2023 Nissan Ariya 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. Built on a new dedicated platform, the MDX featured a longer wheelbase, wider body, and an increased dash-to-axle distance, enhancing its elegant appearance. The exterior design was modern and sporty, highlighted by standard Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels. Inside, the MDX boasted a refined cabin with authentic materials like natural wood and real leather, complemented by high-quality plastics. The dashboard was designed to emphasize cabin width, and the unique gear selection system added a touch of sophistication. The MDX's interior was both comfortable and functional, with a focus on quality craftsmanship.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya, meanwhile, showcased a striking and modern design, characterized by its smooth, oval shape and minimal creases. The front featured thin LED headlights and a V-Motion design language, while the rear was marked by a thin taillight and distinctive "NISSAN" lettering. Inside, the Ariya offered a beautifully crafted interior with minimal hard plastics and a simplistic dashboard. Dual 12-inch monitors provided essential information, and the illuminated haptic buttons added a modern touch. The absence of a transmission tunnel created an open and airy cabin, enhancing the sense of space. The Ariya's interior was both stylish and functional, with thoughtful design elements that contributed to a comfortable driving experience.

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), which was 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 in the front and revised rear multi-link suspension, improving ride quality and handling. The vehicle's overall stiffness and rigidity were significantly improved, resulting in a solid ride feel. The MDX offered five drive modes, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience to their preferences.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya offered a range of powertrains, starting with the Engage FWD model, which featured a 63-kWh battery and a 160-kW motor, delivering 214 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. The Evolve e-4ORCE trim added a second motor for a total of 335 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. The Venture+ FWD and Evolve+ FWD trims offered an extended-range battery and a more powerful motor, while the Platinum+ e-4ORCE trim provided 389 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. The Ariya's AWD system featured torque-split tuning, enhancing grip and handling. The vehicle offered three drive modes: Eco, Standard, and Sport, with Sport mode providing a temporary performance boost. The Ariya's performance was characterized by quick steering, managed body roll, and a quiet ride.

The 2022 Acura MDX excelled as a versatile three-row SUV, offering comfortable seating for the first two rows and a flexible second row with a removable centre section. The third row was best suited for smaller passengers, but the MDX's seating capacity was appreciated for family use. The vehicle offered between 461 and 512 litres of luggage space behind the third row, with additional underfloor storage. Folding down the seats expanded the cargo capacity significantly. The MDX featured a power tailgate with convenient features like "Walk Away Close" and Hands-Free Access. Interior lighting was customizable, with 27 themes available.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya benefited from its ground-up EV architecture, providing a spacious and airy interior. Both front and rear passengers enjoyed ample legroom, although rear headroom was slightly limited by the moonroof. The Ariya offered 1,670 litres of cargo space behind the front seats, comparable to other electric crossovers. The vehicle featured a powered bin under the centre stack, controlled by a haptic button, and a power-adjustable centre console. The Ariya's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with thoughtful features that enhanced the driving experience.

The 2022 Acura MDX was equipped with advanced technology, including the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System, available on higher trims. The system featured 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification, delivering exceptional sound quality. The MDX came with a 12.3-inch infotainment system and a configurable digital instrument panel. Amazon Alexa was integrated, allowing for home-to-car functionality. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a WiFi hotspot and over-the-air updates. The MDX also offered a head-up display and a surround-view camera on higher trims.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya featured dual 12-inch displays for driver information and infotainment, with a seamless and modern design. Wireless Apple CarPlay was standard, while Android Auto required a wired connection. The Ariya included a head-up display on all but the base trims and offered Alexa compatibility for smart home integration. The vehicle's infotainment system was user-friendly and feature-rich, providing a modern and connected driving experience.

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

The 2023 Nissan Ariya was equipped with ProPilot Assist, Nissan's advanced driver assistance system. The vehicle included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, a driver-attention monitor, and traffic-sign recognition. While the Ariya had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, its comprehensive safety features provided peace of mind for drivers.