2024 Acura MDX vs 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer presented itself as a compact yet stylish SUV, reminiscent of a smaller Chevrolet Blazer. It managed to balance SUV ruggedness with a touch of sophistication, thanks to its intricate lighting elements and dark chrome trim. The Activ and RS models offered unique styling cues, with the Activ model featuring a rugged front fascia and roof rails, while the RS model sported a more aggressive look with blacked-out trim and dual exhaust outlets. The contrasting roof options added a distinctive flair, making the Trailblazer stand out among its peers. Inside, the Trailblazer's cabin was a mix of leatherette upholstery and copper-toned accents, providing a unique yet somewhat eclectic interior design.

In contrast, the 2024 Acura MDX exuded a modern and refined presence with its large shield grille and rakish headlights. The interior was high-tech but busy, with a plethora of controls on the centre console. The MDX offered several trims, including the sporty A-Spec and the luxurious Type S Ultra, each with its own set of features. Standard amenities included tri-zone climate control, a panoramic moonroof, and power-adjustable heated seats. The Type S Ultra trim added premium touches like massaging front seats and a 25-speaker ELS sound system. Despite its luxurious appointments, the MDX's interior was marred by a cluttered control layout, which detracted from its overall appeal.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer shared its platform and powertrains with the Buick Encore GX, offering a standard 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. An optional 1.3-litre turbo-three engine increased output to 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. The Trailblazer's drivetrain options included front-wheel drive (FWD) with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive (AWD) with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The AWD system required manual engagement, unlike competitors' automatic systems. The Trailblazer's ride quality was generally good, with dampers tuned for gravel roads, but it exhibited some body roll and occasional rough shifts from the transmission.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured a standard 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type S Ultra trim boasted a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine with 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System (SH-AWD). The MDX offered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, with adaptive air suspension and Brembo performance brakes enhancing its performance. The Integrated Dynamics System provided multiple drive modes, including Sport+ and Lift mode, allowing for a customizable driving experience. Despite its size, the MDX handled corners well and offered a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, though one of the smallest SUVs available, offered decent utility with a wheelbase that maximized passenger space. It provided generous headroom and mid-pack legroom, surpassing some competitors in rear legroom. The Trailblazer's cargo space measured 716 litres with the rear seats up and 1,540 litres with them folded, though it lagged behind the Kia Seltos. The interior featured clever storage solutions, including a covered storage bin and a deep tray, but the cargo capacity was limited for larger loads.

The 2024 Acura MDX came standard with three rows of seating, offering comfortable first and second rows, while the third row was best suited for children. Cargo space was ample, with a maximum of 2,690 litres available when both rear rows were folded. The MDX included a hands-free power liftgate and additional storage under the cargo floor. The second-row bench featured a fold-down centre console with cupholders, but there was no option for captain's chairs. The centre console provided ample storage, though the control layout was cluttered and unintuitive.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer's standard infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An optional 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a Bose audio system were available. While the Trailblazer's tech offerings were adequate, the lack of a fully digital instrument cluster and a relatively small touchscreen might not satisfy tech-savvy buyers. However, the system was user-friendly, with logical menus and easy-to-read graphics.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its Achilles Heel, with a 12.3-inch display controlled by a touchpad that was unintuitive and frustrating to use. Despite this, the MDX offered a comprehensive feature set, including wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The MDX also featured a fully digital instrument panel and wireless device charging. The clever placement of charging ports and a leather handrest for the touchpad were thoughtful touches, but the overall infotainment experience was lacking compared to competitors.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came equipped with standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and a Teen Driver system. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer received top safety ratings, earning a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Acura MDX offered a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The MDX also featured a surround-view camera system and a head-up display on higher trims. While the 2024 model had not been tested by safety organizations, it carried over the 2022 model's five-star NHTSA rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation. However, the infotainment system's distracting nature posed a potential safety concern.