2023 Acura MDX vs 2023 Volvo XC60

The 2023 Acura MDX presented a sophisticated yet subtle design, especially in its Type S Ultra trim. This model featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, chicane-design LED lights, and 21-inch wheels, all contributing to its poised stance. Inside, the MDX Type S boasted a luxurious interior with quilted leather, aluminum trim, and a panoramic moonroof. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made it difficult to use certain controls, and the electronic transmission switchgear was occasionally confusing. Despite these minor drawbacks, the MDX Type S remained an attractive luxury SUV.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC60 exuded a timeless elegance, with its Thunder Grey paint and blacked-out exterior trim enhancing its visual appeal. The interior showcased classic Scandinavian minimalism, with black leather seats, wood trim, and ambient lighting creating an opulent atmosphere. The XC60's design was both stylish and functional, with a spacious cabin and a panoramic sunroof adding to the sense of openness. The XC60 Recharge Ultimate trim, in particular, offered a refined and comfortable driving experience, making it a standout in the compact SUV segment.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. This was a significant increase over the standard MDX's 3.5-litre V6, but the Type S also weighed more, which affected its performance. The MDX Type S featured 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. Despite these enhancements, 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. Fuel economy was also a concern, with the Type S averaging 13.9 L/100 km during testing, falling short of its official rating.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge, on the other hand, combined a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 455 horsepower and 423 lb-ft of torque. This setup allowed for an estimated 58 km of electric-only driving range. The XC60 Recharge offered several driving modes, including Hybrid, Power, and Pure, each catering to different driving preferences. In Power mode, the XC60 felt responsive and agile, while Pure mode maximized electric driving. The XC60 Recharge excelled in fuel efficiency, averaging 4.3 L/100 km during testing, making it a more economical choice for daily driving.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a spacious interior with three rows of seating, 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 MDX provided ample cargo space, with 461 litres behind the third row and up to 2,021 litres with both rear rows folded. However, the interior design prioritized style over storage, with limited space in the centre console and small storage bins.

The 2023 Volvo XC60, being a compact SUV, was best suited for four passengers, though it could accommodate five if needed. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with Nappa leather upholstery and power cushion extensions. The rear seats, while comfortable, offered limited legroom for taller passengers. The XC60 provided 730 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,792 litres with the seats folded. The XC60's design included practical storage solutions, such as wide door bins and a ski pass-through panel, though it lacked underfloor storage due to the battery pack.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured 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 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, and a head-up display was available in higher trims.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 came with a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 9-inch Google Built-in infotainment system. The system was user-friendly, with access to Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play. It supported both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and the voice-recognition system was impressive. The optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system delivered outstanding audio quality, though it was a costly upgrade.

The 2023 Acura MDX was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a collision mitigation braking system, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. 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 frontal-impact tests.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 was synonymous with safety, featuring Pilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist. It also had Oncoming Lane Mitigation and other advanced safety systems. While the XC60 Recharge had not been tested by the NHTSA, the B5 and B6 models received top safety ratings. The IIHS awarded the XC60 a Top Safety Pick+ rating for 2022, which may carry over to 2023.