2023 Acura MDX vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

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 quilted leather, aluminum interior trim, and a Sport Appearance package, which included a black headliner and stainless steel pedal covers. Despite its luxurious appeal, some design elements, such as the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made it difficult to use certain controls. The MDX's electronic transmission switchgear also proved to be a point of confusion for some drivers.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered a more rugged aesthetic, distinguishing itself from the CX-5 with its broader and longer dimensions. The CX-50's design was accentuated by square wheel arches and fake air vents, giving it a robust appearance. The Meridian Edition, in particular, enhanced this rugged image with all-terrain tires, a black hood graphic, and pronounced rocker-panel trim. The interior was well-crafted, with a pleasing design and high-quality materials, although it didn't quite match Mazda's upscale aspirations. The CX-50's earthy colour palette and minimal use of piano black plastic contributed to a more durable and timeless interior.

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 engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience. The transmission was often indecisive, and the ride lacked compliance, with squealing tires and poor brake pedal modulation. The MDX Type S averaged 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres during testing, falling short of its official fuel consumption rating. While the turbocharged V6 offered quick acceleration, it also consumed fuel at a high rate, especially in Sport+ mode.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50, on the other hand, offered a choice between a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a turbocharged version. The base engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the turbocharged variant delivered up to 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on 93-octane gasoline. All models came with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The CX-50's driving experience was more aligned with its segment, offering a good daily driving experience but lacking the sporty dynamics of the CX-5. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires added noise and limited grip, but the CX-50 remained well-mannered overall.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a spacious interior with three rows of seats and a flexible cargo area. 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 enthusiastic driving. The MDX's second-row seats could slide and tilt for easier third-row access, but the third row was best suited for children. The cargo area was practical, with a power liftgate and a sizable underfloor storage bin. The MDX offered 461 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,021 litres with both rear rows folded.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 provided similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly more legroom in both rows. The cargo area offered 889 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,595 litres with them folded. While the CX-50 trailed some competitors in cargo space, it featured a power liftgate for easier access. The interior layout was sensible, with adequate storage space despite the presence of a substantial shifter and rotary infotainment controller on the centre console. The Meridian Edition's rugged looks weren't matched by additional cargo-area functionality, but the CX-50 remained a practical choice for less-active lifestyles.

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 reduced console storage space. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, along with a 25-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system. A 10.5-inch head-up display was included with higher trims, but the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, operated via a rotary controller and buttons on the centre console. While the system wasn't a touchscreen, it provided physical feedback and was easy to use without taking eyes off the road. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with higher trims offering wireless phone charging and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The infotainment system felt dated, but it was straightforward and less overwhelming for tech-averse buyers.

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, and adaptive cruise control. It also featured 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, although it earned four stars in the frontal-impact test.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was named a 2023 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, receiving top scores in most crash tests. However, it scored lower in the nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian test and for standard headlights. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star frontal crash-test rating and a four-star rollover rating, but full ratings were unavailable. The CX-50 included standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, with optional features like a 360-degree camera system.