2022 Toyota Venza vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2022 Acura MDX was a pioneer in the three-row luxury crossover SUV category, offering a spacious interior that belied its compact exterior appearance. This new generation was built on a dedicated platform, distinct from the Honda Pilot, with a longer wheelbase, wider body, and an increased dash-to-axle distance, enhancing its elegant design. The MDX featured standard Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels, contributing to a sportier and modern exterior. Built in East Liberty, Ohio, the MDX showcased high craftsmanship and quality. Inside, the MDX boasted a modernized cabin with authentic materials like natural wood and real leather, complemented by high-quality plastics. The dashboard design emphasized cabin width, and the unique gear selection system added a touch of sophistication. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen, although not a touchscreen, was strategically placed for safety. The MDX offered a comfortable front row with a wide range of adjustments and a beefy steering wheel with redundant controls.

The 2022 Toyota Venza re-emerged with a modern design on the TGNA-K platform, shared with several Toyota and Lexus models. Its exterior design was sleek, with a deeply scalloped body side and a prominent tailgate featuring LED lighting. The Venza's design was more suited for urban environments than off-road adventures, with standard 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the Venza offered a Lexus-like interior with high-quality materials and an elegant layout. The dashboard took advantage of a steep windshield, and the touchscreen display was well-placed. The front seats were supportive, and the rear seats comfortably accommodated three adults. The Venza's interior was designed for convenience, with features like an overhead console, power-adjustable seats, and ample storage options.

The 2022 Acura MDX was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. It featured a new 10-speed automatic transmission and Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), standard in Canada. The SH-AWD system offered torque vectoring, enhancing cornering feel and control. The MDX's suspension was upgraded to a double-wishbone setup in the front and a revised multi-link suspension in the rear, improving ride quality and handling. The vehicle's overall stiffness and rigidity were enhanced, providing a solid ride feel. The 10-speed transmission worked seamlessly with the engine, offering five drive modes for a tailored driving experience. During test drives, the MDX impressed with its performance, feeling closer to the benchmark Audi Q7 and outperforming competitors like the Lexus RX L and Volvo XC90.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, delivering a combined 219 horsepower. The hybrid system balanced electric and gas drive for efficiency and performance, with electric motors at the rear axle providing AWD capability. Drivers could choose from EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes. Regenerative braking helped recharge the lithium-ion battery, while the main charge came from the gas engine. The Venza offered sprightly performance and agile handling, with a wheelbase shared with the Camry. It was designed as a midsize family hauler, delivering a comfortable ride without encouraging aggressive cornering.

The 2022 Acura MDX, as a three-row SUV, offered versatile seating and cargo options. The first two rows provided comfortable seating, with dual bucket sport seats in the front and a second row with a removable centre section. The second row could slide and recline, balancing legroom for passengers. The third row was best suited for smaller passengers. The MDX offered between 461 and 512 litres of luggage space behind the third row, expandable to 2,690 litres with seats folded. The power tailgate featured a "Walk Away Close" function and hands-free access. Interior lighting was customizable with 27 themes, enhancing the cabin ambiance.

The 2022 Toyota Venza seated five in two rows, with ample headroom and legroom. The second row offered 114.8 cm of hip room, accommodating three adults comfortably. The cabin felt spacious, especially with the available Star Gaze panoramic sunroof. Convenience features included an overhead console, power-adjustable seats, and an electric parking brake. The Venza offered 816 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 1,560 litres with seats folded. Toyota focused on creating a quiet cabin with sound-blocking materials, resulting in a serene driving experience.

The 2022 Acura MDX featured the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System on higher trims, offering 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification. The 12.3-inch infotainment system and Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument panel were standard. Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were included, along with a WiFi hotspot and over-the-air updates. A head-up display and surround-view camera were available on the Platinum Elite trim.

The 2022 Toyota Venza's hybrid system required no special attention, offering a range of over 800 kilometres on a full tank. The Predicted Efficient Drive program optimized battery charging based on driving habits. The Venza LE featured an eight-inch touchscreen, while XLE and Limited trims offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen and JBL audio system. Toyota Connected Services included Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Remote Connect. The Limited trim added a head-up display, rain-sensing wipers, and a digital rearview mirror.

The 2022 Acura MDX received a "Top Safety Pick +" rating from the IIHS, with top marks in every category. It featured a higher percentage of high-strength steel and an advanced safety structure. The front end was redesigned for pedestrian safety, and a low-speed braking control system was included. The AcuraWatch suite offered collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more.

The 2022 Toyota Venza included the Toyota Star Safety System with stability control, traction control, and more. It had eight airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite with forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA.