2024 Hyundai Tucson vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX presented a sophisticated yet subtle design, especially in its Type S Ultra trim. This model was characterized by its chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, automatic high-beam LED headlights, and a panoramic moonroof. The Type S Ultra trim featured luxurious interior elements such as quilted leather, aluminum trim, and a leather-wrapped dashboard. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made it difficult to use certain controls. Despite its appealing aesthetics, the MDX's body design sometimes gave the illusion of a dented side, and the electronic transmission switchgear was not user-friendly.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Tucson boasted a contemporary and aggressive design with its taut angles and unique headlight integration into the grille. This design choice gave the Tucson a sharp and athletic presence, even in a simple white colour. The interior of the Tucson was modern and refined, with technology packaged in an approachable manner. However, the absence of a volume dial in favour of touch-capacitive buttons was a minor inconvenience. The Tucson's cabin was spacious and well-equipped, offering a comfortable ride for both short commutes and long journeys.

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 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, poor brake pedal modulation, and a lack of ride compliance. The fuel economy was also disappointing, averaging 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres during testing.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson Preferred came with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. While this powertrain was adequate for city driving, it required significant throttle input for highway speeds and passing manoeuvres. The Tucson's handling and ride quality were commendable, offering a comfortable and well-rounded driving experience. However, for those seeking more power, the Tucson Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid variants provided better performance, albeit with a more complex shifter design.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a spacious interior with three rows of seats, accommodating up to seven passengers. 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 MDX's cargo space was generous, with 461 litres available behind the third row and up to 2,021 litres with both rear rows folded. The cabin's design prioritized style over storage, with limited space for small items.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson excelled in cargo capacity, offering up to 2,119 litres with the rear seats folded and 1,097 litres with them in use. The Tucson's hands-free power liftgate was a convenient feature, allowing easy access to the cargo area. The cabin provided ample space for five passengers, with comfortable seating in both rows. The Tucson's interior was well-designed, with plenty of storage options and a standard wireless device charging pad.

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 was less intuitive 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 delivered excellent sound quality, but the native voice recognition system was less effective than using Alexa.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson came with a fully digital instrument panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. While the connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay required a wired connection, the interface was user-friendly and functional even with gloves. The Tucson's remote start system was advanced, allowing the vehicle to be driven immediately after remote starting without pressing the start button again.

The 2023 Acura MDX was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. However, the lane departure warning system's steering wheel wobble was less preferred, and the adaptive cruise control could be slow to resume speed. The MDX received high safety ratings, with a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson offered a robust set of standard safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Ultimate trim added advanced features like a 360-degree camera system and Smart Park remote-parking. The Tucson received high safety scores from the IIHS, with a Top Safety Pick+ designation, and performed well in NHTSA tests.