2023 Acura MDX vs 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2023 Acura MDX presented a blend of luxury and subtlety, especially in its Type S Ultra trim. This model was the first Acura SUV to sport the Type S badge, which stood for a more understated performance aesthetic. The MDX Type S featured chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, along with LED headlights that automatically adjusted high beams. Its exterior was marked by minor front styling tweaks and muted badges, complemented by 21-inch wheels and quad exhaust outlets. Inside, the Type S Ultra boasted quilted leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package, creating a sophisticated yet slightly flawed interior experience due to some design choices like gloss black plastic and electronic transmission switchgear.

In contrast, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received styling updates that aligned it with its three-row sibling, the Atlas. The Cross Sport featured new lighting elements, including illuminated VW logos and a light bar connecting the daytime running lights. Its rear design, with a lower roofline, gave it a silhouette akin to German luxury crossover coupes. The Cross Sport was shorter and lower than the standard Atlas, with new wheel designs across its trims. Inside, the Cross Sport shared interior revisions with the Atlas, including a raised centre console and a new electronic shifter. The cabin offered standard leatherette upholstery, with higher trims featuring leather and quilted leather options, though the materials still leaned heavily on plastic.

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 3.5-litre V6, but the Type S also weighed more, impacting its performance. The engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which could direct up to 70% of power to a single rear wheel. The MDX Type S offered various driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. Despite these enhancements, the performance upgrades didn't coalesce into a seamless driving experience. The transmission was indecisive, the ride lacked compliance, and the brakes were inconsistent. Fuel economy was also a concern, with the Type S averaging 13.9 L/100 km during testing, falling short of official ratings.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, meanwhile, was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine replaced the previous VR6 option, offering more torque and earlier peak torque delivery. The Cross Sport's engine worked well with its eight-speed automatic transmission, but the engine noise was noticeable. Despite its "Sport" moniker, the Cross Sport was not particularly engaging to drive, and its ride quality was subpar, possibly due to the 21-inch wheels on the test model. The towing capacity remained at 2,268 kilograms, standard for its class.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a functional interior with three rows of seats and flexible second-row configurations. The Type S Ultra trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, though the seats were firm and didn't hold occupants as securely as expected. The MDX's second-row seats were comfortable and supportive, with heating available on higher trims. However, the third row was best suited for children due to limited space. The MDX's cargo area was practical, with 461 litres of space behind the third row and up to 2,021 litres with seats folded. The interior design prioritized style over storage, with limited space in the centre console.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport added more standard equipment, including heated and ventilated front seats and a power liftgate. The Cross Sport's roofline reduced rear-seat headroom, but legroom was competitive. Cargo space was generous, with 1,141 litres behind the rear seats and 2,197 litres with seats folded. The cabin was functional, with ample storage in the centre console and door pockets.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment display, but the infotainment system relied on a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) instead of a touchscreen. This design choice was less intuitive than traditional touchscreens and limited storage space. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, along with a premium ELS Studio 3D audio system. A head-up display was available on higher trims, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came standard with a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and wireless smartphone connectivity. The infotainment system was user-friendly, but the haptic touchpads for controls were less effective than physical buttons. The Cross Sport included six USB-C ports, a head-up display on higher trims, and a Harman Kardon audio system.

The 2023 Acura MDX included a suite of driving assistance features, such as collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it had four-star ratings for frontal-impact protection.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport also earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with standard features like forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added park assist and a surround-view camera system. The Cross Sport included post-collision braking and an emergency assist feature.