2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Genesis GV80 presented a sophisticated and graceful exterior, characterized by its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille. This midsize SUV, nearly 5 metres in length, exuded a stately presence. In Canada, the standard 20-inch wheels were upgraded to 22-inch alloy wheels in the Prestige trim. The rear design mirrored the front with four-part taillamps above dual exhausts. Despite its boxy hands-free liftgate, the GV80 maintained an elegant appearance, especially in the matte Brunswick Green paint. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the metal and matte wood trim, while the centre console featured three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes. The two-spoke steering wheel added a unique touch, though the 14.5-inch infotainment screen seemed awkwardly placed atop the dash. Overall, the interior was spacious and luxurious, offering a pleasant environment.

The 2023 Acura MDX, particularly in the Type S Ultra trim, showcased a subtle yet appealing design. The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to bear the Type S badge, with chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, and LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation. The Type S featured minor front styling modifications and muted badges, maintaining a subdued appearance. The 21-inch wheels provided a proper stance, while quad exhaust outlets framed a rear diffuser panel. Inside, the Type S Ultra boasted quilted leather, aluminum interior trim, and a Sport Appearance package. However, the body tapering at the doors sometimes gave the impression of a massive dent, and the gloss black plastic on the dashboard complicated control usage. Despite these minor issues, the MDX Type S remained a fundamentally attractive luxury SUV.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came standard with all-wheel drive and offered two engine options: 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 delivering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While the GV80 wasn't particularly athletic or nimble, it excelled in highway driving, offering smooth power delivery and shifts. The electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, ensured a quiet and comfortable highway commute.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine generating 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The MDX Type S included performance enhancements like a solid front suspension stabilizer bar, Electro-Servo brakes, and larger front brake rotors. However, these upgrades didn't create a cohesive driving experience. The transmission was indecisive, the ride lacked compliance, and the engine's power increase was insufficient to justify its poor fuel economy. During testing, the MDX Type S averaged 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres, falling short of its official rating. The driving experience was inconsistent, with issues like delayed engine response and unrefined transmission shifts. The MDX Type S struggled as a driver's SUV, lacking the cohesion and predictability expected from a performance model.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with a wealth of features and luxury touches. In Canada, it offered standard heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated outboard mirrors. The tester included ventilated front and rear seats with adjustable settings and an Ergo driver's seat to reduce fatigue. The Nappa leather seats were sumptuous, and a third row was available, though legroom was limited. The GV80 featured Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, a digital key, and a tri-zone climate control system. The available 21-speaker Lexicon sound system, suede headliner, and panoramic sunroof added to the luxury. The GV80 boasted one of the largest cargo spaces in its class, with 988 litres behind the second row and 2,378 litres with the seats folded. It also had a towing capacity of 2,720 kilograms.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats and a spacious cargo area. The Type S Ultra trim included 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, wrapped in quilted leather. The second-row seat could be adjusted for more third-row space, but the third row was best suited for children. The MDX's interior prioritized style over storage, with limited space under the front centre armrest. The cargo area provided 461 litres behind the third row, 1,107 litres with the third row folded, and 2,021 litres with both rear rows down. The Type S featured a hands-free liftgate with a Walk Away Close function, making it convenient for loading and unloading cargo.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. The infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, and the dial control was cumbersome. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, though not wireless, along with wireless charging, USB ports, and outlets. The GV80's remote smart parking assist allowed the driver to maneuver the vehicle in and out of tight spaces using the key fob.

The 2023 Acura MDX's Digital Precision Cockpit included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. The infotainment system used a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the centre console, which was less intuitive than a touchscreen. The MDX offered Bluetooth and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with Amazon Alexa Built-In. The top-tier ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers provided excellent sound quality. The MDX also featured a 10.5-inch head-up display, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard advanced driver aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Blind-Spot View Monitor system displayed a video feed of the car's blind spot in the digital gauge cluster. The GV80 also featured Highway Drive Assist, which used various systems to provide a hands-on/eyes-up driving aid. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating for crashworthiness from the IIHS.

The 2023 Acura MDX included a range of safety features, such as a collision mitigation braking system, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX also had rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Some trims added parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it earned four-star protection ratings for the driver and front passenger in frontal-impact tests.