Compare the2024 Acura MDXVS 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander

Safety
Warranty
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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Both the MDX and the Outlander have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

The Acura MDX weighs 468 to 1195 pounds more than the Mitsubishi Outlander. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Acura MDX is safer than the Outlander:

	MDX	Outlander
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Structure	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	83	171
Neck Tension	134 lbs.	201 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Torso Max Deflection	1.18 in	1.46 in
Torso Deflection Rate	8 MPH	8 MPH
Pelvis	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Pelvis Force	602 lbs.	1071 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Neck Compression	45 lbs.	89 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	GOOD
Pelvis	GOOD	GOOD
Pelvis Force	602 lbs.	647 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

The Acura MDX has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2024 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned an “Acceptable” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and an “Acceptable” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The Outlander has not yet been fully evaluated by the IIHS for 2024.

Warranty

The MDX’s corrosion warranty is unlimited miles longer than the Outlander’s (unlimited vs. 100,000 miles).

Engine

The MDX’s standard 3.5 SOHC V6 produces 109 more horsepower (290 vs. 181) and 86 lbs.-ft. more torque (267 vs. 181) than the Outlander’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder. The MDX Type S’ standard 3.0 turbo V6 produces 174 more horsepower (355 vs. 181) and 173 lbs.-ft. more torque (354 vs. 181) than the Outlander’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Acura MDX is faster than the Mitsubishi Outlander:

	MDX V6	MDX Type S	Outlander
Zero to 30 MPH	3 sec	2 sec	3.7 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	7.4 sec	5.4 sec	9.9 sec
Quarter Mile	15.8 sec	14 sec	17.5 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	92 MPH	101 MPH	83 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the MDX’s fuel efficiency. The Outlander doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the MDX’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Outlander doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The MDX has 4 gallons more fuel capacity than the Outlander (18.5 vs. 14.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the MDX Type S’ brake rotors are larger than those on the Outlander:

	MDX Type S	Outlander
Front Rotors	14.3 inches	13.8 inches

The MDX stops shorter than the Outlander:

	MDX	Outlander
70 to 0 MPH	170 feet	172 feet	Car and Driver

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the MDX has larger standard tires than the Outlander (255/55R19 vs. 235/60R18). The MDX Type S’ tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Outlander (275/40R21 vs. 255/45R20).

The MDX’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Outlander ES’ standard 60 series tires. The MDX Type S’ tires have a lower 40 series profile than the Outlander SE/Black Edition/SEL’s 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the MDX has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the Outlander ES. The MDX Type S’ 21-inch wheels are larger than the 20-inch wheels on the Outlander SE/Black Edition/SEL.

Having a flat tire is dangerous, inconvenient and expensive. The self-sealing tires available on the MDX can automatically seal most punctures up to 3/16 of an inch, effectively preventing most flat tires. The Outlander doesn’t offer self-sealing tires.

The MDX SH-AWD has a standard space-saver spare (not available on FWD/Type S) so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the Outlander; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

Suspension and Handling

The MDX offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Outlander’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The MDX Type S has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The MDX’s height leveling suspension allows the driver to raise ride height for better off-road clearance and then lower it again for easier entering and exiting and better on-road handling. The Outlander doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the MDX’s wheelbase is 7.3 inches longer than on the Outlander (113.8 inches vs. 106.5 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the MDX is 5 inches wider in the front and 4.6 inches wider in the rear than on the Outlander.

The MDX Type S handles at .87 G’s, while the Outlander SEL AWC pulls only .85 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The MDX Type S executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the Outlander SEL AWC (27 seconds @ .66 average G’s vs. 27.4 seconds @ .61 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the MDX Type S has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Outlander SE/Black Edition/SEL (9.4 vs. 8.4 inches), allowing the MDX to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

For excellent aerodynamics, the MDX has standard flush composite headlights. The Outlander has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

The MDX uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Outlander doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

Passenger Space

The MDX has 13.6 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Outlander (139.1 vs. 125.5).

The MDX has 5.3 inches more front hip room, 4 inches more front shoulder room, 4.5 inches more rear hip room, 4.4 inches more rear shoulder room, 1.7 inches more third row headroom, 10.4 inches more third row legroom and 4 inches more third row shoulder room than the Outlander.

Cargo Capacity

The MDX’s cargo area provides more volume than the Outlander.

	MDX	Outlander
Behind Third Seat	18.1 cubic feet	11.7 cubic feet
Third Seat Folded	48.4 cubic feet	33.5 cubic feet
Second Seat Folded	95 cubic feet	79.7 cubic feet

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the MDX. The Outlander doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

Towing

The MDX’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Outlander’s (3500 vs. 2000 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Mitsubishi Outlander is only 2000 pounds. The MDX SH-AWD offers up to a 5000 lbs. towing capacity.

Servicing Ease

The MDX uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Outlander uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Acura service is better than Mitsubishi. J.D. Power ranks Acura 6th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 17% lower rating, Mitsubishi is ranked 12th.

Ergonomics

Unlike the driver-only memory seat and mirrors in the Outlander SEL, the MDX offers an optional passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The MDX’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Outlander’s standard passenger windows don’t open or close automatically.

If the windows are left open on the MDX the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Outlander can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The MDX’s standard Keyless Access System allows you to unlock the doors from either front door handle, open the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Pushbutton Start standard on the Outlander only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the vehicle. Pushbutton Start is not available on the Outlander SE/Black Edition/SEL The MDX’s optional Keyless Access System also allows you to unlock the doors from either rear door handle. The Outlander SE/Black Edition/SEL’s available FAST-Key doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door.

Consumer Reports rated the MDX’s headlight performance “Very Good,” a higher rating than the Outlander’s headlights, which were rated “Good.”

The MDX’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Mitsubishi only offers heated mirrors on the Outlander SE/Black Edition/SEL.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the MDX keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Outlander doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

The MDX Type S Advance has standard massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the Outlander.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Acura MDX has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Only the Outlander SEL offers wireless charging.

The MDX offers an optional 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The Outlander doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the MDX owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the MDX will cost $1985 to $9400 less than the Outlander over a five-year period.

The MDX will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the MDX will retain 50.63% to 53.63% of its original price after five years, while the Outlander only retains 47.95% to 49.74%.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Acura MDX and the Mitsubishi Outlander, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Acura MDX outsold the Mitsubishi Outlander by 17% during 2023.