2024 Acura MDX vs 2023 Genesis GV70

The 2023 Genesis GV70 exhibited a design that drew inspiration from its sedan counterpart, the G70, particularly above the belt-line. Its split-bar headlights and a distinctive chrome line that curved from behind the rear window were notable design elements that connected it visually to the sedan. This chrome bar cleverly suggested a coupe-like SUV without compromising versatility. Inside, the GV70's cabin was a testament to luxury, featuring top-notch materials and an impressive fit and finish. The interior design was a harmonious blend of contemporary and classic aesthetics, with climate controls integrated into a curving bezel and a touchscreen that rose organically from the dash. The GV70's dash was equipped with a full touchscreen, complemented by a rotary dial and button controls on the centre console, offering a user-friendly interface.

In contrast, the 2024 Acura MDX boasted a striking exterior with a large shield grille flanked by rakish headlights and accented by intake vents. The lower bumper area added to its 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 Type S Ultra, which featured a sporty flat-bottomed heated steering wheel, ambient cabin lighting, and open-pore wood inserts. The Type S Ultra also offered massaging front seats with firmer settings, providing a refreshing experience on long drives. While the MDX's cabin was not as advanced as the Mercedes-Benz GLS, it excelled in comfort and luxury.

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 turbo-four provided ample power for most driving situations, while the V6 catered to performance enthusiasts with its extra grunt and throaty engine note. The GV70 balanced comfort and sharp handling, offering a refined driving experience. The Electrified GV70 featured a 77.4-kWh battery powering two electric motors, producing a combined 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. It offered a range of 383 kilometres and could fast charge from 10 to 80 percent in 18 minutes.

The 2024 Acura MDX came with a standard 3.5-litre V6 engine generating 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type S Ultra variant featured 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. The Type S Ultra offered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, thanks to its adaptive air suspension and Brembo performance brakes. The MDX's Integrated Dynamics System allowed for various driving modes, including Sport+ and Lift mode, enhancing its versatility. The MDX excelled on highways and boulevards, offering a refined and comfortable ride, with a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 provided 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. It featured a hands-free power liftgate, large cupholders in the centre console, and a helpful tray with a retractable lid. While the front seats were comfortable, rear legroom was tighter, requiring front-row occupants to adjust their seats for rear passenger comfort. The rear bench could recline for added comfort.

The 2024 Acura MDX offered three rows of seating, with the first two rows being comfortable and supportive. The third row was smaller and best suited for children. The MDX provided 512 litres of cargo space 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. It featured a hands-free power liftgate and additional storage under the cargo floor. The Type S Ultra's second-row bench had a fold-down centre console with integrated cupholders, and the centre stack of controls was cluttered, with a row of buttons for the shifter and a large IDS dial.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The touchscreen was user-friendly, with large icons and logical menu navigation. The GV70 also included four USB ports, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo system. Available features included ambient lighting, a digital instrument panel, a Lexicon 18-speaker audio system, and the Genesis digital key.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its Achilles Heel, with a clumsy interface controlled by a touchpad. The 12.3-inch display was not a touchscreen, requiring users to drag and tap the touchpad, which was unintuitive. However, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. It also featured multiple USB ports, a digital instrument panel, and wireless device charging. The touchpad/charging pad packaging was well thought out, but the infotainment system detracted from the overall experience.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, driver attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and highway driving assist with lane-keeping assist. The 2.5T Advance Plus added a blind-spot camera system and a 360-degree parking camera system, while the Prestige grade included reverse automatic emergency braking. The Electrified GV70 had much of this equipment as standard. The GV70 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2024 Acura MDX offered a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, driver attention monitoring, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The Platinum Elite grade added a surround-view camera system and a head-up display. The 2022 MDX, which the 2024 model carried over from, received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS.