2025 Acura MDX vs 2025 Land Rover Defender
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Acura MDX steps onto the pavement with a refined spirit, boasting 290 horsepower and a comfortable 22 MPG combined, while the rugged 2025 Land Rover Defender counters with raw, go-anywhere capability and a commanding 295 lb-ft of torque. The MDX offers more practicality with a larger 18.1 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Defender's 15.6 cu ft, appealing to daily drivers needing flexibility. Conversely, the Defender packs superior off-road credentials, highlighted by its standard AWD and taller stance at 77.5 inches high. The Acura starts significantly lower at $51,200, presenting a compelling luxury proposition against the Defender's $56,900 sticker price. While the Defender edges the MDX in brute force metrics (296 hp vs 290 hp), the MDX’s FWD setup and better highway efficiency of 26 MPG make it the pragmatist's choice in this high-end crossover shootout.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Acura MDX
The Acura MDX achieves better fuel economy at 22 MPG combined versus the Defender's 19 MPG, easing daily driving costs.
2025 Acura MDX
The MDX offers superior practicality with 18.1 cubic feet of cargo space, providing more room for family gear than the Defender's 15.6 cubic feet.
2025 Land Rover Defender
The Land Rover Defender delivers superior pulling power with 295 lb-ft of torque and standard All-Wheel Drive for dynamic driving.
2025 Acura MDX
The Acura MDX is priced $5,700 lower than the Defender while offering competitive horsepower and superior fuel economy.
Choose the Acura MDX if...
- You prioritize day-to-day efficiency, netting 26 MPG on the highway.
- You need the largest possible storage capacity, benefiting from 18.1 cu ft of cargo space.
- You prefer a lower initial investment, starting at $51,200.
Choose the Land Rover Defender if...
- You crave maximum low-end pulling force, thanks to 295 lb-ft of torque.
- You require the security of standard All-Wheel Drive for varied conditions.
- You value a commanding presence with a taller 77.5-inch height designed for capability.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Acura MDX | Land Rover Defender |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.4" | 180.5" |
| Width | 78.7" | - |
| Height | 67.9" | 77.5" |
| Wheelbase | 113.8" | 101.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Acura | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Acura | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 290 hp @ 6200 rpm | 296 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Single overhead cam (SOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Acura | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| 4WD System Type | — | Full Time |
| Transfer Case Gearing | — | Electronic Hi-Lo |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Acura | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/26 MPG | 18/21 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 19 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.5/481.0 mi. | 428.4/499.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 23.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Acura | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Side View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors with Side Sensing | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Acura | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | — |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 11 | 11 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Meridian Speakers | — | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | — | 400W |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Acura | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Acura | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.5 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.6 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.9 in. | — |
| Front Hip Room | 59.3 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 2-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Manual |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 3 | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 2-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Manual |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leather/Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Acura | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 37.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.5 in. | 36.6 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 60.3 in. | — |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.8 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Acura | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/55R19 | 255/65R19 |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 19 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Full Size Matching |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Outside Rear Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Acura | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Acura | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura MDX and 2025 Land Rover Defender.
How significant is the power difference between the 2025 MDX and Defender?
The 2025 Land Rover Defender technically has a slight edge with 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Acura MDX's 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. While small numerically, the Defender’s higher torque output suggests a stronger feeling of acceleration reserve.
Is the MDX significantly cheaper than the Defender?
Yes, the 2025 Acura MDX has a notable MSRP advantage, starting at $51,200, while the 2025 Land Rover Defender commands a price of $56,900. This $5,700 difference is substantial when comparing two premium crossovers.
Which vehicle is better suited for long highway commutes regarding fuel?
The Acura MDX is the superior choice for efficiency, achieving 26 MPG on the highway compared to the Defender’s 21 MPG highway rating. This results in fewer stops at the premium fuel pump over long distances.
Does the size difference affect usability?
The MDX is longer at 198.4 inches, resulting in 18.1 cu ft of cargo space, whereas the Defender is noticeably shorter in length (180.5 inches) and offers less cargo room (15.6 cu ft). Families needing maximum utility will favor the MDX’s volume.
What is the major drivetrain advantage for the Defender?
The Defender comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, providing inherent traction advantages across slippery surfaces, while the standard configuration for the Acura MDX is Front Wheel Drive.
How do their transmissions compare?
The MDX utilizes a more complex 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the Land Rover Defender uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. This typically means the MDX can maintain engine efficiency across a wider speed range.
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