2024 Mazda CX-5 vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX presented a sophisticated yet subtle design, especially in its Type S Ultra trim. This model featured a turbocharged engine and a luxurious interior with quilted leather and aluminum trim. The exterior boasted chicane-design LED lights and 21-inch wheels, giving it a commanding presence. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made it difficult to use certain controls. Despite these minor drawbacks, the MDX Type S was a fundamentally attractive luxury SUV, though its high price set expectations that it didn't fully meet.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 maintained its appealing design from its 2017 debut, with minor updates keeping it modern. The new Suna trim, exclusive Zircon Sand paint, and Terracotta leather seats added a touch of exclusivity. Mazda improved the fuel economy for the base engine and added wireless charging and connectivity features. The CX-5's design and quality elevated it above many mass-market rivals, offering an upscale feel at a mainstream price. Despite being a compact crossover, it provided a comfortable and supportive interior, though it was snug for four adults.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S was distinguished by its turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. This was a significant increase over the standard MDX's 3.5-litre V6. However, the Type S was heavier, which affected its performance. It 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 poor brake pedal modulation. Fuel economy was also disappointing, averaging 13.9 L/100 km in combined driving. The MDX Type S was more agreeable in Normal mode but fell short as a driver's SUV, with issues in Sport and Sport+ modes.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Turbo offered a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 256 hp on premium gas and 227 hp on regular gas. The engine's torque was impressive, but the powertrain was more rewarding with a gradual acceleration approach. Fuel efficiency was not its strong suit, with an observed 10.3 L/100 km in combined driving. The CX-5's suspension was re-tuned for a smoother ride, and it featured Mazda's G-Vectoring Control Plus for enhanced cornering. The CX-5 was quiet on the highway and lively in the city, with a stable and fun performance on twisty roads. It also offered Off-Road mode and decent ground clearance for light trail use.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats, with flexible second-row seating options. 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 hold occupants in place as expected. The MDX's third row was best suited for children, and the interior prioritized style over storage space. The cargo area was spacious, with 461 litres behind the third row and up to 2,021 litres with both rear rows folded. The hands-free liftgate with Walk Away Close was a convenient feature.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 provided standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The seats were redesigned for comfort and support, with six-way power adjustment for the driver. The interior was snug for four adults, but the rear seat offered good support and amenities like air conditioning vents and a centre armrest. The CX-5's cabin design and quality were impressive, with good storage space. It offered 871 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat and up to 1,680 litres with the rear seat folded, though this was less than some competitors.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment display. However, the infotainment system required the use of a True Touchpad Interface, which was not as intuitive as a touchscreen. The system included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In. The MDX offered several sound systems, with the top-tier ELS Studio 3D audio system providing excellent sound quality. A 10.5-inch head-up display was available with higher trims, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 eschewed touchscreens for traditional switchgear, though it allowed touchscreen operation for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 10.25-inch display was navigated using a centre console knob, with quick access buttons for main functions. Mazda Connected Services offered remote engine starting and other features, while a 10-speaker Bose sound system was standard in higher trims. The CX-5's infotainment system was less intuitive than some competitors, but wireless connectivity for popular platforms was a welcome addition.

The 2023 Acura MDX came equipped with a suite of driving assistance and collision avoidance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. It also featured 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. However, the adaptive cruise control was slow to resume speed, and the lane departure warning system was overly sensitive.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 included advanced driving assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered additional safety features, such as adaptive headlights and a driver monitoring system. The standard ADAS performed well, with subtle lane departure warnings and effective lane-keeping. The CX-5 had previously been a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, though it did not earn the designation in 2024. The NHTSA awarded it five-star ratings, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.