2022 Acura MDX vs 2023 Subaru Outback

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. Built on a new dedicated platform, the MDX featured a longer wheelbase, wider body, and an increased dash-to-axle distance, enhancing its elegant design. The exterior boasted standard Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels, contributing to a sportier and modern look. Inside, the MDX's cabin was refined 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, though not a touchscreen, was strategically placed for safety, and the front seats offered exceptional comfort and adjustability.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Outback received a facelift, featuring a redesigned front end with new LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper. The aggressive appearance was further enhanced by dark gray cladding and asymmetrical wheel arch trim. The Outback's interior, particularly in the Limited trim, was praised for its premium Nappa leather upholstery and thoughtful design elements like light gray contrast stitching. Despite some wind noise on highways, the Outback provided a comfortable ride for long journeys, with ample legroom and heated seats. The vehicle's high ground clearance and easy entry and exit were appreciated, and the cargo space was generous, accommodating various needs with ease.

The 2022 Acura MDX was equipped with a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission, the MDX featured Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) with torque vectoring, enhancing cornering feel and control. The suspension upgrades, including a double-wishbone front setup, improved sporty handling and ride quality. The MDX's overall stiffness and rigidity contributed to a solid ride feel, while the transmission's smooth operation and five drive modes allowed 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 Subaru Outback, with its horizontally opposed engines, offered a characteristic grumble and vibration. The standard 2.5-litre engine delivered 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, but the vehicle felt underpowered, especially during passing and climbing. The turbocharged XT models, with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, provided better acceleration and responsiveness. The Outback's CVT mimicked an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the Active Torque Split AWD system varied power distribution for optimal performance. Off-road, the Outback excelled, handling challenging terrain with ease. However, the standard engine's lack of power and fuel efficiency were noted as drawbacks, making the turbocharged XT models a more appealing choice for those seeking better performance.

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 sliding and reclining second row allowed for balanced legroom. 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, enhancing utility. Interior lighting was customizable, with 27 themes to choose from, adding to the cabin's ambiance.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a robust roof rack and flat door sill trim. The Limited trim offered a comfortable interior with power-adjustable seats, premium Nappa leather, and heated front and rear seats. The Outback's high ground clearance and easy entry and exit were appreciated, and the cargo space was generous, with 923 litres behind the back seat and 2,141 litres with the back seat folded. The vehicle's practical design included a dashboard storage shelf and useful door sills for accessing the roof rack. However, additional storage space in the centre console would have been beneficial.

The 2022 Acura MDX offered a range of tech features, including the 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, with built-in Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A head-up display and surround-view camera were available on higher trims, and the MDX's software could be updated over the air. The CabinTalk feature allowed communication with rear passengers, and a WiFi hotspot was standard.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured a Starlink 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on all trims except the Base. The system included physical controls for climate and audio functions, but the voice recognition system was lacking. Additional technologies included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera. The Harman Kardon premium audio system and navigation were available on higher trims, and a wireless charging pad was standard on most models. However, the lack of a surround-view camera was noted as a limitation.

The 2022 Acura MDX was rated as a "Top Safety Pick +" by the IIHS, with top marks in every category. The vehicle featured a higher percentage of high-strength steel and an advanced safety structure for collision protection. The front end redesign improved pedestrian safety, and the low-speed braking control system enhanced safe operation in city driving. The AcuraWatch suite of safety features included collision mitigation emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more.

The 2023 Subaru Outback also received top safety ratings from the IIHS, with new EyeSight cameras and an electronic brake booster enhancing safety features. The EyeSight system included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added features like Automatic Emergency Steering and a Wide-Angle Mono Camera for better pedestrian and cyclist detection. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist systems were noted for their artificial steering feel, and the rear automatic braking system was incompatible with some driveways.