2024 Mazda CX-90 vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX presented a blend of luxury and performance, particularly in its Type S Ultra trim. This model featured a striking Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid interior, setting a high bar for aesthetics. The MDX Type S was the first Acura SUV to sport the Type S badge, offering subtle yet sophisticated design elements like chicane-design LED lights and 21-inch wheels. Inside, the MDX boasted a panoramic moonroof, quilted leather, and ambient lighting themes. However, some design choices, such as the gloss black plastic on the dashboard and the electronic transmission switchgear, detracted from its overall appeal.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-90 exuded elegance with its expansive design, drawing inspiration from smaller Mazda models but on a grander scale. The CX-90's exterior was marked by a prominent grille and tasteful chrome accents, while the interior of top-tier models rivalled luxury brands with brown suede upholstery and wood inlays. The CX-90 offered a range of trims, each benefiting from Mazda's refined design language and comfortable layout. Despite its size, the CX-90 managed to maintain a sense of elegance and sophistication, making it a standout in its class.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft 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. Fuel economy was also a concern, with the MDX Type S averaging 13.9 L/100 km during testing, falling short of its official rating.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 introduced two new powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid option and a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. The upgraded 3.3-litre inline-6 turbo engine in the CX-90 Signature trim delivered 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, providing a thrilling driving experience. The CX-90's handling was impressive, with a double-wishbone front suspension and agile cornering capabilities. The PHEV model offered a more fuel-efficient option, with a combined output of 323 horsepower and an all-electric range of 42 kilometres. Both models demonstrated exceptional composure on twisty roads, embodying Mazda's reputation for building outstanding driver's cars.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a versatile interior with three rows of seats and a choice of two or three second-row seating positions. The Type S Ultra trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the seats were firm and lacked the expected support for spirited driving. The MDX provided 461 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,021 litres with both rear rows folded. While the cabin was stylish, it sacrificed storage space for design elements like the Integrated Dynamics Control knob and touchpad interface.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 provided various seating configurations, accommodating up to eight passengers. The Turbo Signature trim offered a six-seat layout with captain's chairs in the second row. Cargo space was slightly larger in models with a two-seater third row, offering 2,129 litres in total. The CX-90's interior featured ample storage options, including a large centre console and spacious door pockets. The cabin was adorned with high-quality materials, comfortable seats, and a panoramic sunroof, creating a luxurious and inviting environment.

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 proved cumbersome to use. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Amazon Alexa Built-In. The top-tier ELS Studio 3D audio system delivered impressive sound quality, while a 10.5-inch head-up display provided essential driving information. Despite these features, the TTI design limited storage space and obstructed the wireless charging pad.

Mazda's approach to technology in the 2024 CX-90 focused on minimizing distractions. The Mazda Connect infotainment system used a rotary control knob and hard buttons, eschewing a touchscreen interface. While the intention was to enhance safety, the system's quirks often led to frustration. However, the CX-90 offered personalization software with facial recognition, adjusting settings to individual preferences. The vehicle also supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with touchscreen controls available for these systems, providing a more user-friendly experience.

The 2023 Acura MDX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a collision mitigation braking system, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX also offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. Despite its robust safety systems, the MDX experienced occasional false alerts, such as mistaking an overhead sign for an obstacle. The MDX received high safety ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 featured the i-Activsense suite of advanced driver assistance systems as standard, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The CX-90 also offered lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a safe-exit warning. The top-spec Signature trim included cruising and traffic support, providing a hands-on driver assistance system. While the CX-90 had not yet been crash-tested, its predecessor, the CX-9, received high safety ratings, suggesting the CX-90 would perform well in evaluations.