2020 Acura MDX vs 2020 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Acura MDX presented itself as a stylish yet understated crossover SUV. Its design was not groundbreaking, but it was certainly not lacking in appeal. The MDX's Jewel Eye LED headlights added a touch of sophistication to its front, complementing the trapezoidal grille and large Acura logo. The vehicle's sleek, low-slung profile, combined with flawless paint and chrome, contributed to its refined appearance. Inside, the MDX offered a modern and simple aesthetic, with a centre stack featuring twin infotainment screens and a high-quality fit and finish that exuded solidity and craftsmanship.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda CR-V's design was familiar and fun, with curvy, car-like lines that leaned more towards a station wagon than an SUV. Its exterior styling was practical, embodying the essence of modern family transportation. Inside, the CR-V's interior was a mix of textures and materials, with upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather upholstery in higher trims. However, these clashed with some lower-quality plastics, reminding drivers of its commodity car roots. Despite this, the CR-V's interior was spacious and well-packaged, offering excellent head- and legroom and clever storage solutions.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain options: a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and the MDX Sport Hybrid, which combined a 3.0-litre V6 engine with three electric motors for a total of 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. The MDX's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system enhanced its nimbleness, especially in corners, thanks to torque-vectoring technology. This system allowed the MDX to handle curves with ease, providing a smooth and confident driving experience. The four-wheel independent suspension further contributed to its comfortable ride quality.

The 2020 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine across all trims, delivering 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), the CR-V offered a responsive and efficient driving experience. While not sporty, the CR-V's car-like demeanor and nimble handling made it a pleasure to drive. Its lightweight construction contributed to its excellent fuel efficiency, with FWD models rated at 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres combined and AWD models at 8.1. The CR-V's road manners were commendable, with a firm yet comfortable chassis and minimal body roll.

The 2020 Acura MDX excelled in providing family-friendly functionality with its three-row seating configuration. The sliding and reclining second-row seats made accessing the third row easy, while the generous headroom in all rows ensured comfort for passengers. The MDX offered 447 litres of luggage space behind the third row, expandable to 1,229 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,574 litres with the second row down. The interior featured ample storage options, including a flexible centre console, cupholders, and door pockets, along with tri-zone climate control for added comfort.

The 2020 Honda CR-V was renowned for its masterful packaging, offering a spacious cabin comparable to larger vehicles like the Volkswagen Tiguan. The CR-V's excellent seating position and low cowl provided great visibility, while the cargo compartment offered 1,065 litres of space in the Touring and Black Edition trims, and 1,110 litres in other grades. The CR-V's clever storage solutions, such as the deep centre console and two-position load floor, made it easy to accommodate various items. The door pockets were also generously sized, enhancing the CR-V's practicality for everyday use.

The 2020 Acura MDX came equipped with a range of technology features, with trim levels simplified into packages. The base model included Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and an eight-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added navigation, parking sensors, and a premium audio system, while the A-Spec Package introduced LED fog lights, heated and ventilated seats, and more. The Technology Plus and Elite Packages further enhanced the MDX with features like heated rear seats, a surround-view camera, and a rear entertainment system.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system showed its age, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen that lacked the sophistication of competitors. The system's lack of hard buttons made it challenging to operate, and while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, they felt tacked on. The CR-V did offer ample USB ports, with two in the front and two high-powered ones in the backseat. The Touring and Black Edition trims included a wireless phone charger, adding convenience for tech-savvy users.

The 2020 Acura MDX featured the AcuraWatch suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX's Next-Generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure enhanced crash protection, earning it top ratings from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2020 Honda CR-V came standard with the Honda Sensing suite, offering forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Automatic high beams were also standard, while blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. The CR-V earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with LED headlights on the Touring and Black Edition trims improving nighttime visibility.