2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2022 Volvo XC60 underwent subtle styling changes, enhancing its sporty appearance with a new front fascia featuring "air blades" and a reworked grille that cleverly concealed sensors behind a heated Volvo logo. The rear bumper was redesigned to hide the tailpipes, and new wheel designs were introduced across all models. Built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, the XC60 shared its foundation with other Volvo models like the XC90 and S90. Inside, the XC60 retained its clean design, with a new digital instrument cluster and a portrait-oriented touchscreen. While the interior was generally subdued, the B6 R-Design model added flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats. The Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered both standard and Type S versions, with various trim packages enhancing equipment levels. In Canada, the MDX Type S was available in standard spec or with an Ultra package, with prices ranging from $59,300 to $84,400. The Type S Ultra trim featured exclusive elements like quilted leather, aluminum interior trim, and a Sport Appearance package. The MDX's exterior boasted chicane-design LED lights and 21-inch wheels, while the interior included a panoramic moonroof and Iconic Drive ambient lighting. Despite its appealing design, the MDX's body tapering and gloss black plastic dashboard elements posed usability challenges. The electronic transmission switchgear also proved confusing for some drivers.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 versions. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system, providing an additional 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 powertrain also featured an electric supercharger. The XC60 B5 delivered 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission and came with standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The XC60's standout features included a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, enhanced by optional air suspension. The plug-in hybrid XC60 Recharge offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, while the Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine producing 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The MDX Type S included performance enhancements like a solid front suspension stabilizer bar, Electro-Servo brakes, and larger front brake rotors. Despite these upgrades, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience, with issues like an indecisive transmission, lack of ride compliance, and poor brake pedal modulation. The MDX Type S averaged 13.9 L/100 km during testing, falling short of its official fuel consumption rating. The vehicle's performance upgrades didn't fully align, making it less predictable and less enjoyable for driving enthusiasts.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained its competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Legroom was average for the segment. The mild-hybrid models offered 611 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,410 litres with them folded. Plug-in hybrid models had slightly less cargo capacity. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats, with the option to remove the centre section of the second-row seat for easier access to the third row. The Type S Ultra trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The MDX's second-row seat was comfortable but didn't provide as much legroom as expected. The third row was best suited for children. The MDX's cargo area offered 461 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 1,107 litres with the third row folded and 2,021 litres with both rear rows down. The Type S included a hands-free liftgate with a Walk Away Close function.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running the Android Automotive operating system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and features like Bluetooth and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system integrated Android-specific features, including Google Assistant and Google Maps, and supported over-the-air updates. While the system was compatible with iPhones, it offered more functionality for Android users. The infotainment redesign included a new layout with sideways swiping for menu access.

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 (TTI) on the centre console. The TTI design posed challenges, as it required learning a new system and reduced storage space. The MDX offered Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In. The top-tier ELS Studio 3D audio system provided excellent sound quality. The MDX also included a head-up display with navigation instructions and driving assistance status.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for the 2022 model year, but the 2021 model received top safety ratings. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. An optional driver assistance system combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centring.

The 2023 Acura MDX included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as a collision mitigation braking system, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall 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.