With so many options on the market, choosing the best luxury SUV can be a challenge. But your choice doesn’t always need to be difficult. According to U.S. News, if you’re torn between the 2020 Cadillac XT6 and the Acura MDX, there’s no contest — the MDX is the clear winner.

Selling points for the Cadillac XT6

The Cadillac XT6 may not beat the Acura MDX, but it does have a few attractive features. This brand-new model has a very quiet cabin, making for a pleasant driving experience. It also has a fairly roomy cabin, comfortably seating seven adults in all three rows. With each of the rear seats folded down, the XT6 has 78.7 cubic feet of cargo space — some of the best in its class.

Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an 8-inch touchscreen all come standard with the XT6. This luxury SUV’s infotainment system is called the Cadillac User Experience, or CUE. It is easy to use, with quick response time and clear graphics.

Acura MDX specs

The Acura MDX contains a V6 engine that gets 290 hp. It has fuel economy estimates of approximately 20 miles per gallon in the city and 27 miles per gallon on the highway — excellent mileage for this class of vehicle.

Comfortable leather seats come standard on the MDX, which can seat up to seven people. In total, it has 68.4 cubic feet of cargo space. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Siri Eyes Free also come standard. The infotainment system comes with both upper and lower monitors, which measure eight inches and seven inches respectively.

Why is the MDX so much better than the XT6?

Although the Cadillac XT6 is a decent luxury SUV, it falls short when compared to the Acura MDX. The XT6 may have a bit more room (the MDX struggles to comfortably seat adults in all three rows), but the MDX has significantly more comfortable seats.

Additionally, the MDX has better fuel economy — the XT6 only gets 18 miles per gallon in the city and 25 miles per gallon on the highway. While this is about average for a luxury midsize SUV, the excellent mileage offered by the MDX is a much better deal.

When it comes to the actual driving experience, the MDX overtakes the XT6 yet again. Although both offer fairly smooth rides, the MDX is slightly more agile and can more easily turn corners. The XT6, on the other hand, has a slight body roll during turns that gives it a less athletic feel.

The MDX also features a classier cabin — a definite plus for anyone who wants a luxury experience. While the XT6 has a quiet cabin, the design is less than ideal, and the materials are of lower quality than you might expect from a luxury vehicle. The comfortable leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a well-designed infotainment system all make for an improved driving experience in the MDX.

Higher quality than the Cadillac XT6 at a lower price

In addition to outshining the Cadillac XT6 in just about every capacity, the Acura MDX has one final benefit: its price tag is almost $10,000 lower than the XT6. While the XT6 has a starting price of around $52,695, the MDX comes in at $44,500. “Don’t overthink this one; the MDX is the better SUV,” says U.S. News. 

Finding the ideal vehicle can be an arduous process — so it’s always nice when, once in a while, the decision is clear. While there isn’t anything wrong with the XT6, the MDX offers better fuel economy, a smoother ride, and a classier cabin at a much more affordable price point.