2023 Acura MDX vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2023 Acura MDX presented a sophisticated yet subtle design, especially in its Type S Ultra trim. This model was equipped with a turbocharged engine and featured a striking Apex Blue Pearl paint, although this colour was exclusive to the A-Spec trim in Canada. The MDX's exterior was marked by chicane-design LED lights and 21-inch wheels, giving it a robust stance. Inside, the Type S Ultra trim boasted quilted leather, a Sport Appearance package, and a panoramic moonroof. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made controls difficult to use, and the electronic transmission switchgear was occasionally confusing.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban was a behemoth on the road, with a long-standing reputation as a reliable and spacious SUV. Its massive dimensions, stretching nearly the length of an NBA baseline, made it a staple for those needing ample cargo and passenger space. The Suburban was available in six trims, each offering increasing levels of luxury. The High Country trim, which was tested, featured leather interiors and a range of comfort features. Despite its size, the Suburban blended into traffic, offering a comfortable cabin with plenty of space for passengers and cargo. However, even the top trims required additional costs for features like power running-board steps and a panoramic moonroof.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This was a significant increase over the standard MDX's 3.5-litre V6. The Type S featured 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. Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience. The transmission was 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 2024 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine options: a 5.3-litre V8, a 6.2-litre V8, and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel six-cylinder. The 5.3-litre V8, standard on most trims, delivered 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of up to 3,765 kilograms. The 6.2-litre V8 provided 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, while the diesel engine offered 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, with better fuel economy. The Suburban's 10-speed automatic transmission was well-tuned, and the vehicle's size was manageable thanks to its height-adjustable air suspension. However, drivers needed to be mindful of its weight, which could lead to body roll and required earlier braking.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a versatile interior with three rows of seats and a cargo area with ample floor space. The Type S Ultra trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the seats were firm and didn't provide the expected support during spirited driving. The second-row seats could slide and tilt for easier access to the third row, but the third row was best suited for children. The MDX's cargo area was practical, with a hands-free liftgate and a maximum capacity of 2,021 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in cargo space, offering 1,175 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,656 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 4,097 litres. This made it a top choice for families needing substantial carrying capacity. The Suburban's 106-litre fuel tank, combined with the diesel engine's efficiency, allowed for long highway drives between fill-ups. The interior was spacious, with comfortable seating and a focus on practicality, making it ideal for road trips and family outings.

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 distracting and took up valuable console space. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Amazon Alexa Built-In. The top-tier audio system was a 25-speaker ELS Studio 3D setup, delivering impressive sound quality. A head-up display was available on higher trims, although the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban came with a 10.2-inch touchscreen on most trims, featuring Google Built-in for seamless access to apps like Google Maps and Google Assistant. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were included, and a rear-seat entertainment system was available as an option. The Suburban's 10-speaker Bose audio system provided decent sound quality, but it lacked the richness of higher-end systems. Overall, the Suburban's infotainment system was user-friendly and functional, though not as advanced as some competitors.

The 2023 Acura MDX was 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 good crash-test ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, although it received four stars in the frontal-impact test.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban also offered a range of advanced driver assistance systems, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and Chevy's Teen Driver feature. Higher trims could be equipped with Super Cruise, a semi-autonomous driving system. The Suburban received a four-star overall crash safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side-crash tests but only three stars in rollover tests.