2024 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX presented a blend of luxury and subtlety, especially in its Type S Ultra trim. This model was equipped with a striking Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid interior, setting high expectations for quality and driving dynamism. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard and the electronic transmission switchgear, detracted from its overall appeal. The MDX Type S featured chicane-design LED lights, a panoramic moonroof, and a Sport Appearance package, which added to its allure. Despite its attractive design, certain angles made the body appear dented, and the interior controls were sometimes challenging to use.

In contrast, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh that introduced new lighting elements, including light-up VW logos and a front light bar. These changes gave the Atlas a more American swagger, moving away from its European roots. The Atlas offered new wheel designs across its trim levels, with the Peak Edition adding an outdoorsy flavour. Inside, the Atlas featured a revised centre cabin with a freestanding infotainment touchscreen and a minimalist interior design. While the interior aimed for an upscale feel with new trim options, some materials, like the stitching on the centre console, appeared less premium than expected.

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. The Type S employed 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 squealing tires and poor brake pedal modulation. Fuel economy was also a concern, with the Type S averaging 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres during testing, falling short of its official rating.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas, on the other hand, simplified its powertrain options to a single 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada, offered a smoother and quieter driving experience. The Atlas prioritized comfort and frugality over performance, with a focus on family hauling capabilities. While the Peak Edition added off-road features, the Atlas remained primarily a pavement-oriented vehicle. Its towing capacity remained at 2,268 kilograms, comparable to most rivals.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a versatile interior with three rows of seats and a spacious cargo area. The Type S Ultra trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, wrapped in quilted leather upholstery. However, the seats were firm and didn't provide the expected support during spirited 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. Cargo space was ample, with 461 litres behind the third row and up to 2,021 litres with both rear rows folded.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas provided more standard features, including heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and ventilated front seats. It offered seating for seven, with a second-row bench that could hold three child seats side by side. The Atlas excelled in headroom and legroom across all three rows, with the third-row legroom being the best in its class. Cargo space was generous, with 583 litres behind the third row and up to 2,735 litres with the second and third rows folded, surpassing most rivals.

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 was less intuitive for users accustomed to touchscreens. 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 head-up display provided essential driving information.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas came with a 12-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster as standard. It offered wireless phone charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Atlas upgraded its audio system to a 12-speaker Harman Kardon setup on higher trims. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with sharp graphics and a map view in the digital instrument cluster. However, the reliance on haptic touchpads for certain functions made them less convenient to use.

The 2023 Acura MDX boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 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. However, the MDX's safety systems occasionally issued false warnings, and the adaptive cruise control could be slow to resume speed.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with strong performance in side crash tests. It offered standard driver assistance features like forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Atlas also included emergency features like automatic post-collision braking and a crash response system.