2024 Acura MDX vs 2023 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Genesis GV80 presented a sophisticated and graceful exterior with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, embodying a stately presence just shy of 5 metres in length. 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, and the hands-free liftgate maintained a boxy design. The matte Brunswick Green paint added an elegant touch, which continued inside with quilted leather seats. The interior featured a split dash with thin air vents, metal and matte wood trim, and a centre console with three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes. The two-spoke steering wheel was distinct, though the 14.5-inch infotainment screen seemed awkwardly placed atop the dash. Despite this, the spacious and luxurious interior was a pleasant environment.

The 2024 Acura MDX showcased a modern and refined exterior with a large shield grille, rakish headlights, and intake vents. The lower bumper area added to its contemporary look. Inside, the high-tech but busy interior featured a plethora of controls on the centre console, which could be overwhelming. The MDX offered several trims, including the A-Spec and Platinum Elite, with the Type S Ultra being the top-tier model. Standard features included tri-zone climate control, a panoramic moonroof, and power-adjustable heated seats. The Type S Ultra added a 25-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats, which were firmer and more refreshing than those in other luxury SUVs. While the MDX's cabin wasn't as advanced as the Mercedes-Benz GLS, its massaging seats were superior.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came standard with all-wheel drive and offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, or a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The GV80 was not particularly athletic or quick, taking about five and a half seconds to reach 100 km/h, slower than some competitors. However, it excelled in highway driving with smooth power delivery and shifts, and an electronically controlled suspension that adjusted for road conditions. Active noise cancellation contributed to a quiet and smooth highway experience.

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 variant boasted a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine delivering 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 quick throttle response, with a comfortable ride over bumps. It included Brembo performance brakes and an adaptive air suspension that adjusted ride height. The Integrated Dynamics System offered multiple drive modes, including Sport+ and Lift mode for additional ground clearance. The MDX was refined on highways, with a firm ride quality expected in luxury SUVs, and a tight turning radius for maneuverability. Its towing capacity reached 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with luxury features. In Canada, it came standard with heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated mirrors. The tester included ventilated front and rear seats and an Ergo driver’s seat with inflatable pockets to reduce fatigue. Nappa leather seats added to the luxury. A third row was optional, though legroom was limited to 76 centimetres. The GV80 featured Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, and a digital key. The tri-zone climate control and 21-speaker Lexicon sound system enhanced comfort. The GV80 offered substantial cargo space, with 988 litres behind the second row and 2,378 litres with seats folded. Towing capacity was 2,720 kilograms with trailer brakes.

The 2024 Acura MDX came standard with three rows of seating, with the first two rows being comfortable and supportive, while the third row was smaller and suited for children. Cargo space was 512 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,367 litres with the rear seats folded, and 2,690 litres with all seats down. The MDX included a hands-free power liftgate and additional storage under the cargo floor. The Type S Ultra featured a second-row bench with a fold-down centre console and cupholders. The centre console offered ample storage, though the centre stack of controls was cluttered. The shifter was a row of buttons, and the IDS dial was prominent, though not essential for most drivers.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen for infotainment, accompanied by a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. The infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, and the dial control was cumbersome, though it offered a "clicky" feel and handwriting detection. The system had a steep learning curve, but included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, albeit not wirelessly. Wireless charging, USB ports, and outlets were available. The GV80's remote smart parking assist allowed the vehicle to park itself without the driver inside, a unique feature.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its weak point, with a 12.3-inch display controlled by a touchpad, which was unintuitive. However, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Multiple USB ports, a digital instrument panel, and wireless charging were standard. The centre console cleverly housed charging ports, but the infotainment system detracted from the overall experience. Acura's newer models featured more intuitive systems, but the 2024 MDX retained the less user-friendly setup.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with advanced driver aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Blind-Spot View Monitor displayed a video feed in the gauge cluster, enhancing safety. Highway Drive Assist used cameras, radar, and navigation for hands-on driving aid, though it struggled in bright sunlight. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and Good ratings from IIHS, with Superior front crash prevention.

The 2024 Acura MDX included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. A surround-view camera and head-up display were available from the Platinum Elite grade. The 2022 MDX, which the 2024 model mirrored, received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and Good ratings from IIHS, earning a Top Safety Pick+ designation. However, the infotainment system posed a distraction, requiring drivers to look away from the road.