2023 Volvo XC40 vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX presented a sophisticated yet subtle design, especially in its Type S Ultra trim. This model featured chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, along with LED headlights that had automatic high-beam operation. The exterior was marked by minor front styling modifications and muted badges, maintaining a subdued appearance. The 21-inch wheels and quad exhaust outlets added a touch of sportiness, while the panoramic moonroof and Iconic Drive ambient lighting themes enhanced the luxury feel. Inside, the Type S Ultra trim boasted quilted leather, aluminum interior trim, and a Sport Appearance package, although some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, were less practical.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC40 maintained its distinctive, flat-roofed SUV profile, with a clean exterior design free of unnecessary detailing. The 2023 model saw updates like pixelated "Thor’s Hammer" headlights and a more angular front bumper. The XC40 shared its Compact Modular Architecture with other Volvo and Polestar models, making it unique in offering a combustion engine. Inside, the minimalist design continued with thin air vents and scalloped elements for door handles and speaker grilles. The XC40 Ultimate test vehicle featured a panoramic moonroof and an Orrefors crystal shift knob, though the all-black interior felt somewhat utilitarian. Overall, the XC40's design was both functional and stylish, with a focus on refinement.

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 significant increase over the standard 3.5-litre V6, but the Type S also weighed more, impacting its performance. The engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. The MDX Type S offered various driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. Despite these enhancements, the performance upgrades didn't fully integrate, leading to issues like an indecisive transmission and poor brake pedal modulation. The fuel economy was also disappointing, with the test drive averaging 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 introduced mild-hybrid powertrains, featuring a 48-volt electrical system and a 13-horsepower integrated starter generator. The B5 models in Canada had a 2.0-litre turbo-four-cylinder engine with 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The XC40 could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, offering a smooth and refined driving experience. The chassis tuning provided a calm and composed ride, absorbing bumps effectively. The XC40 Recharge variant offered even more power, with 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 359-kilometre range. Overall, the XC40's performance was characterized by refinement and efficiency, with a focus on comfort rather than sportiness.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a spacious interior with three rows of seats and a flexible second-row configuration. The Type S Ultra trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, wrapped in quilted leather. However, the seats were firm and didn't provide the expected support during spirited driving. The MDX's third row was best suited for children, and the interior design prioritized style over storage space. The cargo area was practical, with a decent amount of floor space and a sizable underfloor storage bin. The MDX could carry 461 litres of cargo behind the third row, expanding to 1,107 litres with the third row folded, and 2,021 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2023 Volvo XC40, while smaller, offered reasonable space for its class. It provided ample rear-seat headroom and shoulder room, making the second-row middle seat more usable. The XC40 had 566 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,328 litres with them folded, which was less than some competitors. However, the interior storage was well-designed, with scalloped door panels and a large centre console storage bin. The XC40's practicality was enhanced by a power tailgate and keyless entry, making it a convenient choice 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 was less intuitive. The system supported Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In. The MDX also offered a high-end ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers, providing excellent sound quality. A 10.5-inch head-up display was available with higher trims, although the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 adopted an Android-based infotainment system, using Google apps for navigation and voice recognition. It featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9-inch touchscreen in portrait orientation. The XC40 Ultimate trim included a 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and USB-C ports for each row. The infotainment experience was user-friendly, though Apple users might find the Google integration less satisfying. The minimalist design meant most controls were on the touchscreen, which could be less convenient for some functions.

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, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. It also had 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, though it earned four stars in the frontal-impact test.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 emphasized safety with standard features like lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, traffic-sign recognition, and blind-spot monitoring. Upgrading to higher trims added features like a 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise control with Pilot Assist. The XC40 received top ratings from the IIHS in most crash tests, though it dropped to an "Acceptable" rating in the updated side-impact test. The NHTSA awarded the gasoline XC40 a five-star overall safety rating.