VS

Acura MDX vs Nissan Frontier - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (355 HP vs 310 HP), trunk space and price (51,200 $ vs 32,100 $ ) at a glance. See which model fits your needs and budget better – Acura MDX or Nissan Frontier?

Acura MDX vs Nissan Frontier: Key differences

Acura MDX

  • a bit more power
  • barely more efficient
details

Nissan Frontier

  • significantly cheaper
details

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

MDX

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Nissan Frontier is significantly cheaper – starting at 32,100 $ , while the Acura MDX costs 51,200 $ . That’s a price difference of around 19,150 $.

When it comes to city fuel economy, the Acura MDX performs barely better – achieving 19 mpg, compared to 18 mpg for the Nissan Frontier. That’s a difference of about 1 mpg.

Frontier

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Acura MDX offers a bit more power – delivering 355 HP compared to 310 HP. That’s roughly 45 HP more horsepower.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Acura MDX delivers markedly more torque with 354 lb-ft compared to 281 lb-ft. That’s about 73 lb-ft more.

MDX

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Seats: Acura MDX offers more seats – 7 vs 5.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Nissan Frontier holds a slight edge in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from $32,100
Frontier

Nissan Frontier

  • Engine Type : Gasoline
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Rear Wheel, All Wheel
  • Power HP : 310 HP
Acura MDX
Nissan Frontier

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

General

View detailed analysis

Acura MDX

The Acura MDX blends upscale comfort with a surprisingly playful chassis, making school runs feel like detours you actually want to take. Tech and cabin quality punch above the badge, while the confident styling tells the neighbors you’ve graduated from minivan life without going full luxury-brand showoff.

details

Nissan Frontier

The Nissan Frontier is the no-nonsense midsize pickup that doubles as a weekday workhorse and a weekend adventure buddy, with just enough modern polish to keep your commute civilized. Against glossier rivals, it wins you over with straightforward capability, tough-guy charm, and the kind of dependability that doesn’t need to shout about it.

details
Acura MDX
Nissan Frontier

Costs and Consumption

Price
51,200 - 75,300 $
Price
32,100 - 45,600 $
FuelEconomy City
17 - 19 mpg
FuelEconomy City
18 mpg
FuelEconomy Hwy
21 - 26 MPG
FuelEconomy Hwy
22 - 24 MPG
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
18.5 gal
Fuel tank capacity
21.1 gal

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SH-AWD, SUV
Body Type
King Cab, Pickup
Seats
7
Seats
4 - 5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
4,268 - 4,776 lbs
Curb weight
-
Trunk Volume
-
Trunk Volume
-
Length
198.4 in.
Length
210.2 - 224.1 in.
Width
78.7 in.
Width
73 - 74.7 in.
Height
67 in.
Height
71 - 72 in.

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Gasoline
Engine Type
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Drive Type
All Wheel, Front Wheel
Drive Type
Rear Wheel, All Wheel
Power HP
290 - 355 HP
Power HP
310 HP
Torque
267 - 354 lb-ft
Torque
281 lb-ft
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Engine Displacement
3 - 3.5 L
Engine Displacement
3.8 L
Gears
-
Gears
-

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
Brand
Acura
Brand
Nissan
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. Prices shown are manufacturer suggested retail prices (MSRP). Taxes, registration fees and dealer charges are not included.