2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was positioned as a compact SUV with a spacious interior, fitting comfortably within Volkswagen's lineup between the subcompact and compact segments. It was available in Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline trims, with a choice of front-wheel drive or 4Motion all-wheel drive. The Taos featured a stylish exterior with 19-inch machined-finish aluminum alloy wheels and Cornflower Blue paint, adding to its vibrant personality. However, the interior was criticized for its hard plastic surfaces, which detracted from the overall quality feel, despite the presence of soft-touch materials in key areas.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX Type S offered a more luxurious experience, with a focus on quality and driving dynamics. The Type S featured subtle styling enhancements, including chicane-design LED lights and 21-inch wheels, giving it a refined appearance. Inside, the MDX Type S boasted quilted leather, aluminum trim, and a panoramic moonroof. However, some design choices, such as the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made it challenging to use certain controls. The MDX Type S aimed to deliver a premium feel, but some elements, like the electronic transmission switchgear, were not universally appreciated.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided adequate power, but the turbocharger's delayed response and the dual-clutch transmission's erratic shifting could be frustrating for some drivers. The Taos offered a smooth and compliant driving experience, with responsive steering and effective brakes. However, its ground clearance was limited, making it less suitable for off-road adventures compared to some competitors. Fuel efficiency was reasonable, with an average of 8.7 L/100 km during testing.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Despite the power increase over the standard MDX, the Type S's performance upgrades did not always work harmoniously. The transmission's indecisiveness and the lack of ride compliance detracted from the driving experience. The MDX Type S struggled with fuel efficiency, averaging 13.9 L/100 km during testing. While the turbocharged V6 provided quick acceleration, the overall performance fell short of expectations, with issues like brake pedal response and tire squeal affecting driver confidence.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos offered a spacious interior, with ample legroom and comfortable seating for both front and rear passengers. The Highline trim included features like heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Cargo space varied depending on the drive system, with up to 1,866 litres available in the front-wheel-drive model. The Taos also featured a centre pass-through, making it ideal for ski trips.

The 2023 Acura MDX provided three rows of seating, accommodating up to seven passengers. The Type S Ultra trim included 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the seats were firm and did not provide the expected support during spirited driving. The MDX offered flexible cargo space, with up to 2,021 litres available with the rear seats folded. The hands-free liftgate and underfloor storage added convenience for loading and unloading.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came equipped with a Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and an infotainment system with either a 6.5-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim. While the system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the user experience was hindered by complex menu navigation and voice recognition issues. The Highline trim added a navigation system and a BeatsAudio premium sound system, though the transition from Fender to BeatsAudio was not seen as a positive change.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the lack of a touchscreen and reliance on the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) made the system less intuitive. The MDX included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, providing familiar voice assistant functions. The top-tier ELS Studio 3D audio system delivered impressive sound quality, but the infotainment system's usability was a point of contention.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos offered a range of safety features, but many were only available on higher trims or as part of optional packages. These included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Taos also featured Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, providing advanced driving assistance and safety measures. However, the reverse automatic braking system was overly sensitive, causing issues in certain situations.

The 2023 Acura MDX came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX received high safety ratings, with a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. However, some systems, like the lane-departure warning, could be overly sensitive, and the adaptive cruise control's speed resumption was slower than desired. An incident during testing highlighted a potential issue with the collision warning system, which mistook an overhead sign for an obstacle.