2023 Genesis GV70 vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Genesis GV70 was a striking compact luxury SUV, drawing design inspiration from its sedan sibling, the G70. Its exterior featured split-bar headlights and a distinctive chrome line that elegantly curved from behind the rear window, giving it a coupe-like appearance without sacrificing versatility. Inside, the GV70's cabin was a testament to luxury, with high-quality materials and impeccable fit and finish. The design was a harmonious blend of contemporary and classic elements, with climate controls integrated into a curving bezel and a touchscreen that seamlessly emerged from the dash. The GV70's dashboard was equipped with a full touchscreen, complemented by a rotary dial and button controls, offering a user-friendly interface that outshone the touch capacitive controls of some competitors.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX presented a more traditional luxury SUV aesthetic, with its fourth-generation model being the first to sport the Type S badge. The MDX Type S was subtly styled, with chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, and 21-inch wheels that provided a commanding stance. Inside, the MDX Type S Ultra trim featured quilted leather, aluminum interior trim, and a Sport Appearance package. However, some design choices, such as the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, detracted from its usability. The MDX's electronic transmission switchgear was also a point of contention, as it could be confusing to operate. Despite these minor drawbacks, the MDX Type S offered a fundamentally attractive luxury SUV experience.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered two powertrains: a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine delivering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The GV70's turbo-four engine provided ample power for most driving situations, while the V6 catered to performance enthusiasts with its extra grunt and throaty engine note. The GV70 excelled in blending comfort and sharp handling, offering a refined driving experience. The Electrified GV70, with its 77.4-kWh battery and dual electric motors, produced 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a Boost Mode increasing output to 483 horsepower for short bursts. It offered a range of 383 kilometres and featured DC fast charging capabilities.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, generating 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. The MDX Type S featured an Integrated Dynamics System with multiple driving modes, including a Lift mode for increased ground clearance. Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive performance experience. The transmission was indecisive, and the ride lacked compliance, resulting in a less predictable driving experience. The MDX Type S also suffered from poor fuel economy, averaging 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres during testing.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered 1,611 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 818 litres with the seats in use, making it competitive in the compact luxury SUV segment. The GV70 featured a hands-free power liftgate and a well-designed interior with ample storage options. However, rear-seat legroom was tighter, requiring front-row occupants to adjust their seats for comfort.

The 2023 Acura MDX provided three rows of seating, accommodating up to seven passengers. The second-row seats could be adjusted for more third-row space, but the third row was best suited for children. The MDX offered a decent amount of cargo space, with 461 litres behind the third row and up to 2,021 litres with both rear rows folded. The interior featured a triple-zone climate control system and power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the centre console's design limited storage space, and the third-row access was challenging for adults.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 came equipped with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with large icons and logical menu navigation. The GV70 also offered four USB ports, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and an available Lexicon 18-speaker audio system.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a Digital Precision Cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment screen was not touch-sensitive, requiring the use of a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the centre console. The TTI design limited storage space and partially blocked the wireless charging pad. The MDX offered Bluetooth and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as Amazon Alexa Built-In. The top-tier ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers provided an impressive listening experience.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, driver attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, and highway driving assist. The GV70 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a range of safety features, including a collision mitigation braking system, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, the MDX's safety systems occasionally issued false warnings, and the adaptive cruise control was slow to resume speed after lane changes.