2024 Subaru Ascent 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 controls difficult to use, and the electronic transmission switchgear was occasionally confusing. Despite these minor drawbacks, the MDX Type S was fundamentally an attractive luxury SUV.

In contrast, the 2024 Subaru Ascent struggled with its styling, particularly after a refresh that added visually unappealing elements to its design. Despite this, the Ascent remained functional and practical, with a focus on utility. The Premier trim offered premium Nappa leather upholstery and a host of features, including a panoramic sunroof and a surround-view camera. The interior design was straightforward, prioritizing practicality over sophistication, which was evident in its modular component assembly. Overall, the Ascent was more about function than form.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S was distinguished by its 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. 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) 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 and poor brake pedal modulation. Its fuel economy was also disappointing, averaging 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres during testing.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent, powered by a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, delivered 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It used a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) with all-wheel drive and active torque vectoring. The Ascent excelled in various driving conditions, from city streets to off-road trails, and handled speed humps and rutted terrain with ease. However, it struggled on twisty mountain roads due to its weight and softly tuned suspension. The Ascent's fuel economy was also less than ideal, with an average of 12.6 L/100 km during testing.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a spacious interior with three rows of seats and a versatile 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 spirited driving. The second-row seats were comfortable but lacked legroom in their rearmost position. The third row was best suited for children. The MDX's cargo area was practical, with a hands-free liftgate and ample storage space, but the interior design prioritized style over storage.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent focused on functionality, with features like a dashboard shelf, large cupholders, and backpack pegs. The Premier trim offered comfortable Nappa leather seats with heating and ventilation. The rear doors opened wide, making it easy to load children and cargo. The Ascent's third-row seat was suitable for short trips, and the cargo area was spacious, with up to 2,140 litres of space with the rear seats folded. The Ascent's design prioritized practicality, making it a family-friendly choice.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment display. However, the infotainment system wasn't touch-sensitive, relying on a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) that was less intuitive than traditional touchscreens. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, but the native voice recognition system was frustrating. The top-tier audio system delivered excellent sound quality, and the MDX included a head-up display with navigation instructions.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent came with the Starlink infotainment system, featuring an 11.6-inch touchscreen display. It included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Ascent's display struggled in direct sunlight, and the native voice recognition system was subpar. However, physical buttons and knobs for common functions were a welcome addition. The Premier trim included a surround-view camera and a digital rearview camera, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2023 Acura MDX was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a collision mitigation braking system, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It received high safety ratings, with a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. However, the MDX's lane-departure warnings were sometimes inaccurate, and the adaptive cruise control could be slow to resume speed.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent was synonymous with safety, featuring the EyeSight package with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. However, the lane-centring assist system was less reliable, occasionally causing steering issues. The Ascent's safety features were comprehensive, but some required upgrading to higher trims.