2023 Subaru Forester vs 2023 Acura MDX

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 Tech, A-Spec, and Platinum Elite packages, with prices ranging from $59,300 to $84,400, excluding a destination charge. The Type S Ultra trim, which we tested, came with a striking Apex Blue Pearl paint and a luxurious Orchid interior, setting high expectations for quality and driving dynamics. However, despite its appealing design and features like chicane-design LED lights and a panoramic moonroof, the MDX Type S had some drawbacks. The interior, while luxurious with quilted leather and ambient lighting, had some usability issues, such as the gloss black plastic on the dashboard and the electronic transmission switchgear, which could be confusing.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Forester focused on functionality and practicality, with a design that had remained consistent over the years. Available in Base, Touring, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Premier trims, the Forester's pricing ranged from $30,995 to $41,595, excluding a destination charge. Our test vehicle, the Premier trim, featured a Cascade Green Silica paint and offered a robust design with flared fenders and a practical roof rail system. Inside, the Forester Premier boasted exclusive brown leather and metallic accents, with a layout that emphasized ease of use with traditional buttons and knobs. While the Forester's appearance was busy, it provided excellent visibility and a straightforward control layout, making it a practical choice for those prioritizing function over form.

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, a significant increase over the standard 3.5-litre V6. This power was delivered through a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. The MDX Type S also featured an adaptive air suspension with a Lift mode, increasing ground clearance for off-road conditions. However, despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience. The transmission was often indecisive, and the ride lacked compliance, with squealing tires and poor brake pedal modulation. Fuel economy was also a concern, with the MDX Type S averaging 13.9 L/100 km, falling short of its official rating. While the turbocharged V6 offered quick acceleration, the overall driving experience was marred by inconsistent performance and high fuel consumption.

The 2023 Subaru Forester, powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, offered a more modest performance. The engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru's SI-Drive system, which included a Sport mode for quicker responses. The Forester also featured an X-Mode off-road traction control system, enhancing its capability in challenging conditions. During testing, the Forester Premier demonstrated its prowess in adverse weather, handling flooded roads and muddy trails with ease. While the engine was merely adequate, the Forester's excellent driving dynamics, including light and accurate steering and effective brakes, contributed to a comfortable and communicative ride. The Forester returned 9.1 L/100 km on the testing route, slightly missing its official fuel economy rating. Despite its modest power, the Forester's well-tuned suspension and handling made it a reliable choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a spacious and functional interior with three rows of seats and a versatile cargo area. The Type S Ultra trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, wrapped in quilted leather upholstery. However, the seats were firm and didn't provide the expected support during enthusiastic driving. The second-row seats were comfortable and supportive, with heating available in the outboard positions. The third row, while tight for adults, was suitable for children. The MDX's interior design prioritized style over storage space, with limited storage options in the centre console. The cargo area, accessible via a hands-free liftgate, offered 461 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 2,021 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Subaru Forester emphasized practicality, with a focus on function over form. The interior offered excellent outward visibility, with tall glass and thin windshield pillars providing outstanding spatial awareness. The Forester Premier featured perforated leather upholstery, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, and heated outboard rear seats. While the front seats were comfortable, the rear seats lacked leg support and had a reclined backrest angle. The Forester's doors were well-sealed, and interior storage was plentiful, with multiple pockets and compartments. The cargo area, accessible via a power liftgate, offered 762 litres of space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,957 litres with the seats folded. The Forester's practical design made it a versatile choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

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 system lacked a touchscreen interface, relying on a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) for operation. This design choice limited storage space and partially blocked the wireless charging pad. The MDX offered Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, but the native voice recognition system was frustrating to use. The MDX also featured a high-end ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers, delivering clear and distortion-free sound. A 10.5-inch head-up display was available with higher trims, providing navigation instructions and driving assistance status.

The 2023 Subaru Forester offered a more straightforward technology setup, with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the Base trim and an 8-inch display available in higher trims. The system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Starlink connected services. The Forester's user interface was simple and appealing, with separate climate controls and easy-to-use volume and tuning knobs. However, the voice-recognition system was nearly useless, struggling to understand commands. The Forester Premier featured a Harman Kardon premium audio system, but a wireless smartphone charger was notably absent. Despite its outdated appearance, the Forester's technology setup was practical and user-friendly.

The 2023 Acura MDX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a collision mitigation braking system, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with low-speed following capability. The MDX also featured rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added front and rear parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it earned four stars for frontal-impact protection.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured the next-generation EyeSight collection of collision avoidance and driver assist technologies, with updated software and cameras for improved performance. Adaptive cruise control was standard, and higher trims added a blind-spot monitoring system with Automatic Emergency Steering. The Forester also offered a Rear Automatic Braking system, though it could be overly sensitive. The Limited and Premier trims included a DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System. The Forester received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, a step down from the previous year's Top Safety Pick+ award, and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.