Poll: Acura MDX or Volvo XC90?
Premium crossovers are the subject of today’s poll. We’re pitting the ever-popular Acura MDX against Volvo’s award-winning XC90 in a cyber popularity contest. Do you have a favorite?
If so, you’ve got to vote! C’mon, let your voice be heard!
Sure, these luxury people-haulers share a lot in common. They offer tons of premium features, have comfortable interiors with seating for plenty of passengers and even provide industry-leading safety should the unfortunate happen out on the road.
But underneath their upscale bodies is where these vehicles differ the most. Starting with the Acura, it features a 3.5-liter V6 that delivers 290 horses and 267 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission for enhanced performance and efficiency. This is the only powertrain available with the exception of a Sport Hybrid variant.
Now, in addition to this, the MDX is also available with either front- or all-wheel drive. The latter is of the Acura brand’s Super Handling variety, which can apportion torque to each rear wheel differently to help this crossover feel sportier.
Moving on to the Volvo, it offers a range of engine options, but the most powerful non-hybrid version is the T6 option. The heart of this system is a heavily boosted four-cylinder engine.
Displacing just 2.0-liters, this unit is both turbo- and supercharged for impressive performance. The belt-driven blower-kicks in at low RPM to bolster torque production, but as RPM increase it hands off to the turbo, which provides lots of peak boost.
The result of this teamwork is 316 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This mighty little engine is matched exclusively to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
As for pricing, it’s another thing these two vehicles have in common. A base T6 version of the XC90 starts at less than $54,000 out the door. The MDX is a little bit more affordable than its Swedish rival. An all-wheel-drive version with the optional tech package is about four-grand cheaper.
So, which of these premium crossovers do YOU prefer? Compare them directly right here and don’t forget to vote!
Born and raised in metro Detroit, Craig was steeped in mechanics from childhood. He feels as much at home with a wrench or welding gun in his hand as he does behind the wheel or in front of a camera. Putting his Bachelor's Degree in Journalism to good use, he's always pumping out videos, reviews, and features for AutoGuide.com. When the workday is over, he can be found out driving his fully restored 1936 Ford V8 sedan. Craig has covered the automotive industry full time for more than 10 years and is a member of the Automotive Press Association (APA) and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA).
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I always respected the MDX ... until they dumbed down the SH-AWD and switched to the laughably bad ZF 9-speed auto. Even without the gearbox advantage, the Volvo wins with better styling inside and out and better packaging. If only it could be had with more redundant controls and Acura's V6.
Volvo for me! I'll admit i'm somewhat biased as a current 15 XC60 2.0 litre owner...and very pleased with it. Waiting impatiently on the new 18 XC60