2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport 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 its previous shared platform with the Honda Pilot. The MDX's proportions were refined, featuring a longer wheelbase, increased overall length, and a wider body and track. The dash-to-axle distance was extended by over 10 centimetres, enhancing its elegant design. Acura's Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels contributed to a sportier, modern exterior. Built in East Liberty, Ohio, the MDX showcased high craftsmanship and quality.

Inside, the MDX's cabin was modernized with a layered dashboard that emphasized width and space. Authentic materials like natural wood, genuine aluminum, and real leather were used alongside high-quality plastics. The centre console featured a unique gear selection reminiscent of a fighter jet, with a touchpad for infotainment control. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen was strategically placed for safety. The front seats offered comfort and adjustability, while the steering wheel housed various controls. The MDX's solid build and quality feel were complemented by a range of exterior colours and interior themes.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport embraced a "modernist" and "reductive" design philosophy, focusing on clean and simple aesthetics. While it offered limited flashy options, such as Firenze Red paint and 23-inch wheels, the Range Rover Sport exuded understated luxury. Our test vehicle, in Eiger Grey with silver wheels and a Black Exterior Pack, looked elegant. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme with aluminum and shiny black trim added to the luxurious feel. The Range Rover Sport was available in various specifications, with the Dynamic SE model featuring heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. The SUV's design highlights included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED taillights, contributing to its aerodynamic profile.

The interior of the Range Rover Sport was high-tech and luxurious, featuring sustainable Ultrafabrics and Windsor leather upholstery. The cabin exuded a smooth and supple feel, with a focus on comfort and refinement. However, the Range Rover Sport's design was not for those seeking attention-grabbing luxury, as it prioritized subtlety and sophistication.

The 2022 Acura MDX was powered by 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. The SH-AWD system offered torque vectoring, enhancing cornering feel and control. The MDX's suspension was upgraded with a double-wishbone setup for sporty handling and improved ride quality. The vehicle's stiffness and rigidity were significantly improved, resulting in 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 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement and driver-focused engagement. It offered a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain was available, delivering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft. The Range Rover Sport's 395-hp engine provided ample power, with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 5.7 seconds. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, with a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms. The SUV's fuel efficiency was notable, averaging 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres. The Range Rover Sport's new architecture increased torsional stiffness by 35%, and its adaptive damping air suspension enhanced ride comfort and handling. However, it struggled to match the driving dynamics of sport-tuned SUVs from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. Off-road, the Range Rover Sport excelled, with advanced suspension and technology providing a smooth ride over challenging terrain.

The 2022 Acura MDX offered versatile seating for up to seven passengers, with comfortable front and second-row seats. The second row featured a removable centre section and could slide and recline for added flexibility. The third row was best suited for smaller passengers. The MDX provided 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. Interior lighting was customizable, with 27 themes to choose from.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport maintained the Range Rover Command Driving Position, offering a tall and airy feel. The air suspension could kneel for easier entry and exit. The front seats were comfortable, with Windsor leather upholstery and 20-way power adjustments. However, the rear seat was less accommodating, with limited legroom and hard seatback panels. The cargo area offered 903 litres of space, expandable to 1,500 litres with the rear seats folded. The Range Rover Sport included practical storage solutions, such as a deep bin under the centre armrest and a handy contraption to secure smaller items in the cargo hold.

The 2022 Acura MDX featured an ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System with 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. The MDX offered a head-up display, surround-view camera, and CabinTalk feature for communication with rear passengers.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came with a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment platform was often confusing and frustrating to use. The Range Rover Sport offered impressive Meridian audio systems and Active Noise Cancellation. A wireless smartphone charging pad was included, though it was challenging to access.

The 2022 Acura MDX received a "Top Safety Pick +" rating from the IIHS, with top marks in every category. It featured a high-strength steel structure and advanced safety systems, including low-speed braking control and collision mitigation throttle control. The AcuraWatch suite of safety features was standard, offering comprehensive driver assistance technologies.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, and a surround-view camera. Remote Park Assist was available, allowing the SUV to park itself via a smartphone app. However, the adaptive cruise control and steering assist systems were not as smooth or reliable as expected.