2022 Acura MDX vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered a diverse range of trims, each with distinct styling elements that set them apart. The base LS and popular LT trims featured different grille patterns, while the sporty RST trim boasted a slotted grille, blacked-out appearance, and 22-inch wheels. The rugged Z71 trim combined the LS grille with a blacked-out look, a redesigned front end for off-roading, red tow hooks, a skid plate, and unique 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. The upscale Premier trim adopted the RST’s slotted grille with chrome accents and polished wheels, while the luxurious High Country trim showcased a chrome bar grille and bright-finish 22-inch wheels. The Tahoe's design was dominated by its grille, with standard LED headlights and expressive taillights. The SUV's styling retained familiar themes but appeared more slab-sided, with larger wheels enhancing its appearance. Prices ranged from $57,048 for the LS to $81,448 for the High Country, with the Z71 trim tested at $80,293, including various option packages.

The 2022 Acura MDX, built on a new dedicated platform, presented a sportier and more assertive exterior design with a longer wheelbase, wider body, and increased dash-to-axle distance. The MDX featured standard Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels, contributing to its modern look. Inside, the MDX's cabin was modernized with a layered dashboard, authentic materials like natural wood and genuine aluminum, and a unique gear selection system. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen was strategically placed for safety, and the front seats offered comfort with a wide range of adjustments. The MDX's solid build quality and luxury feel were evident, with a choice of eight exterior colours and six interior themes. The MDX was crafted in East Liberty, Ohio, showcasing high craftsmanship and quality.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered three engine options. Most trims came with a 5.3-litre V8 engine producing 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, while the High Country trim featured a 6.2-litre V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel engine, available for all trims except the Z71, delivered 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, promising improved fuel efficiency. The Tahoe's 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with a 4WD system optional on base trims and standard on others. The Z71 trim included a two-speed transfer case, hill descent control, and off-road enhancements. The Tahoe could tow up to 3,810 kilograms and handle 831 kilograms of payload. The major engineering change was the adoption of an independent rear suspension, improving ride quality and interior comfort. The Z71 trim impressed with its smooth ride, adaptive damping, and air suspension upgrades, while the 5.3-litre V8 engine and 10-speed transmission provided ample power and refinement.

The 2022 Acura MDX launched with a single engine option, a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. The new 10-speed automatic transmission, paired with Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), enhanced cornering feel and control. The 4th-generation SH-AWD system improved torque distribution and response, enhancing performance. The MDX's suspension upgrades included a double-wishbone front setup and revised rear multi-link suspension, improving ride quality and handling. The MDX's overall stiffness and rigidity were significantly improved, contributing to a solid ride feel. The 10-speed transmission worked seamlessly with the engine, offering smooth shifts and responsive performance. Five drive modes allowed customization of performance characteristics. During testing, the MDX impressed with its handling and comfort, feeling closer to the benchmark Audi Q7 and outperforming competitors like the Lexus RX L and Volvo XC90.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe's new independent rear suspension improved passenger comfort and cargo space. The test vehicle featured heated power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel, with ventilated seats available on higher trims. The power sliding storage console offered convenient storage options. The second row provided a choice between a bench seat or captain’s chairs, with easy access to the third row. The third-row seat room was significantly improved, accommodating adults comfortably. The Tahoe offered 722 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 2,056 litres with the seat folded, and a maximum of 3,480 litres. These figures surpassed most full-size SUVs, except for longer-wheelbase models.

The 2022 Acura MDX excelled in versatility, offering comfortable seating for the first two rows and an innovative second row with a removable centre section. The second row could slide and recline, balancing legroom for passengers. Access to the third row was easy, though it was best suited for smaller passengers. The MDX provided 461 to 512 litres of luggage space behind the third row, with additional underfloor storage. Folding the third row expanded capacity to 1,107 to 1,367 litres, and folding the second row offered 2,021 to 2,690 litres. The power tailgate featured convenient functions like Walk Away Close and Hands-Free Access. Interior lighting was customizable with 27 themes, enhancing the cabin ambiance.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with enhanced computing power and cybersecurity. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, and Chevrolet Connected Services. Navigation and Bose premium audio systems were available upgrades. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though some controls were hard to access. The voice-recognition system was impressive, and Bluetooth pairing was quick. The test vehicle included a Rear Seat Media system, though it lacked the available 15-inch head-up display.

The 2022 Acura MDX offered advanced technology, including the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System with 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification. Navigation was standard on higher trims, and all models featured a 12.3-inch infotainment system and Acura Precision Cockpit. Amazon Alexa integration allowed home-to-car functionality. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Qi-compatible wireless charging, and a CabinTalk feature were standard. The Platinum Elite trim included a head-up display and surround-view camera. A WiFi hotspot and over-the-air updates were also standard.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe included standard safety features like Teen Driver, rear-seat reminder, forward collision alert, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered additional features like lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Tahoe's safety features worked as expected, though the pedestrian alert could be distracting. A surround-view camera was recommended for maneuvering the large SUV. The Tahoe had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review.

The 2022 Acura MDX received a “Top Safety Pick +” rating from IIHS, with top marks in every category. NHTSA had not yet rated the MDX, but Acura aimed for improved ratings. The MDX featured a higher percentage of high-strength steel and an advanced safety structure. The front end was redesigned for pedestrian safety, with low-speed braking control and collision mitigation throttle control. The AcuraWatch suite included collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more.