Luxury crossovers are big business. One of the segment’s perennial best sellers is the Acura MDX and for good reason. But giving this long-time favorite a run for its money is the brand-new Cadillac XT5.
But which of these leather-lined machines is better? Well, that’s up to YOU to decide! Pick a favorite and vote in our poll.
Starting off, we focus on the Acura. This brand’s MDX features a familiar 3.5-liter V6 engine. For 2017 it’s rated at a healthy 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, as is a nine-speed automatic transmission.
But for drivers that want more, grip and handling prowess that is, the company also offers their Super Handling-All-Wheel-Drive system. This technology can send torque to either the front or rear axles as required but it can also apportion it from side to side at the back for enhanced steering performance.
As for the Caddy in this comparison, it’s motivated by a 3.6-liter V6. Bettering the Acura, it delivers 310 ponies and 271 lb-ft of twist, figures that are both SAE certified. Improving fuel economy and performance is a quick-witted eight-speed automatic transmission.
Like the MDX, all-wheel drive is available. The XT5’s “twin-clutch” system is very similar to what’s in the Acura; it’s driver selectable, can send up to 100 percent of available torque to either the front or rear axle and can even apportion that twist from left to right at the back wheels. Pretty neat! It can also fully disconnect for maximum efficiency.
When it comes to pricing, the Cadillac XT5 starts at right around $40,000, a not-unreasonable figure. As for the Acura MDX, it’s a little more ambitions, kicking off at about 45 large.
For more information on each of these luxury crossovers you can compare them right here. And don’t forget to vote in our latest poll!
