2024 Acura MDX vs 2023 Dodge Durango

The 2023 Dodge Durango, entering its 12th model year without a redesign, maintained a familiar yet attractive appearance. It eschewed the faux ruggedness of some competitors, opting for clean, car-like styling. The Durango avoided the trend of oversized grilles, instead featuring slim styling with forward-leaning headlights and a large lower air intake, proving that SUVs could have presence without massive grilles. At the rear, Dodge's signature "racetrack" taillights provided a distinctive look. The muscular SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models had unique styling features, such as a Viper-like hood with a functional centre air inlet and heat extractors, but these were subtle. The SRT models also sported unique wheels and a different front fascia, yet maintained a similar shape to the standard front end. The interior, while not as distinctive as the exterior, offered a pleasant environment with materials suited to their price points. Higher trims added luxurious features like Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats.

The 2024 Acura MDX presented a striking design with a large shield grille flanked by rakish headlights and accented by intake vents, creating a modern and refined presence. Inside, the MDX was high-tech but busy, with a plethora of controls on the centre console that could be overwhelming. The MDX was available in several trims, including the A-Spec and Platinum Elite, with the Type S Ultra offering top-tier features. Standard features included tri-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic moonroof, and power-adjustable heated front seats. The Type S Ultra added a 25-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats, providing a luxurious experience. Despite the busy interior, the MDX offered a comfortable and refined ride, with a focus on luxury and performance.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered a range of powertrains, starting with the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower (295 hp with dual exhaust) and 260 pound-feet of torque. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with AWD standard in Canada. The 5.7-litre Hemi V8, standard on the R/T and optional on the Citadel, delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The SRT 392 model boasted a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 with 475 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in approximately 4.5 seconds. The SRT Hellcat took performance to another level with a 6.2-litre supercharged V8, producing 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-100 km/h in about 3.5 seconds. Despite its size, the Durango Hellcat offered exhilarating acceleration and a thrilling driving experience, with adaptive-damping suspension and Brembo brakes enhancing control.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured a standard 3.5-litre V6 engine, generating 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type S Ultra variant came with a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-litre V6, producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System (SH-AWD). The Type S Ultra offered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, with Brembo performance brakes and an adaptive air suspension enhancing handling. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed for various driving modes, including Sport+ and Lift mode, providing versatility for different driving conditions. The MDX excelled on highways, offering a refined and comfortable ride, with a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds).

The 2023 Dodge Durango was available in seven-seat or six-seat configurations, with standard front bucket seats, a three-seat second-row bench, and a two-seat third-row bench on SXT, GT, and R/T models. The Citadel, SRT 392, and SRT Hellcat models featured second-row captain's chairs. Interior space was competitive with other three-row midsize SUVs, though cargo space was less than some rivals, offering 487 litres with all seats in place, 1,226 litres with the third row folded, and 2,409 litres behind the first row. Small-item storage was generous, with a large wireless charging pad and USB ports. Towing capacity was impressive, with V6 models capable of towing up to 2,812 kilograms (6,200 pounds) and V8 models up to 3,946 kilograms (8,700 pounds).

The 2024 Acura MDX came standard with three rows of seating, with the first two rows offering comfort and support, while the third row was smaller and best suited for children. Cargo space was ample, with 512 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,367 litres with the rear seats folded, and a maximum of 2,690 litres with all seats down. The MDX featured a hands-free power liftgate and additional storage under the cargo floor. The Type S Ultra's second-row bench included a fold-down centre console with cupholders, providing a captain's chair experience. The centre console offered ample storage, though the centre stack of controls was cluttered, with a touchpad shifter that was unintuitive.

The 2023 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on lower trims, while the GT grade and above received a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity. Both screens used the Uconnect infotainment system, with the larger screen offering the current Uconnect 5 version. The system was responsive and user-friendly, with SRT models featuring performance-oriented apps and animations. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on higher trims, enhancing the audio experience.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its weak point, with a 12.3-inch display controlled by a touchpad that was unintuitive. Despite this, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The MDX also included multiple USB ports, a digital instrument panel, and wireless charging. The placement of charging ports and the touchpad was well thought out, though the system's complexity detracted from the overall experience. Acura's newer models featured more intuitive systems, highlighting the need for an update in the MDX.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed safety ratings, with top "Good" marks in some IIHS tests but a "Marginal" score in the driver-side small overlap front test. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall rating, with five stars in the side crash test but lower scores in other areas. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with additional driver-assist technologies available on higher trims.

The 2024 Acura MDX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and more. The 2022 MDX, which the 2024 model carried over from, received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+. Despite its strong safety credentials, the MDX's infotainment system posed a potential distraction for drivers.