2022 Acura MDX vs 2023 Ford Bronco

The 2022 Acura MDX was a pioneer in the three-row luxury crossover SUV category, offering a compact exterior that belied its spacious interior. This new generation was built on a dedicated platform, distinct from its previous shared platform with the Honda Pilot. The vehicle's proportions were adjusted, featuring a longer wheelbase, wider body, and increased dash-to-axle distance, enhancing its elegant appearance. Acura's Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels contributed to a sportier, modern exterior design. Built in East Liberty, Ohio, the MDX showcased high craftsmanship and quality. Inside, the MDX's cabin was modernized with a layered dashboard, authentic materials, and a unique gear selection system. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen, though not a touchscreen, was strategically placed for safety. The front seats offered comfort and adjustability, while the steering wheel housed various controls. The MDX's exterior was available in eight colours, with six interior themes, emphasizing its luxury appeal.

The 2023 Ford Bronco was offered in nine distinct trims, each blending retro-cool styling with modern engineering. Its blocky shape, wide grille, and round headlights were unmistakable. The Base trim had a primitive look, while the Raptor trim boasted a wide stance and massive tires. The Heritage Edition trim added nostalgic elements like a white grille and plaid upholstery. The Bronco's styling was functional, with features like cleats above the headlights for securing cargo. Inside, the rugged theme continued with a broad dash and sealed switches for easy cleaning. The interior materials prioritized durability over luxury, with replaceable handholds and a grid-like mesh for attaching accessories. The Bronco's interior was quieter than a Jeep Wrangler, despite some creaking over bumps. Overall, the Bronco's design was both practical and appealing to off-road enthusiasts.

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), enhancing cornering feel and control. The SH-AWD system could send up to 70% of torque to the rear wheels and 100% to either side during cornering. The MDX's suspension was upgraded with a double-wishbone setup for improved handling and ride quality. The vehicle's stiffness and rigidity were enhanced, resulting in a solid ride feel. The 10-speed transmission worked seamlessly with the engine, offering five drive modes for various driving conditions. During a test drive, 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 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine choices: a 2.3-litre four-cylinder with 300 horsepower, a 2.7-litre V6 with 330 horsepower, and a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 with 418 horsepower for the Raptor trim. All engines came with a four-wheel drive system and a two-speed transfer case. The base engine was adequate for most driving conditions, while the 2.7-litre V6 was better suited for the heavier four-door model. The Raptor's engine provided excessive power, enhancing the driving experience. The Bronco's ride quality was bouncier than a typical SUV but more stable than a Jeep Wrangler. Its high-riding dimensions required careful handling on curving roads, but the Bronco felt confident overall. The four-door model was easier to maneuver, aided by cameras for obstacle avoidance. The Bronco's performance was impressive, though not as comfortable as the Land Rover Defender.

The 2022 Acura MDX, as a three-row SUV, offered versatile functionality. 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. Access to the third row was easy, though it was best suited for smaller passengers. The MDX offered flexible cargo capacity, with up to 2,690 litres of space when the second and third rows were folded. The power tailgate featured a "Walk Away Close" function and hands-free access. Interior lighting was customizable, with 27 themes to choose from, enhancing the cabin's ambiance.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape provided ample interior space. The four-door model was recommended for those regularly shuttling passengers, as accessing the rear seats in the two-door required some effort. The front offered plenty of storage options, including netted door pockets and a rubberized tray. The Bronco's cargo capacity varied, with the two-door offering up to 1,481 litres and the four-door up to 2,197 litres. However, the rear seats didn't fold flat, creating a step-up that hindered sliding longer cargo. The Bronco's design allowed for easy removal of fenders and doors, appealing to off-road enthusiasts. The Raptor's oversized fenders were not intended for removal.

The 2022 Acura MDX featured the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System, available on higher trims, with 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification. The base model came with a nine-speaker system, while the Tech grade offered an ELS Studio system with 12 speakers. All MDX models included a 12.3-inch infotainment system and a digital instrument panel. Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, along with wireless device charging. The A-Spec and Platinum Elite trims included a CabinTalk feature and a head-up display. A WiFi hotspot and over-the-air updates were also available.

The 2023 Ford Bronco utilized technology to enhance its off-road capabilities. The G.O.A.T. drive modes optimized engine and suspension settings for various terrains, making off-roading accessible to novices. Experienced off-roaders could manually select features like transfer case gearing and sway-bar disconnects. The Bronco's camera views were invaluable in tight spaces, and the Trail Turn Assist feature allowed for sharp turns. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an optional 12-inch display for ease of use.

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 model 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 of safety features was standard, including collision mitigation emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more.

The 2023 Ford Bronco received mixed safety ratings. The NHTSA awarded the four-door model four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection. The IIHS gave it a "Good" rating in most crashworthiness tests, with an "Acceptable" score for head restraints and seats. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, hill-start assist, and trailer-sway assist. The Mid package added blind-spot monitoring and lane-keep assist, while the High package included front parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system. The Luxe package offered adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist.