2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX presented a blend of luxury and performance, particularly in its Type S Ultra trim. This model was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, offering a significant power boost over the standard version. The exterior design featured subtle yet sophisticated elements, such as chicane-design LED lights and 21-inch wheels, which contributed to its poised stance. Inside, the MDX Type S Ultra boasted a luxurious interior with quilted leather, ambient lighting, and a panoramic moonroof. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard and the electronic transmission switchgear, were less user-friendly, detracting slightly from the overall experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid embraced a more rugged and blocky design, reminiscent of Toyota's truck line. The trapezoidal grille and angular bodywork gave it a robust appearance, which was complemented by the interior's multi-tiered dashboard. While the materials used were average for its class, the RAV4 Hybrid offered a practical and comfortable cabin. The infotainment system was straightforward, with physical buttons and knobs for easy control. Despite some hard plastics, the RAV4 Hybrid maintained a strong build quality, ensuring a quiet and smooth ride over various terrains.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S was distinguished by its turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This was a notable increase from the standard 3.5-litre V6, although the Type S was heavier by 130 kilograms. The engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which could direct up to 70% of the engine's power to a single rear wheel. 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 Type S averaging 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres during testing, falling short of its official rating.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, on the other hand, was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 219 horsepower. This setup allowed the RAV4 Hybrid to accelerate to 100 km/h in approximately 7.5 seconds, making it quicker than the standard RAV4. The hybrid system provided smooth transitions between regenerative and physical braking, while the suspension offered a comfortable ride over bumps and potholes. Although not particularly sporty, the RAV4 Hybrid's driving dynamics were competent and predictable, making it a reliable choice for everyday driving.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a spacious interior with three rows of seats, accommodating up to seven passengers. The second-row seats could be configured for two or three seating positions, and the third row was best suited for children. The cargo area provided ample space, with 461 litres available behind the third row and up to 2,021 litres with the rear seats folded. However, the interior design prioritized style over storage, with limited space for personal items. The Type S Ultra trim featured luxurious touches like 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, but the seats lacked the expected support for spirited driving.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid excelled in interior space and storage. The front seats offered plenty of room for larger passengers, while the rear seats comfortably accommodated average-sized adults. The cargo area provided 1,059 litres of space, comparable to its non-hybrid counterpart, with no significant loss due to the battery pack. The rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor, although shorter individuals might find it challenging to reach them. Interior storage was a highlight, with a wide dashboard shelf, a phone tray, and large cupholders, making it practical for everyday use.

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 relied on a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) instead of a touchscreen, which could be cumbersome to use. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Amazon Alexa Built-In. The top-tier ELS Studio 3D audio system delivered impressive sound quality, while a 10.5-inch head-up display provided essential driving information. Despite these features, the TTI's design limited storage space and could be distracting to operate.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid introduced a new multimedia infotainment system with modern graphics and logical menu arrangements. Most trims came with an 8.0-inch display, while higher trims upgraded to a 10.5-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the system supported over-the-air updates. A Wi-Fi hotspot and remote vehicle monitoring were also available. The top trims featured a fully digital instrument panel and an 11-speaker JBL audio system, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2023 Acura MDX was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a collision mitigation braking system, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. In Canada, it also included rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, the vehicle experienced a false collision warning during testing, which was concerning.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid received high safety ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite included features like forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. In Canada, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. The top trims added parking sensors and a surround-view camera system. During testing, the RAV4's safety systems performed reliably without any false alarms.