2023 Acura MDX vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was crafted by removing the third row from the standard seven-passenger Atlas model, lowering the roofline by nearly 6 centimetres for a sleeker, coupe-like silhouette, and shortening the SUV’s length by 13.2 cm. Despite these changes, the wheelbase remained the same, ensuring a spacious interior for five passengers. However, the Cross Sport’s design adjustments resulted in reduced cargo space, offering 1,141 litres behind the second-row seat and a maximum of 2,203 litres. The Execline trim, with its 21-inch machined-finish wheels, added a bold and upscale appearance, although the base Comfortline trim's 18-inch wheels seemed undersized for the vehicle's robust fenders. The interior offered a variety of appealing colour combinations, but the presence of hard, glossy plastics detracted from the overall quality impression.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX presented a more traditional SUV design with three rows of seating. The Type S version, in particular, featured subtle styling cues that hinted at its performance capabilities without being overtly aggressive. The MDX's exterior was marked by chicane-design LED lights and 21-inch wheels, while the interior boasted quilted leather, aluminum trim, and a panoramic moonroof. Despite its luxurious appointments, the MDX's design had some drawbacks, such as gloss black plastic on the dashboard that complicated control usage and a body taper that could give the impression of a dent. The electronic transmission switchgear also proved to be a point of contention for some drivers.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and an available 3.6-litre V6 engine delivering 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine, which did not require premium fuel, provided a more satisfying driving experience and a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and VW’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, which included various driving modes. The V6-powered Atlas Cross Sport Execline demonstrated energetic performance, though it occasionally lacked refinement and had a fuel economy of 12.3 L/100 km. The ride quality varied, with the suspension feeling too firm at low speeds and too soft at higher speeds, leading to a less cohesive driving experience.

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. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system, which provided impressive cornering capabilities. The MDX Type S also featured an adaptive air suspension with a Lift mode for increased ground clearance. Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience, with issues such as an indecisive transmission, lack of ride compliance, and poor brake pedal modulation. The fuel economy was also disappointing, averaging 13.9 L/100 km during testing. While the MDX Type S offered thrilling performance potential, it fell short of expectations due to its lack of refinement and cohesiveness.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase and track width with the larger seven-passenger model, resulting in an exceptionally roomy interior for five passengers. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. A panoramic sunroof added to the sense of spaciousness, while rear side-window sunshades provided additional comfort. The Atlas Cross Sport offered ample storage space, though the lack of lining in storage areas could lead to rattling noises. The cargo area was generous, with deep wells for additional storage, though the shorter length and lower roofline reduced overall cargo capacity compared to the seven-passenger model.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seating with the option for two or three second-row seating positions. The test vehicle featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, wrapped in quilted leather upholstery. The second-row seat was comfortable and supportive, with heating for the outboard positions. However, the third row was best suited for children due to limited space. The MDX's interior design prioritized style over storage space, with a small bin under the front centre armrest and a touchpad interface that occupied valuable console space. The cargo area provided ample floor space and a sizable well under the load floor, with hooks for securing grocery bags. The hands-free liftgate with Walk Away Close function added convenience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came equipped with a Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, featuring a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system included Bluetooth pairing for two devices, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wireless smartphone charging. While the technology offered essential features, the user experience was often frustrating, with issues related to touchscreen interaction and voice recognition. The Execline trim added a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system, which delivered impressive sound quality.

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, while innovative, was not intuitive and detracted from the overall user experience. The MDX offered Bluetooth and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as Amazon Alexa Built-In for voice commands. The test vehicle included a high-end ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers, delivering exceptional 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 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and an automatic post-collision braking system. Additional features included adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and Travel Assist with Emergency Assist. The Execline trim added adaptive LED headlights, a semi-autonomous Park Assist system, and an Area View 360-degree camera system. While the Atlas Cross Sport received favourable crash-test ratings, it did not earn the highest accolades from safety organizations.

The 2023 Acura MDX was equipped with a range of safety features, including a collision mitigation braking system, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. Standard features in Canada included rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trim levels added front and rear parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The MDX received good crash-test ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ designation 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 after lane changes.