2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a traditional SUV aesthetic, characterized by its tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, aligning with Volvo's signature design elements like the "Thor’s Hammer" LED headlights and a simple oval grille. The gasoline models offered a retro touch with an optional white contrasting roof. The XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, unique badging, and model-specific alloy wheels, alongside a gloss black roof and mirror caps. Its design subtly indicated its electric nature without being overt. The interior was minimalist yet premium, featuring real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery, creating a cohesive and upscale cabin environment.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura MDX showcased a sportier and more assertive exterior, with a longer wheelbase, wider body, and a refined dash-to-axle distance, enhancing its elegant appearance. The Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels contributed to its modern look. Inside, the MDX's cabin was spacious and luxurious, with authentic materials like natural wood and genuine aluminum. The dashboard design emphasized cabin width, and the centre console featured a unique gear selection system. The MDX's interior was both functional and stylish, offering a comfortable and high-quality experience for passengers.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a diverse powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline variants featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with the T4 producing 187 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, and the T5 delivering 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model boasted a dual-motor setup with 402 hp and 486 lb-ft, powered by a 78-kWh battery. The Recharge accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, while the T5 and T4 took 6.4 and 8.5 seconds, respectively. All models were electronically limited to 180 km/h. The XC40 emphasized comfort and quietness, with excellent ride quality and the option for one-pedal driving in the Recharge.

The 2022 Acura MDX featured a single engine option at launch, a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 producing 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission. The Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system enhanced cornering and control, with torque vectoring capabilities. The MDX's suspension was upgraded to a double-wishbone setup in the front, improving sporty handling, while the rear multi-link suspension enhanced ride quality. 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 performance across five drive modes.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, despite its compact size, offered clever storage solutions to compensate for its limited interior space. The centre console featured a removable trash bin, and the glovebox door included a bag hook. The Harman Kardon audio system's speakers were moved to the dashboard, allowing for larger door bins. However, the XC40 Recharge had less legroom and cargo space compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. The frunk was also small, with much of the space occupied by powertrain components.

The 2022 Acura MDX excelled in versatility, with comfortable seating for the first two rows and a flexible second row with a removable centre section. The second row could slide and recline, providing balanced legroom for passengers. The third row was best suited for smaller passengers, but the MDX offered ample cargo space, with up to 2,690 litres available when the second and third rows were folded. The power tailgate featured convenient functions like "Walk Away Close" and Hands-Free Access, enhancing utility. The interior lighting was customizable, with 27 themes available to suit different moods.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS, integrating Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps for a seamless user experience. The system included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with OTA update capability for software-controlled functions. The Recharge model lacked a start button, allowing drivers to simply shift out of park to start the vehicle. While the system offered advanced features, drivers who preferred non-Google interfaces might find it less appealing.

The 2022 Acura MDX boasted impressive tech features, including the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System with 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification in higher trims. The 12.3-inch infotainment system and Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument panel were standard, offering customizable displays. Amazon Alexa integration allowed for home-to-car functionality, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The MDX also featured a CabinTalk system for communication with rear passengers, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera on higher trims. OTA updates ensured the MDX's software remained current.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received top safety ratings, with the gasoline model earning a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The XC40 came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Recharge model featured Volvo's latest sensor suite, capable of future enhancements through OTA updates.

The 2022 Acura MDX was also rated as a "Top Safety Pick+" by the IIHS, with Acura engineers targeting even better ratings than the previous model. The MDX's advanced safety structure included a higher percentage of high-strength steel and pedestrian safety features. The low-speed braking control system and collision mitigation throttle control enhanced safety in urban environments. The AcuraWatch suite of safety features was standard, offering a wide range of driver assistance technologies.