2023 Volvo XC40 vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2022 Acura MDX was a standout in the three-row luxury crossover SUV category, offering a compact exterior that belied its spacious interior. 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 design emphasized cabin width, and the unique gear selection system added a touch of sophistication. The MDX's interior was both comfortable and functional, with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen strategically placed for safety.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 maintained its distinctive look with a flat-roofed profile and clean exterior design. Updates for 2023 included pixelated "Thor’s Hammer" headlights and a more angular front bumper. The XC40 shared its platform with other Volvo and Polestar models, making it unique in offering a combustion engine. Inside, the XC40 continued with its minimalist design, featuring thin air vents and scalloped door elements. The interior offered standard dual-zone climate control and optional leather upholstery. The XC40 Ultimate model included premium options like a panoramic moonroof and a crystal shift knob, though the all-black interior felt somewhat utilitarian. Overall, the XC40's fit and finish were commendable, though it reminded buyers of its entry-level status.

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 enhanced cornering and control through torque vectoring. The MDX's suspension upgrades included a double-wishbone front setup and revised rear multi-link suspension, improving both handling and ride quality. The vehicle's increased stiffness and rigidity contributed to a solid ride feel, while the transmission worked seamlessly with the engine. Five drive modes allowed for tailored performance, and the MDX impressed during test drives, holding its own against competitors like the Lexus RX L and Audi Q7.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 introduced mild-hybrid powertrains, featuring a 48-volt electrical system and a 13-horsepower integrated starter generator. The B5 models in Canada came with a 2.0-litre turbo-four-cylinder engine, delivering 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission was standard, and the B5 models could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. The XC40's refinement was notable, with a composed handling and smooth ride. The XC40 Recharge offered a more spirited performance with 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds and a 359-kilometre range. The Recharge also had a higher towing capacity compared to the gasoline model.

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 second row could slide and recline, while the third row was best suited for smaller passengers. The MDX provided ample cargo space, with up to 2,690 litres available with the second and third rows 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, enhancing the cabin's ambiance.

The 2023 Volvo XC40, while compact, offered reasonable space for its class. It provided ample rear-seat headroom and average legroom, with generous shoulder room for added comfort. Cargo space was 566 litres with the rear seats up and 1,328 litres with them folded, less than some competitors. The XC40 featured a standard power tailgate and keyless entry. Interior storage was well-designed, with scalloped door panels and a spacious centre console. Despite its smaller size, the XC40 offered practical storage solutions.

The 2022 Acura MDX was equipped with advanced technology, 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, along with Amazon Alexa integration, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The MDX also featured a head-up display, CabinTalk system, and a WiFi hotspot, with over-the-air updates available for software and firmware.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 adopted an Android-based infotainment system, using Google apps for navigation and voice recognition. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 9-inch touchscreen were standard, with a Harman Kardon audio system available on higher trims. The infotainment experience was visually appealing, though users preferring Apple devices might find the Google integration less satisfying. The XC40's minimalist design meant most controls were accessed via the touchscreen, which could be less intuitive for some functions.

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 Volvo XC40 was equipped with a robust list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The XC40 Plus added parking sensors and a 360-degree camera, while the Ultimate included adaptive cruise control and Pilot Assist. The XC40 received top ratings from the IIHS in most crash tests, though it scored "Acceptable" in the updated side-impact test. The NHTSA awarded the gasoline XC40 a five-star overall safety rating.