2022 Ford Bronco vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2022 Ford Bronco captivated enthusiasts with its retro styling and robust off-road capabilities. It offered a wide range of trims, including the Everglades and Bronco Raptor, which catered to those seeking extreme off-road adventures. The Bronco's design was unapologetically utilitarian, featuring short overhangs, low-profile bumpers, and a tall ride height to enhance its off-road prowess. Inside, the Bronco maintained its rugged theme with features like sealed switches, marine-grade vinyl upholstery, and drain plugs, allowing for easy cleaning after muddy escapades. Despite its ruggedness, the Bronco incorporated modern technology, including G.O.A.T. modes and a digital instrument panel, making it a versatile choice for both off-road enthusiasts and everyday drivers.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX exuded a sense of luxury and sophistication. The MDX Type S, in particular, aimed to deliver a performance-oriented experience with its turbocharged V6 engine and advanced features. The exterior design was subtle yet elegant, with chicane-design LED lights and 21-inch wheels. Inside, the MDX Type S boasted quilted leather, aluminum trim, and a panoramic moonroof, creating a refined atmosphere. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, posed usability challenges. While the MDX Type S offered a comfortable ride, it struggled to fully deliver on its performance promises, with issues like an indecisive transmission and lack of ride compliance detracting from the overall experience.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 2.7-litre V6 engine delivering 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The Bronco's seven-speed manual transmission, available with the four-cylinder engine, featured a unique crawl gear for low-speed, high-torque driving. All Broncos came with four-wheel drive and an electronic two-speed transfer case, ensuring off-road capability across the lineup. The Bronco excelled in off-road environments, conquering challenging terrains with ease, while also providing a surprisingly smooth and comfortable ride on pavement.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, generating 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which could distribute up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. The MDX Type S featured an Integrated Dynamics System with multiple driving modes, including a Lift mode for increased ground clearance. Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive performance experience, with issues like an indecisive transmission, lack of ride compliance, and poor brake pedal modulation detracting from its overall appeal.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design contributed to its spacious interior, offering ample headroom and legroom for passengers. Cargo capacity varied depending on the model and roof type, with the two-door hard-top accommodating up to 634 litres behind the rear seats and 1,481 litres with the seats folded. The four-door hard-top increased capacity to 1,008 litres and 2,197 litres, respectively. The Bronco also featured clever storage solutions, such as netted door pockets and accessory rails, enhancing its practicality for outdoor adventures.

The 2023 Acura MDX provided three rows of seating, accommodating up to seven passengers. The second-row seats could be adjusted for more legroom, while the third row was best suited for children. The MDX offered a decent amount of cargo space, with 461 litres behind the third row and up to 2,021 litres with both rear rows folded. However, the interior design prioritized style over storage space, with limited storage options in the centre console. The MDX's power liftgate and hands-free operation added convenience, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2022 Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities, featuring G.O.A.T. modes for different terrains and a forward-looking trail camera for improved visibility. The Sync 4 infotainment system offered quick responses and sharp graphics, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features. The Bronco's technology suite provided a balance between modern convenience and off-road functionality.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a Digital Precision Cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment display. However, the infotainment system relied on a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) instead of a touchscreen, which posed usability challenges. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, providing connectivity options for drivers. The ELS Studio 3D audio system delivered impressive sound quality, while the head-up display added convenience for navigation and driving assistance.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered a range of safety features, including hill-start assist, hill descent control, and trailer sway control. Optional packages added features like frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Bronco received favourable safety ratings, with the four-door model earning four stars for frontal crash protection from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS.

The 2023 Acura MDX included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX received high safety ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, some issues, like false lane-departure notifications and a collision warning triggered by an overhead sign, raised concerns about the system's reliability.