2023 Acura MDX vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2023 Acura MDX presented a blend of luxury and performance, with its Type S version offering a turbocharged engine and a host of premium features. In Canada, the MDX was available in various trims, including the A-Spec and Type S Ultra, with prices ranging from $66,300 to $84,400. The Type S Ultra trim, which we tested, featured a striking Apex Blue Pearl paint and a luxurious Orchid interior. Despite its high price, the MDX Type S aimed to deliver a refined driving experience with its chicane-design LED lights, 21-inch wheels, and a panoramic moonroof. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, detracted from its overall appeal.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid marked a significant departure from its predecessors with a more assertive and truck-like design. The sixth-generation CR-V was longer and wider, giving it a more muscular stance. The Hybrid Touring trim, which we tested, featured a modern look with black roof rails, mirrors, and 19-inch wheels. The interior followed Honda's new design direction, with high-quality materials and a honeycomb grille on the dash. The CR-V Hybrid's cabin was spacious and comfortable, with thoughtful touches like contrast stitching on the seats and steering wheel, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a stylish and practical SUV.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. This was a significant increase over the standard MDX's 3.5-litre V6. However, the Type S was heavier, which affected its performance. The 10-speed automatic transmission and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system aimed to enhance driving dynamics, but the overall experience was marred by an indecisive transmission and lack of ride compliance. The MDX Type S offered various driving modes, including a Lift mode for increased ground clearance, but its fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 13.9 L/100 km during our test drive.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid, on the other hand, combined a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. This made it the most powerful CR-V to date. The hybrid powertrain was responsive, especially during highway merging, and the CR-V Hybrid was rated for towing up to 450 kg. The CR-V Hybrid featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and four drive modes, including a new Snow mode. The updated Real Time AWD system and hill-descent control added to its versatility. The CR-V Hybrid's fuel economy was impressive, with an estimated 6.4 L/100 km combined, making it a more efficient choice than the MDX Type S.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a spacious interior with three rows of seats and a flexible cargo area. The Type S Ultra trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the seats were firm and didn't provide the expected support during spirited driving. The MDX's second-row seats could slide and tilt for easier third-row access, but the third row was best suited for children. The cargo area was practical, with a hands-free liftgate and ample storage space, but the interior design prioritized style over storage.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid benefited from its larger exterior, translating to more interior volume. It offered 1,028 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 2,030 litres with them folded. The CR-V Hybrid's rear seat legroom was generous, and the reclining rear seats provided comfort for passengers. The Touring model featured a hands-free power tailgate and wide-opening rear doors for easy access. The interior was well-designed, with a cubby for smartphones and eight cupholders throughout the cabin, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment display, but the lack of a touchscreen was a drawback. Instead, Acura used a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the centre console, which was not as intuitive as a traditional touchscreen. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa Built-In, and a premium ELS Studio 3D audio system. However, the infotainment system's voice recognition was less effective than using Siri or Google Assistant.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid catered to those who preferred physical buttons, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen and a 9-inch display for higher trims. The CR-V Hybrid was well-equipped with USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and dual-zone climate control. The Touring trim added features like a wireless charging pad, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and Honda's smart navigation system, which optimized fuel efficiency based on the route. The CR-V Hybrid's technology package was comprehensive and user-friendly.

The 2023 Acura MDX came with a suite of safety features, including a collision mitigation braking system, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. It also had rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX received good crash-test ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. However, the MDX's safety systems occasionally issued false warnings, which was concerning.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid was equipped with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation, and lane-keeping assist. New features for 2023 included traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, and low-speed braking control. The CR-V Hybrid also had a blind-spot monitoring system and cross-traffic monitor. It received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, with additional safety enhancements like new airbags and improved visibility.