mpg city / 26 mpg highway
Available

Hybrid Powertrain

5-7 Passengers

Seating Capacity

7 Passengers

If you’re searching for a family-friendly luxury SUV that’s also fun to drive, you’re almost certainly going to end up comparing Acura vs. BMW. In the highly-competitive midsize SUV segment, that means comparing the Acura MDX vs. BMW X5!

The Acura MDX has entered model-year 2022, while the BMW X5 remains in model-year 2021. We’ve compared the two models on performance, towing capacity, and interior dimensions, so you can choose the option that checks off all the right boxes.

Acura MDX vs. BMW X5: Performance

If you’ve kept up with this match-up in recent years, you might be expecting model-year 2022 to turn over a new leaf for the perennially outclassed MDX. However, whether you’re comparing the MDX to the BMW X5 on towing capacity, power, or fuel economy, the advantages offered by the BMW are impossible to miss.

Here’s what you should know before you take one of these SUVs out on the roads near Chula Vista:

  • Even in its baseline configuration, the 2021 BMW X5 offers more horsepower and torque than any 2022 Acura MDX.
  • If you’re looking for something powerful and efficient, you’ll be happier with the BMW. The X5 offers better city fuel economy in its base configuration, and it’s offered as a plug-in hybrid with up to 50 MPGe in combined city/highway settings.

With all this in mind, here’s a closer look at the performance specs that set these two family SUVs apart:

BMW X5 Powertrains

  • 3.0L turbocharged V6 engine with 335-hp and 330 lb-ft of torque (Standard)
  • 4.4L turbocharged V8 engine with 523-hp and 553 lb-ft of torque (Available)
  • 3.0L I6 engine + integrated electric motor with 389-hp and 443 lb-ft of torque (Available, PHEV)
  • All models are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission

Acura MDX Powertrain

  • 3.5L V6 engine with 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque (Standard)
  • All models are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission

Previously, the Acura MDX offered a unique Sport Hybrid powertrain, but even this was only able to get up to 27 mpg in combined settings. If you’re looking for something efficient, the plug-in hybrid X5 is far and away the better option.

Acura MDX vs. BMW X5: Towing Capacity

The 2021 BMW X5 towing capacity tops out at 7,200 pounds, and you can reach this maximum capacity on almost any trim level, with or without the optional xDrive AWD upgrade. Only the plug-in hybrid configuration has a lower capacity, at 5,952 pounds–but this is still enough power to best any Acura MDX.

The 2022 Acura MDX towing capacity remains as it was before, reaching a maximum of 5,000 pounds on models equipped with Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive. However, on front-wheel drive configurations, you can only tow up to 3,500 pounds. That may not be enough for your needs.

Acura MDX vs. BMW X5: Interior Dimensions

Both models are offered with seating for up to seven passengers, but only the BMW X5 interior gives you the option to stick with a two-row, five-passenger interior. For many El Cajon and Encinitas drivers, the five-passenger interior is more than sufficient.

You might expect the SUV with three standard rows of seating to be significantly more spacious than its rival, but that isn’t the case here. The X5 and the MDX offer near-identical interior dimensions:

BMW X5 Interior Dimensions

  • Seating Capacity: Five passengers across two rows, or seven passengers across three
  • Front/Rear Head Room: 40.7 inches / 38.7 inches
  • Front/Rear Legroom: 39.8 inches / 37.4 inches
  • SAE J1100 Cargo Volume: 72.3 cubic feet

Acura MDX Interior Dimensions

  • Seating Capacity: Seven passengers across three rows
  • Front/Rear Head Room: 38.5 inches / 38.1 inches
  • Front/Rear Legroom: 41.6 inches / 38.5 inches
  • SAE J1100 Cargo Volume: 71.4 cubic feet

Take the 2021 BMW X5 for a Test Drive!

The Acura MDX is new and improved for model-year 2022, but it still can’t notch a win in the Acura MDX vs. BMW X5 matchup. Plus, we’re sure you’ll find even more to love when you experience the new BMW X5 in person! Step into our virtual showroom or check out a few of our BMW X5 lease offers today!

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