2022 Porsche Macan vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2022 Porsche Macan retained much of its original design, despite several updates over the years. It featured a refreshed styling with larger standard wheels and a new centre console that incorporated haptic touch controls, enhancing the interior's usability. The Macan lineup in Canada included four models: the base Macan, Macan T, Macan S, and Macan GTS, with the Macan Turbo's high-output powertrain now in the GTS. The Macan S, priced at $73,400 CAD before destination charges, offered a customizable experience with options for paint, wheels, and performance upgrades. The test vehicle, a Macan S, showcased a sleek Volcano Gray exterior with 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels, embodying Porsche's tradition of graceful aging and athletic design.

Inside, the Macan drew inspiration from other Porsche models, featuring a left-side ignition switch, a large tachometer, and a flat dashboard. The test vehicle's red leather, gloss black trim, and silver accents created an upscale, sporty atmosphere. The Macan's interior was both luxurious and functional, though the rear seats were cramped for taller passengers. The redesigned centre console offered more storage, but the touch-sensitive controls required attention away from the road. Cargo space was adequate, with 488 litres available behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,503 litres with the seats folded.

The 2023 Acura MDX, available in standard and Type S versions, offered a range of trim packages in Canada, with prices from $59,300 to $84,400 CAD. The test vehicle, a Type S Ultra, featured Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid interior, with a starting price of $84,400 CAD. The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to bear the Type S badge, emphasizing subtlety in its design. It featured chicane-design LED lights, 21-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets, maintaining a subdued yet sporty appearance.

Inside, the MDX Type S boasted a panoramic moonroof, quilted leather, and aluminum trim. The Sport Appearance package added a black headliner and stainless steel pedal covers. Despite its appealing design, the MDX's interior had some drawbacks, such as gloss black plastic that made controls difficult to use and electronic transmission switchgear that could be confusing. The MDX offered three rows of seating, with the second row adjustable for more space. However, the third row was best suited for children. Cargo space was generous, with 461 litres behind the third row, expandable to 2,021 litres with both rear rows folded.

The 2022 Porsche Macan offered a range of engines, with the base Macan and Macan T featuring a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 261 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The Macan GTS inherited the 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 from the old Macan Turbo, delivering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The Macan S, tested here, received a new engine for 2022, a twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6 producing 375 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package and launch control. All Macans featured a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission and a fully variable AWD system.

The Macan S offered a thrilling driving experience, with responsive steering and suspension tuned for improved ride and handling. The test vehicle included optional Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus and Porsche Surface Coated Brakes, enhancing its performance. The Macan S delivered unyielding grip and stability on challenging roads, with upgraded brakes providing excellent performance. Fuel consumption was 13.0 L/100 km, close to the official rating of 12.2 L/100 km.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. The MDX Type S offered various driving modes, including a Lift mode for increased ground clearance. However, the performance upgrades didn't create a cohesive driving experience, with issues like an indecisive transmission, lack of ride compliance, and poor brake pedal modulation. Fuel consumption averaged 13.9 L/100 km, higher than the official rating of 12.4 L/100 km.

The MDX Type S struggled as a driver's SUV, with transmission and brake issues affecting its performance. The Electro-Servo brakes, inspired by the NSX, didn't provide the expected pedal feel, making it difficult to trust the vehicle during spirited driving. The Continental self-sealing performance tires squealed early, and the suspension lacked compliance, resulting in a less cohesive driving experience. Overall, the MDX Type S didn't meet the expectations set by its performance-oriented design.

The 2022 Porsche Macan offered a comfortable experience for the driver and front passenger, with optional 14-way power-adjustable seats featuring heating and ventilation. The rear seats were cramped, but entry and exit were easy. The Macan's new steering wheel, modelled after the 911, felt thin and uncomfortable after extended driving. The redesigned centre console with haptic touch controls offered more storage but required attention away from the road. Cargo space was 488 litres behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,503 litres with the seats folded.

The 2023 Acura MDX provided three rows of seating, with the second row adjustable for more space. The test vehicle 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 offered 461 litres behind the third row, expandable to 2,021 litres with both rear rows folded. The MDX's third row was best suited for children, and the second-row seats could be adjusted for more legroom.

The 2022 Porsche Macan came with a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a navigation system. The system featured touch-sensing virtual buttons and proximity sensing, with a user experience similar to a smartphone. However, the voice recognition system was less effective than competitors, and Android Auto was not available. Once configured, the Macan's infotainment system required minimal interaction, with separate controls for stereo volume and climate settings.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display, operated via a True Touchpad Interface. The system included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In. The TTI design limited storage space and partially blocked the wireless charging pad. The MDX offered several sound systems, with the top-tier ELS Studio 3D audio system providing excellent sound quality. The Platinum Elite and Type S Ultra packages added a 10.5-inch head-up display, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2022 Porsche Macan included lane-departure warning and a reversing camera as standard features, with optional blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The test vehicle included most of these features, which performed as expected. The Macan offered optional Park Assist and a surround-view camera, but more advanced driving assistance tech was available in the larger Cayenne. The Macan lacked safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a comprehensive suite of safety systems, including collision mitigation braking, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX also included rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Some trim packages added parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, and a surround-view camera. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, though it experienced a false collision warning during testing.