2025 Ford Expedition vs 2026 Acura MDX

$57,400 · SUV

$51,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between massive capability and refined efficiency is a common pain point, and that's exactly what the 2025 Ford Expedition and 2026 Acura MDX present. If sheer muscle and towing grunt are your priority, the Expedition leads with a commanding 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque, making its $57,400 MSRP feel justified for heavy-duty needs. However, if your daily driving involves tight city streets and maximizing your fuel budget, the MDX presents a strong case; it's $5,600 cheaper at $51,800 and boasts a superior combined MPG of 22 versus the Expedition's 18. While the MDX sacrifices significant power, coming in at 290 hp, its better fuel economy and smaller footprint make it far more digestible for regular commuting, especially given the Expedition's reliance on premium fuel in an 18 MPG package.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Acura MDX

The Acura MDX wins for commuters due to its significantly better fuel economy, achieving 22 combined MPG compared to the Expedition's 18.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Ford Expedition

The Ford Expedition is the family winner primarily because it offers substantially more interior volume, despite not having its specific cargo cubic footage listed against the MDX's 18.1 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ford Expedition

The Expedition clearly appeals to driving enthusiasts seeking performance, offering 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque versus the MDX's 290 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Acura MDX

The MDX offers better overall value by being $5,600 less expensive while delivering superior efficiency metrics.

Choose the Ford Expedition if...

You frequently tow or haul heavy loads that require the best power figures (480 lb-ft of torque).
Your primary need is maximum passenger and cargo space, prioritizing sheer size over maneuverability.
You want the higher output of 400 horsepower, regardless of the penalty to fuel consumption (15 MPG city).

Choose the Acura MDX if...

Saving money on fuel is crucial, capitalizing on the 4 MPG advantage in combined driving (22 MPG).
You want to save $5,600 upfront, as the MDX starts at $51,800 compared to the Expedition's $57,400.
You prefer a vehicle with tighter dimensions for easier parking, given its smaller overall exterior size.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Expedition	Acura MDX
Length	-	198.4"
Width	-	78.7"
Height	-	67.9"
Wheelbase	-	113.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Ford	Acura
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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Acura
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	3.5 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	V6
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	400 hp	290 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque	480 lb-ft	267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
Number of Valves	24	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Single overhead cam (SOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Ford	Acura
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	four wheel drive	front wheel drive
Transfer Case Gearing	Electronic Hi-Lo	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Acura
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	15/22 MPG	19/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	18 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	0/0 mi.	351.5/481.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	—	18.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Ford	Acura
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	Acura
Infotainment Display	24.0 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	11
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	With Real Time Traffic	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Video Monitor	✓	—

Power Feature

Feature	Ford	Acura
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Keyless Entry	—	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Acura
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Front Head Room	—	38.5 in.
Front Leg Room	—	41.6 in.
Front Shoulder Room	—	61.9 in.
Front Hip Room	—	59.3 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	Acura
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Rear Head Room	—	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	—	38.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	—	60.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	—	57.8 in.
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	Acura
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 8.5 in	19 x 8.5 in
Tire Type	All Terrain	All Season
Tire Size	P265/70R18	255/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Full Size Non-Matching	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Ford	Acura
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Ford	Acura
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ 12000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Expedition and 2026 Acura MDX.

How big is the performance gap between the 2025 Expedition and the 2026 MDX?

The performance gap is substantial; the Expedition generates 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque, whereas the MDX delivers 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, giving the Ford a significant advantage in straight-line power.

Which SUV is cheaper to run daily based on fuel economy?

The 2026 Acura MDX is considerably cheaper to run daily, achieving 22 combined MPG. The 2025 Ford Expedition is rated at only 18 combined MPG, meaning more frequent and expensive stops for premium unleaded fuel.

Is the difference in price justified by the horsepower increase?

The Expedition costs $5,600 more than the MDX, but it provides an extra 110 horsepower. Whether this trade-off is justified depends entirely on whether you need that extra power for towing or hauling, as the MDX is significantly more economical.

Does the MDX have better cargo room than the Expedition?

The provided specifications list the 2026 Acura MDX with 18.1 cu ft of cargo capacity. While the Ford Expedition is much larger overall, its specific cargo volume figure is not listed for a direct comparison, though it is expected to be significantly higher.

Are both vehicles equipped with four-wheel drive?

No, the 2025 Ford Expedition comes standard with four-wheel drive, which aids traction in rough conditions. The 2026 Acura MDX base model is listed with front-wheel drive, potentially offering less capability in poor weather unless an AWD option is selected.

Do both SUVs use the same type of transmission?

Yes, both the 2025 Ford Expedition and the 2026 Acura MDX utilize a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission, suggesting a similar approach to gear management in their respective drivetrains.