2022 Ford Explorer vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered Canadians a range of six models, with prices starting from $47,799 to $66,759, excluding a $2,095 destination charge. The lineup expanded with the rugged Timberline trim, and the new ST-Line added a sporty flair to the XLT version. The Explorer's design, based on a rear-drive platform, featured a long and tall hood, short front overhang, and a tapering greenhouse, giving it a taut, athletic appearance. Blacked-out roof pillars contributed to a "floating roof" effect. Inside, higher-trim Explorers showcased a mix of quality and questionable materials, though mostly aligning with their price point.

The 2023 Acura MDX came in standard and Type S versions, with trim packages enhancing equipment levels. In Canada, the standard MDX offered base, Tech, A-Spec, and Platinum Elite packages, while the Type S came in standard or Ultra trim. Prices ranged from $59,300 to $84,400, excluding a $2,375 destination charge. The Type S Ultra trim, with its Apex Blue Pearl paint and Orchid interior, set high expectations for quality and luxury. However, the MDX Type S's performance upgrades didn't fully meet these expectations, with some design choices affecting usability and comfort.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The XLT, ST-Line, and Timberline trims featured a turbocharged 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD in Canada. It had a towing capacity of 2,400 kg and consumed between 10.3 and 11.8 L/100 km. The hybrid drivetrain, available on the Limited, combined a 3.3-litre V6 engine for 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 2,268 kg and consuming 9.6 L/100 km. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, standard on the ST and Platinum, produced 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 2,540 kg with a fuel consumption of 11.8 L/100 km. The Explorer's ride was robust, handling off-road terrain well, and offered an engaging driving experience.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine with 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's SH-AWD system. Despite performance enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience. The transmission was indecisive, and the ride lacked compliance, with squealing tires and poor brake pedal modulation. The MDX Type S averaged 13.9 L/100 km, falling short of its official rating. While the MDX Type S offered various driving modes, it didn't fully satisfy driving enthusiasts, making the standard MDX with the A-Spec package a more predictable choice.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided ample comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. However, the third-row seat was best suited for children due to limited space. Higher trims offered features like triple-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The Explorer's interior lacked practical storage, but it offered 528 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,132 litres with all seats folded.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats, with flexible second-row seating options. The Type S Ultra trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The MDX's interior prioritized style over storage, with limited space in the centre console. The cargo area provided 461 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 2,021 litres with seats folded. The MDX's third row was best for children, and the power liftgate with Walk Away Close function added convenience.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with either an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The system included FordPass Connect services, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. However, the older Sync 3 system lacked the advanced voice recognition of Sync 4, making it less user-friendly.

The 2023 Acura MDX's Digital Precision Cockpit included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment display. The True Touchpad Interface (TTI) controlled the infotainment system, but it was less intuitive than touchscreens. The MDX offered Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In. The ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers delivered impressive sound quality. However, the TTI design limited storage space, and the native voice recognition system was less effective than using Alexa.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with standard Ford Co-Pilot360 features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Explorer's semi-autonomous driving tech operated smoothly, though it occasionally issued unnecessary warnings.

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 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star 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.