2025 Acura MDX vs. 2025 Subaru Outback Review

Picture of the 2025 Acura MDX

2025 Acura
MDX

MSRP*: $51,200 to $75,250
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Picture of the 2025 Subaru Outback

2025 Subaru
Outback

MSRP*: $29,010 to $42,910
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MPG - City 17 - 19 MPG 21 - 26 MPG
MPG - Hwy 21 - 26 MPG 26 - 32 MPG
Seating Capacity 7 seats 5 seats
Cargo Space 95.0 ft3 75.6 ft3
Engine
  • 290-hp, 3.5-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 355-hp, 3.0-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 182-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 260-hp, 2.4-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Automatic Continuously Variable
Drivetrain All Wheel Drive, Front Wheel Drive All Wheel Drive
Horsepower 290 - 355 hp 182 - 260 hp
Towing Capacity 3,500 - 5,000 lbs 2,700 - 3,500 lbs
Exterior Length 198.4 in 191.3 - 191.9 in
Exterior Width 78.7 in 74.2 - 74.6 in
Leg Room Front 41.6 in
Rear 38.5 in
Front 42.8 in
Rear 39.5 in
Head Room Front 38.5 in
Rear 38.1 in
Front 39.1 - 40.1 in
Rear 39.1 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
Passengers in the backseat will be able to stretch out a lot more in the Subaru Outback than in the Acura MDX, due to its greater head- and legroom. The Subaru Outback will be a hit with tall drivers and their front seat passengers, since it has greater front head- and legroom than the Acura MDX.

Convenience
The Subaru Outback requires fewer stops at the gas station than the Acura MDX, making it more convenient to drive.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The Acura MDX will definitely make more of a dent in your wallet than the Subaru Outback, which has a much lower MSRP.

Dimensions
Since the Acura MDX is much wider than the Subaru Outback, finding a wide enough spot in a parking lot may be a bit more challenging. For some people, bigger is better. If that's the case for you, then you'll be happier with the Acura MDX, which is slightly longer than the Subaru Outback.

Handling
The Acura MDX has a significantly larger turning radius than the Subaru Outback, making it much more difficult to maneuver in and out of tight spots.

Performance
When considering towing capacity, the Acura MDX is clearly the choice over the Subaru Outback for pulling heavy loads. The Acura MDX has a little more horsepower than the Subaru Outback.

Powertrain
With its lower torque engine, the Acura MDX doesn't do as good a job transmitting power to its wheels as the Subaru Outback.

Utility
The Acura MDX offers greater seating capacity than the Subaru Outback, making it a better choice for those who find themselves chauffeuring others around. With the Acura MDX, you'll be able to haul more equipment or luggage than the Subaru Outback.