2023 Acura MDX vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Acura MDX presented a blend of luxury and subtlety, especially in its Type S Ultra trim. This model was the first Acura SUV to sport the Type S badge, which stood for a more understated performance aesthetic. The MDX featured chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, along with LED headlights that had automatic high-beam operation. Its exterior was marked by minor front styling modifications and muted badges, complemented by 21-inch wheels and quad exhaust outlets. Inside, the MDX Type S Ultra boasted quilted leather, aluminum interior trim, and a Sport Appearance package, which included a black headliner and stainless steel pedal covers. Despite its appealing design, some elements like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard and the electronic transmission switchgear were less user-friendly.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a significant evolution from Volvo's past boxy designs. The XC90's exterior was purposeful yet not ostentatious, with a stout front end and a grille that was assertive without being flashy. Its "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch, and the overall shape leaned towards a more refined rectilinear design. The test vehicle, in Ultimate trim, featured 21-inch wheels and a Platinum Grey paint with brown undertones. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with two-tone leather steering, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist interior design was complemented by wood deco inlays, although the lack of physical controls could be a drawback for some.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S was distinguished by its turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This was a notable increase over the standard 3.5-litre V6, but the Type S also weighed more, which affected its performance. The engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. The MDX Type S offered various driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. However, the performance upgrades did not integrate seamlessly, leading to issues like an indecisive transmission and poor brake pedal modulation. The fuel economy was also disappointing, with the test drive averaging 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine, a mild-hybrid version of its previous powertrain, offering 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This setup aimed to improve fuel efficiency and smoothness, although the gains were minimal. The XC90's eight-speed automatic transmission performed well, and the vehicle handled corners with less roll than expected. The brakes provided a solid pedal feel, and the overall driving experience was enjoyable yet reserved. The XC90 did not focus on customizable driving dynamics, instead offering a straightforward driving experience that some might find refreshing.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a functional interior with three rows of seats and a spacious cargo area. The test vehicle featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, although the seats were firm and did not hold occupants as securely as expected. The second-row seats were comfortable and could slide to adjust legroom, but the third row was best suited for children. The MDX's interior design prioritized style over storage, with limited space for small items. The cargo area was practical, with a hands-free liftgate and a decent amount of space, offering 461 litres behind the third row and up to 2,021 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's interior was marked by Scandinavian minimalism, which sometimes led to storage frustrations. The front seats were comfortable, but there was limited space for small items, and the USB port was inconveniently located. The second row was spacious, but accessing the third row was challenging, and the cargo space was less than some competitors, offering 356 litres with the third row in place and up to 1,856 litres with all rear seats folded. Despite these limitations, the XC90 drove like a smaller vehicle, which was a positive aspect.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display, but the lack of a touchscreen was a drawback. Instead, it used a True Touchpad Interface (TTI), which was not as intuitive as a touchscreen. The system included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In. The MDX also offered a high-end audio system with 25 speakers and a head-up display in higher trims. However, the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs, which was concerning.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's tech was centred around a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display running Google OS, which integrated Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant. The system's natural-language recognition was a highlight, but the reliance on the touchscreen for many functions could be frustrating. Keyless entry was standard, and a head-up display was optional. The minimalist design was appealing, but some drivers might prefer more physical controls.

The 2023 Acura MDX included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as a collision mitigation braking system, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also had rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX received good crash-test ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, although it had some issues with false lane-departure notifications and adaptive cruise control.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, with a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. It came standard with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The lane-keeping assist was effective, and the Pilot Assist technology provided additional support. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in the XC90's comprehensive safety features.