2023 Acura MDX vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, a staple in the crossover SUV market, continued to build on its legacy of practicality and style. Initially launched as a compact alternative to larger SUVs, the RAV4 evolved over five generations into a mature and sophisticated vehicle. By 2022, it had become a sales leader in Canada, thanks to its blend of angular design elements and traditional Toyota quality. The exterior featured distinctive angular flourishes and expressive headlights, while the interior boasted a layered dash with contrasting textures and a user-friendly touchscreen interface. The RAV4's design was both playful and aggressive, appealing to a wide range of drivers.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX Type S aimed to deliver a luxurious and dynamic driving experience. The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to wear the Type S badge, offering subtle yet sophisticated styling. It featured chicane-design LED lights, 21-inch wheels, and a panoramic moonroof. Inside, the Type S Ultra trim boasted quilted leather, aluminum interior trim, and a Sport Appearance package. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, detracted from the overall experience. Despite its luxury aspirations, the MDX Type S struggled to fully meet expectations for quality and driving dynamism.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a choice of three powertrains, catering to a variety of driving preferences. The gasoline-only model featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It delivered impressive fuel economy, with FWD models achieving 8.8 L/100 km in the city and 6.8 on the highway. The RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre engine with an electric motor, producing 217 net horsepower and achieving a fuel economy of 5.8 L/100 km in the city. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid offered 302 horsepower and could run up to 68 kilometres on electricity alone, with a combined efficiency rating of 2.5 Le/100 km. The RAV4's car-like handling and multi-terrain capabilities made it a versatile choice for various driving conditions.

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. Despite the power increase over the standard V6, the Type S struggled with its weight and fuel economy, averaging 13.9 L/100 km during testing. The MDX Type S featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system, providing dynamic torque vectoring. However, the performance upgrades didn't fully integrate, resulting in an indecisive transmission and lack of ride compliance. The MDX Type S's driving modes, including Sport and Sport+, offered some customization, but the overall experience fell short of expectations for a performance-oriented SUV.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered impressive interior space and versatility. It could hold up to 1,059 litres of luggage behind the second row, expanding to 1,977 litres with the seats folded flat. The RAV4's payload capacity ranged from 499 to 511 kilograms, and it could tow up to 1,588 kilograms in certain configurations. Inside, the RAV4 provided comfortable seating for four adults, with ample legroom and storage options. The XLE grade added features like dual-zone climate control and a power-adjustable driver's seat, enhancing comfort and convenience.

The 2023 Acura MDX provided three rows of seating, accommodating up to seven passengers. The second-row seats could be adjusted for more legroom, and the third row was best suited for children. The Type S Ultra trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the seats didn't fully support the MDX's performance-oriented mission. The MDX offered a decent cargo area, with 461 litres of space behind the third row and up to 2,021 litres with the rear seats folded. The hands-free liftgate and underfloor storage added convenience, but the interior design prioritized style over storage space.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with a range of technology features, starting with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, six-speaker audio, and smartphone integration. Higher trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen, 11-speaker JBL audio, and advanced connectivity options. The RAV4 Prime showcased additional tech, including multiple USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and a bird’s-eye view camera system. The available head-up display and digital rear-view mirror added to the RAV4's tech-savvy appeal.

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, which proved less intuitive than traditional touchscreens. The MDX offered wireless smartphone connectivity, Amazon Alexa Built-In, and a premium ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers. The Type S Ultra trim included a head-up display, but the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs, leading to potential safety concerns.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 prioritized safety with Toyota's Star Safety System, featuring stability control, traction control, and anti-lock braking. It also included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic emergency braking. The RAV4 received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, ensuring peace of mind for drivers and passengers.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, the lane-departure warning system's steering wheel wobble was less preferred. The MDX earned high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, but a false collision warning during testing raised concerns about the system's reliability.