2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban was a testament to Chevrolet's full-size truck design language, sharing its exterior styling with the Tahoe SUV and Silverado 1500 pickup. Its tall hood, long proportions, and large wheels gave it a supersized appearance. The Suburban offered six trims, allowing for a fair degree of customization. Our RST test vehicle, with its Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior and 22-inch wheels, exuded a sporty look. Inside, the Suburban provided a spacious cabin, ranging from economically comfortable on the base LS trim to plush on the High Country. The RST's cabin, though well-equipped, felt a bit dark due to its predominantly black interior.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S, on the other hand, was a blend of subtlety and sophistication. It featured chicane-design LED lights and 21-inch wheels, giving it a proper stance. The Type S Ultra trim came with quilted leather, aluminum interior trim, and a Sport Appearance package. However, the body design sometimes gave the impression of a massive dent, and the gloss black plastic on the dashboard made controls challenging to find. Despite these quirks, the MDX Type S was fundamentally an attractive luxury SUV, though some design choices detracted from its overall appeal.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine choices: a 5.3-litre V8, a 6.2-litre V8, and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel inline-six, all paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 5.3-litre V8 produced 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, while the 6.2-litre V8 delivered 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. The turbodiesel engine, new for 2022, provided 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The RST test vehicle, equipped with the 6.2-litre V8, showcased effortless power and acceleration, especially during a 130-kilometre tow test. The Suburban's maximum towing capacity was 3,765 kilograms, making it a capable hauler.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, generating 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. It used a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system. The MDX Type S offered various driving modes, including a Lift mode for increased ground clearance. However, the performance upgrades didn't coalesce into a cohesive experience. The transmission was indecisive, and the brake pedal response was inconsistent. The MDX Type S averaged 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres, falling short of its official fuel consumption rating. Despite its performance-oriented design, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a satisfying driving experience.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in space, accommodating up to nine occupants with its optional front-row bench seat. It offered 1,175 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 4,097 litres with the second and third rows folded flat. The Suburban's power-sliding centre console and hidden storage drawer added to its practicality. However, its size made it challenging to maneuver and park in tight spaces, and the switch to electronic push-button transmission controls required some adjustment.

The 2023 Acura MDX provided three rows of seats, with the option to remove the centre section of the second row for easier access to the third row. The Type S Ultra trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the seats didn't hold occupants in place as well as expected. The MDX offered 461 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,021 litres with both rear rows folded flat. While the MDX was comfortable, its interior design prioritized style over storage space, and the third row was best suited for children.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban came equipped with a range of technology features, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and Google built-in on LT trims and above. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System with an 8-inch touchscreen was standard on the LS, while a 10.2-inch system was available on higher trims. The Suburban offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a WiFi hotspot, and a choice of audio systems, including a nine-speaker Bose system on the LT.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment screen wasn't touch-sensitive, requiring the use of a True Touchpad Interface. The MDX offered Bluetooth and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as Amazon Alexa Built-In. The top-shelf Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers provided excellent sound quality. The MDX also included a 10.5-inch head-up display on higher trims, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban was equipped with the Chevy Safety Assist suite, which included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a head-up display. The Suburban received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with five stars for side crash protection.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a collision mitigation braking system, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, the MDX's safety systems occasionally issued false warnings, and the adaptive cruise control could be slow to resume speed.