2024 Acura MDX vs 2023 Ford Bronco

The 2023 Ford Bronco was a striking blend of retro-cool styling and modern engineering, offered in nine distinct trim levels. Its blocky, upright shape, wide horizontal grille, and big round headlights were unmistakable, even from afar. The Base trim had a primitive, bare-bones look with steel wheels, while the Raptor trim stood out with a wide stance, elevated height, and massive fender flares. The Heritage Edition trim evoked nostalgia with a throwback white grille, roof, and wheels, along with unique plaid seat upholstery. The Bronco's styling was not just for show; it had functional elements like cleats above the headlights for securing cargo and tree limb-lifter cables. Inside, the rugged theme continued with a broad dash and sealed switches, allowing for easy cleaning after off-road adventures. The interior materials prioritized durability over luxury, with features like waterproof marine-grade vinyl upholstery and drain plugs in the floor.

The 2024 Acura MDX had a modern and refined presence with its large shield grille, rakish headlights, and intake vents. Inside, it was high-tech but busy, with a bevy of controls in the centre console. The MDX was available in several trims, including the A-Spec and Platinum Elite, with the Type S Ultra offering top-end features. Standard features included tri-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic moonroof, and heated seats. The Type S Ultra added a 25-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats. The MDX's interior was comfortable, with perforated leather upholstery and ambient cabin lighting. However, the centre console controls were cluttered, and the shifter was a row of buttons that took some getting used to.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine choices, starting with a 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. It was available with a seven-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission. The optional 2.7-litre V6 engine increased power to 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, while the top-of-the-line Raptor featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 with 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. All Broncos came with a 4WD drivetrain and a two-speed transfer case. The Bronco's ride quality was bouncier than a typical family SUV but more stable than a Jeep Wrangler. It was quieter than a Wrangler and offered a confident feel on curving roads, despite its high-riding dimensions and big all-terrain tires.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured a standard 3.5-litre V6 engine with 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type S Ultra came with a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Power was sent through a 10-speed automatic transmission to Acura’s SH-AWD system. The Type S Ultra offered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, with Brembo performance brakes and an adaptive air suspension. The MDX was refined and comfortable on highways, with a firm ride quality expected in luxury SUVs. It had a tight turning radius and a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape provided ample interior space, with the four-door model offering easier access to the rear seats. The two-door Bronco had up to 634 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,481 litres with the seats folded. The four-door model offered 1,008 litres and 2,197 litres, respectively. However, the rear seats didn't fold flat, creating a step-up that hindered sliding longer cargo. The Bronco's fenders and doors were easily removable, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Acura MDX came standard with three rows of seating, with the third row best suited for children. It offered a maximum of 512 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,367 litres with the seats folded. Folding the second and third rows provided up to 2,690 litres of cargo space. The MDX featured a hands-free power liftgate and a second-row bench with a fold-down centre console. The centre console had ample storage space, but the centre stack of controls was cluttered, with a touchpad shifter that took some getting used to.

The 2023 Ford Bronco featured G.O.A.T. drive modes, optimizing engine and suspension settings for various terrains. It had numerous camera views for navigating tight spaces and a Trail Turn Assist feature for sharp turns. The Bronco's infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available 12-inch display for ease of use.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was clumsy, with a touchpad interface that was unintuitive. However, it offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The MDX had multiple USB ports, a digital instrument panel, and wireless device charging. Despite its feature set, the infotainment system was a drawback compared to competitors like the Genesis GV80.

The 2023 Ford Bronco received mixed safety ratings, with the four-door model earning four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from NHTSA. It had standard safety features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, with additional features available in higher trims.

The 2024 Acura MDX came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. It had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS for 2024, but the 2022 model received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+.