2022 Volvo XC60 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 genuine aluminum, 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, though not a touchscreen, was strategically placed for safety, and the front seats offered comfort and adjustability, making the MDX a luxurious choice.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 underwent subtle styling changes, including a new front fascia with "air blades" for a sportier look and a redesigned rear bumper that concealed the tailpipes. The front grille was reworked to house driver-assist sensors behind the heated Volvo logo. Sharing its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models, the XC60 maintained its clean interior design, featuring a new digital instrument cluster and a portrait-oriented touchscreen. The R-Design trim added flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, though the overall interior remained subdued compared to other Volvo models. The Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, enhancing the luxury feel.

The 2022 Acura MDX was equipped with a naturally aspirated 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, with torque vectoring capabilities. This system allowed up to 70% of torque to be sent to the rear wheels and 100% to either side during cornering, enhancing control and reducing steering effort. The MDX's suspension was upgraded to a double-wishbone setup in the front and revised multi-link suspension in the rear, improving ride quality and handling. The vehicle's overall stiffness and rigidity were significantly enhanced, providing a solid ride feel. The 10-speed transmission worked seamlessly with the engine, offering five drive modes for varied performance. During test drives, the MDX impressed with its cornering ability and highway cruising, standing out among competitors like the Lexus RX L and Volvo XC90.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 versions. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system, providing an additional 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 version also included an electric supercharger. The B5 offered 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 delivered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission with standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The XC60 B5 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, and the B6 in 5.9 seconds. The XC60's mild-hybrid system provided smooth power delivery, and the vehicle excelled in offering a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, especially with the optional air suspension. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 5 seconds, while the Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.

The 2022 Acura MDX, as a three-row SUV, offered versatile functionality, from family transport to utility vehicle. The first two rows provided comfortable seating, with dual bucket sport seats in the front and an innovative 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, with USB connections available in all rows. The MDX offered flexible cargo capacity, with 461 to 512 litres of space behind the third row, expandable to 2,021 to 2,690 litres with seats folded. The power tailgate featured a "Walk Away Close" function and hands-free access, enhancing convenience. Interior lighting was customizable with 27 themes, adding to the cabin's ambiance.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained its competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Legroom was average for the segment. The mild-hybrid models offered 611 litres of cargo space with rear seats up and 1,410 litres with seats down, while plug-in hybrids had slightly less capacity. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors. Despite its somewhat limited cargo space, the XC60 offered a comfortable and practical interior for its class.

The 2022 Acura MDX featured the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System in higher trims, with 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification, delivering exceptional sound quality. The base model offered a Premium Audio system, while the Tech grade included an ELS Studio system. Navigation was standard on Tech and above trims, and all models had a 12.3-inch infotainment system and Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument panel. Amazon Alexa integration, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Qi-compatible wireless charging were standard. The A-Spec and Platinum Elite trims included CabinTalk, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera. A WiFi hotspot and over-the-air updates were also available.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive OS, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system included Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. The system supported over-the-air updates and promised full iPhone compatibility. The digital instrument cluster could display a map or a "Calm" setting to minimize distraction. The infotainment redesign featured a new layout with sideways swiping for menu access, offering a user-friendly experience.

The 2022 Acura MDX received a "Top Safety Pick +" rating from the IIHS, with top marks in every category. The NHTSA had not yet rated the 2022 model, but the 2020 version received five stars. The MDX featured a higher percentage of high-strength steel and an advanced safety structure. The front end was redesigned for pedestrian safety, with a low-speed braking control system to prevent collisions. The AcuraWatch suite included collision mitigation emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the 2021 model received top safety ratings. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Volvo's driver assistance system, combining adaptive cruise control and automated lane centring, was available as an option, providing highway driving assistance.