2023 Acura MDX vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, continuing its second generation into its 14th year, showcased a mature design that balanced classic styling with subtle updates. Its exterior maintained a tasteful appearance with a modest grille and elegant wheel arches, standing tall and wide with a commanding presence. Despite its age, the Sequoia's interior was crafted with high-quality materials, though it appeared dated compared to modern SUVs. The 7-inch touchscreen and 4.2-inch driver information screen felt out of place in a market dominated by larger digital displays. However, the Sequoia's interior was built to last, offering durability and practicality for families.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S presented a more modern and luxurious approach, with its subtle yet sporty design. The Type S featured chicane-design LED lights and 21-inch wheels, giving it a confident stance. Inside, the MDX boasted quilted leather, aluminum trim, and a panoramic moonroof. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic and electronic transmission switchgear, detracted from its overall appeal. While the MDX Type S aimed for a performance-oriented feel, it struggled with cohesiveness, leaving some aspects of its design and functionality lacking.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, it offered a reliable and durable driving experience. With a towing capacity of 3,221 kilograms and a payload capacity of 608 kilograms, the Sequoia was built for heavy-duty tasks. Despite its weight of nearly 2,721.5 kilograms, it provided a smooth and stable ride, excelling in off-road conditions with its robust construction and independent suspension.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. It utilized a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system. While the MDX Type S offered various driving modes and performance enhancements, it fell short in delivering a cohesive driving experience. The transmission was indecisive, and the brake system lacked modulation, leading to a less predictable performance. Fuel economy was also a concern, with the MDX Type S consuming more fuel than expected.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort with spacious seating across all three rows. It featured a three-zone climate control system and a power moonroof. The cargo area offered 535 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 3,401 litres with seats folded. The Sequoia's interior was practical, with ample storage options and power outlets for convenience.

The 2023 Acura MDX provided a versatile interior with three rows of seating and adjustable second-row options. The Type S Ultra trim included luxurious features like 16-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functions. However, the seats lacked the expected support for spirited driving. The cargo area was well-designed, offering 461 litres behind the third row and up to 2,021 litres with seats folded. Despite its style-focused interior, the MDX offered practical storage solutions and a hands-free liftgate.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology was outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a basic infotainment system. While it included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the overall tech package lagged behind competitors. The Sequoia did feature LED lighting and a standard rear backup camera, but its lack of modern powertrain technology was noticeable.

The 2023 Acura MDX boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment display. However, the True Touchpad Interface was less intuitive than traditional touchscreens, and the system's design limited storage space. The MDX included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, enhancing connectivity. The ELS Studio 3D audio system provided excellent sound quality, and the head-up display added convenience, though some tech features occasionally misread information.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, offering features like adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning. It included a comprehensive set of airbags and safety systems, though it lacked crash-test ratings from major safety organizations.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a robust suite of safety technologies, including collision mitigation and adaptive cruise control. It earned high safety ratings, with the IIHS naming it a Top Safety Pick+ and the NHTSA awarding it five stars overall. However, some systems occasionally issued false warnings, which could be concerning.