2020 Acura MDX vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2020 Acura MDX was a well-designed crossover SUV, though its styling was not particularly groundbreaking or attention-grabbing. It blended seamlessly into its surroundings, offering a sense of understated elegance without drawing undue attention. The MDX featured Acura's signature Jewel Eye LED headlights, which added a touch of sophistication to the vehicle's front end. These headlights, with their five LED elements per side, flanked a trapezoidal grille that prominently displayed the Acura logo, creating an expressive and polished look. The MDX's exterior was sleek and low-slung for a three-row SUV, with chiseled details and a fast roofline, complemented by flawless paint and chrome finishes.

Inside, the MDX offered a modern and simple design, avoiding the excessive padding and stitching found in many luxury interiors. The centre stack was a standout feature, with twin infotainment screens, including an 8.0-inch LED screen for navigation and an On Demand Multi-Use Display touchscreen. The interior exuded a sense of solidity and quality, with high-quality materials and superior fit and finish. Knobs and switches operated with precision, enhancing the overall feel of the vehicle.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, on the other hand, embraced a more traditional SUV styling with its tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch. It seamlessly fit into the Volvo lineup, featuring familiar design elements like the "Thor’s Hammer" LED headlights and a simple oval grille. The XC40 Recharge variant stood out with its blanked-off grille, subtle "Recharge" badging, and model-specific alloy wheels. It also featured a gloss black roof and mirror caps, along with a unique rear bumper design. The XC40's interior was minimalist yet premium, with high-quality materials such as real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery. The design was coherent, with elements like the portrait-oriented touchscreen and air vents blending harmoniously.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain options. The standard model featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The MDX Sport Hybrid variant combined a 3.0-litre V6 gasoline engine with three electric motors, delivering a total of 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The MDX demonstrated impressive straight-line performance, with smooth acceleration and nimble handling, especially with the Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system. This system incorporated torque-vectoring technology, enhancing cornering and handling by directing power to the outside wheel during turns. The MDX's suspension provided a comfortable ride, making it a suitable companion for long journeys.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline options included a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T4 variant produced 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the T5 variant delivered 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The Recharge model shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, featuring one electric motor per axle, providing all-wheel drive and a combined 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque. The Recharge's 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack enabled a 0 to 100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds. The XC40 emphasized comfort and quietness, with excellent ride quality even on rough roads. The Recharge model offered one-pedal driving, utilizing regenerative braking for deceleration, and had a towing capacity of 900 kilograms.

The 2020 Acura MDX was a practical choice for families, offering three rows of seating with sliding and reclining second-row seats for easy access to the third row. It provided 447 litres of luggage space behind the third row, which expanded to 1,229 litres with the third row folded flat. With the second row also folded, the cargo space increased to 2,574 litres. The MDX featured various storage solutions, including a recessed cubby hole, underfloor storage, and a flexible centre console with cupholders and USB ports. Tri-zone climate control ensured comfort for all passengers.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, while not particularly spacious, offered clever storage solutions to compensate for its limited interior space. The centre console included a removable trash bin, and a bag hook was integrated into the glovebox door. The Harman Kardon audio system's speakers were moved to the dashboard, allowing for larger door bins. The storage cubby ahead of the shifter was designed to hold a phone securely, and a wireless charging pad was optional. However, second-row occupants lacked phone-charging options. The XC40's interior space was more competitive compared to rivals like the Audi Q3 and BMW X1.

The 2020 Acura MDX featured a simplified trim level system with packages that included various technology features. The base model came equipped with Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and an eight-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added front and rear parking sensors, navigation, and a premium audio system. The A-Spec Package included additional tech features, while the Technology Plus package offered heated rear seats and an upgraded audio system. The Elite Package included an Active Damper System suspension and a rear entertainment screen.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge introduced the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, featuring Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. The system included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Recharge model also offered over-the-air update capability, allowing for software updates without visiting a dealership. The XC40 lacked a start button, relying on a key fob for operation. The Polestar 2's Digital Key feature was expected to be available in the future.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with standard AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX received high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA. The XC40 featured a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Recharge model included Volvo's latest sensor suite, allowing for future driver aid enhancements.