2025 Acura MDX vs 2025 Volvo XC90

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2025 Acura MDX vs. 2025 Volvo XC90: Which SUV Works Better for Life in Edmonton?

Choosing a luxury SUV isn’t just about fancy features. It’s about what works for your daily life. In Edmonton, where winters bite hard and family life keeps moving, a vehicle needs to be ready for anything. The 2025 Acura MDX and the 2025 Volvo XC90 both bring power and polish, but the MDX blends performance, comfort and value in a way the XC90 can’t quite match. Let’s take a closer look.

First Look: Sharp vs. Soft

The Acura MDX shows up bold. Its front end is strong and wide. It has a clean but athletic shape, with details that stand out without trying too hard. The new Platinum Elite A-SPEC adds even more presence with black accents and sporty touches.

The Volvo XC90 feels calm and minimalist. It looks clean, like most Scandinavian designs. But after 10 years without a major update, it’s starting to show its age beside the more refreshed MDX.

Inside Feels Everything

Step into the MDX and it feels like it was built around you. The seats are firm yet soft, with 16-way power adjustments and available massage functions. Acura’s touchpoints are simple and smart, with a new 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless phone tools and better storage throughout. Laminated rear glass and added insulation keep the cabin quiet, even on Anthony Henday during rush hour. Volvo’s cabin is comfy too. The materials are soft and the seats feel nice. But the infotainment system feels dated and tricky to use. Many basic controls are buried behind layers of touchscreen menus. Also, third-row access is awkward, and those rear seats aren’t great for grownups or longer rides.

The Drive Feels Different

Under the hood, the MDX gives you a solid 3.5-litre V6 with 290 hp. Need more? The MDX Type S Ultra pushes out 355 hp with its turbocharged 3.0-litre engine. Either way, you get a smooth 10-speed transmission and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive on all trims. That’s a win in snowy Edmonton.

The XC90 has a 2.0-litre turbo engine with light hybrid help (B6). It’s decent, offering 295 hp. But it can’t match the low-end torque or punch of Acura’s turbo V6. You can get a T8 plug-in hybrid with more power, but the price jumps way up.

Road Comfort, Edmonton Style

Whether you’re heading to Jasper or picking up groceries on Whyte Ave, the MDX feels confident and strong. The steering is tight and smooth. The ride is firm but comfy. With added suspension upgrades in the Type S, you get more grip and better handling than most SUVs in its class.

The XC90 is soft and smooth too, but it leans more into comfort than control. It doesn’t handle corners or snowy back roads as well. It’s good for easy city drives but doesn’t feel as fun or confident when pushed.

Keeping Your Family Safe

The MDX is loaded with safety features. All trims come with AcuraWatch, which now includes more advanced sensors and a wider field of view. The Type S Ultra adds AcuraWatch 360 for even smarter assistance. Features like Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Change Collision Mitigation and Front Cross Traffic Warning all come standard here.

The Volvo XC90 does a good job on safety, too. It has lots of advanced features and a strong crash test score. But Acura’s new hardware and system updates give MDX the edge in real-time response and smart driving help.

Space Where It Counts

Families need space, and the MDX has plenty of it. It holds up to 2,022 litres of cargo with the seats folded. Even behind the third row, you still get 462 litres. The floor is flat and there’s extra storage under the floor. Third-row space is better than most in this class, and access is simpler than in the Volvo.

The XC90 offers decent room, but it feels tighter overall. Its third row is smaller and less useful. It’s more of a backup seat than a true spot for passengers. Loading cargo takes a bit more effort due to its taller profile and narrower space.

Final Thought: Which SUV Makes More Sense for Edmonton?

In the end, the 2025 Acura MDX is just a better fit for Alberta living. It’s made to handle the cold, carry your family, and keep you comfortable and confident behind the wheel. The XC90 is fine, but it costs more and gives you less of what matters day to day.

Want to see the MDX up close? Visit us at West Side Acura in Edmonton. Take one for a spin. Feel the power. Try the seats. See how much room it really has. If you’re ready for a luxury SUV that’s smart, strong and ready for Alberta roads, the 2025 Acura MDX is waiting for you.

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