2023 Acura MDX vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a blend of luxury and subtlety, especially in its Type S Advance trim. With a price tag of $74,995, it aimed to deliver a high level of quality and driving dynamism, though it sometimes fell short of expectations. The MDX Type S was the first Acura SUV to sport the Type S badge, characterized by its understated design. It featured chicane-design LED lights, 21-inch wheels, and a panoramic sunroof. Inside, the Type S boasted perforated Milano leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package, with the Advance trim adding open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard. Despite its appeal, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made controls difficult to use.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV marked a significant evolution for the Blazer nameplate, transitioning from a truck-based off-roader to a car-based crossover, and finally to an EV. Built on GM's Ultium platform, the Blazer EV shared a long wheelbase with the Cadillac Lyriq, though its proportions made it appear more like a stretch limo. Its design featured a tall hood, a scowling front end, and boomerang-shaped taillights, giving it a more aggressive look than its rivals. The Blazer EV launched in LT and RS trims, with the RS offering a blacked-out front fascia and 21-inch wheels. Inside, the RS and SS models featured large round air vents, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and optional red leather upholstery, creating a more engaging cabin than competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This was a notable increase over the standard 3.5-liter V6, though the Type S was also heavier. It used 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 offered various driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. However, its performance enhancements didn't always work harmoniously, leading to issues like an indecisive transmission, poor brake pedal modulation, and squealing tires. Fuel economy was also a concern, with the Type S averaging 16.9 mpg, below its EPA rating.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered both single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) and dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrains in its LT and RS trims. The RWD model delivered 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, while the AWD version had 288 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque. The Blazer EV's AWD system provided better traction, especially off the line. Despite sharing dimensions with the Cadillac Lyriq, the Blazer EV prioritized handling over comfort, with a stiff suspension that made smooth roads feel rough. It featured a steering-wheel paddle for adjusting regenerative braking, allowing for a more involved driving experience. The Blazer EV SS, with its dual-motor AWD powertrain, promised even more power and a sub-four-second 0-60 mph time.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a functional interior with three rows of seats and a flexible second-row configuration. The Type S Advance trim included 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage, though the seats were firm and didn't hold occupants as securely as expected. The MDX provided 18.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. However, the interior design prioritized style over storage, with limited space in the center console and a small bin under the front armrest. The hands-free liftgate with Walk Away Close was a convenient feature for loading and unloading cargo.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's interior felt spacious, though its headroom and legroom were similar to the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. It lacked the commanding driving position of a traditional SUV, with high side sills and a deep dashboard. The Blazer EV offered 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the second row in place, expanding to 59.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. While it had more cargo space than the EV6, it fell short of the gasoline Blazer. The interior featured expected small-item storage, though some controls were moved to the touchscreen, requiring adjustment.

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 wasn't touch-sensitive, relying on a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the center console. This design choice limited storage space and partially blocked the wireless charging pad. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, though the native voice recognition system was less effective. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread speed limits.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV introduced a new Google-based infotainment system with built-in Google apps. It featured a 17.7-inch touchscreen and an 11-inch digital instrument cluster, both with sharp graphics. The system included built-in route planning and over-the-air software updates. However, Chevy eliminated standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, leaving iOS users with basic Bluetooth. The Blazer EV also offered a hands-free start sequence, marking a shift towards a more high-tech feel.

The 2023 Acura MDX came equipped with Acura Watch, a suite of driving assistance and collision avoidance systems. It included features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX also had blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. While the Acura Watch systems were generally accurate, some issues arose, such as false lane-departure notifications and a collision warning triggered by an overhead sign. The MDX received good crash-test ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication. It came standard with automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. Optional features included reverse automatic braking, park assist, and the Super Cruise hands-free driver assist system, which maintained speed and following distance while keeping the vehicle centered in its lane.