2022 Land Rover Defender vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2022 Land Rover Defender retained its iconic design, reminiscent of the original model with its boxy profile, tailgate-mounted spare wheel, and flat hood. This classic styling was complemented by modern touches such as rounded corners for improved aerodynamics and recessed LED headlights, giving the Defender a unique personality. The interior was designed to reflect the Defender's rugged character, featuring a mix of leather and suede upholstery, exposed metal, and screws, which added to its off-road appeal. Despite its retro look, the Defender offered a spacious and ergonomic interior, providing ample headroom and legroom, making it a comfortable choice for both on-road and off-road adventures.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX presented a more contemporary luxury SUV design with subtle styling cues. The Type S version featured chicane-design LED lights, 21-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets, giving it a sporty stance. Inside, the MDX Type S boasted quilted leather, aluminum trim, and a panoramic moonroof, creating an upscale atmosphere. However, some design choices, such as the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, detracted from its overall appeal. The MDX's interior was comfortable, but the seats did not provide the expected support for spirited driving, and the design prioritized style over storage space.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered a range of powertrains, including a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 296 horsepower and a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six mild-hybrid powertrain producing 395 hp. The highlight was the new V8 engine, delivering 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, propelling the Defender 90 from zero to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds. The V8 model featured an electronic active rear differential, Dynamic drive mode, and unique suspension tuning for sportier handling. Despite its off-road capabilities, the Defender provided a comfortable on-road experience, with a suspension that absorbed bumps effectively and minimized noise from its 22-inch tires. The Defender's off-road prowess was supported by a 4WD system with low range, impressive ground clearance, and a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, generating 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which could distribute up to 70 percent of engine output to a single rear wheel. The MDX Type S included an Integrated Dynamics System with multiple driving modes and an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. However, the performance enhancements did not create a cohesive driving experience, with issues such as an indecisive transmission, lack of ride compliance, and poor brake pedal modulation. The MDX Type S struggled to deliver the expected performance, and its fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres during testing.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered versatile interior configurations, with the two-door Defender 90 featuring 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats. While accessing the rear seats was challenging, they provided surprising comfort. The four-door Defender 110 model offered more flexibility, with two-row and three-row configurations, providing ample cargo space. The interior design emphasized functionality, with easy-to-reach controls and a large centre-console storage bin. Optional roof racks and cargo boxes added to the Defender's practicality for carrying gear.

The 2023 Acura MDX provided three rows of seating, with the option to remove the centre section of the second-row seat for easier access to the third row. 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. The interior featured a triple-zone climate control system, power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, and a hands-free liftgate with a Walk Away Close function. However, the design prioritized style over storage space, with limited room for small items.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender came equipped with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, featuring a 10-inch central touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. An 11.4-inch touchscreen was available as an option. The system's graphics and menu layouts were user-friendly, although the screen required a firm touch to respond. A surround-view camera system was standard, with optional features such as a 14-speaker Meridian audio system and a head-up display.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a Digital Precision Cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment screen was not touch-sensitive, requiring the use of a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the centre console. The TTI design limited storage space and partially blocked the wireless charging pad. The MDX offered Bluetooth and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, Amazon Alexa Built-In, and a high-end audio system with 25 speakers. A head-up display was available with certain packages, but the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender included standard driver-assist features such as lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, traffic-sign recognition, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was optional. The Defender had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a collision mitigation braking system, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. Additional features included rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, although it earned four stars for frontal-impact protection.