2024 Acura MDX vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid marked a significant departure from its predecessors with its assertive and truck-like design. It was longer and wider, giving it a more muscular stance. The classic D-pillar taillights were modernized with three L shapes, contributing to a more aggressive look. The CR-V Hybrid Touring trim, which was driven in deep Canyon River Blue, featured black roof rails, mirrors, dual chrome exhaust finishers, and 19-inch wheels, enhancing its sporty appearance. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid followed the design direction of the 2022 Civic and 2023 HR-V, with a premium feel and high-quality materials, including contrast stitching on the seats and steering wheel.

In contrast, the 2024 Acura MDX boasted a refined and modern presence with its large shield grille, rakish headlights, and intake vents. The interior was high-tech but busy, with a bevy of controls on the centre console. 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 included a 25-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats, providing a luxurious experience. However, the MDX's interior was criticized for its cluttered centre console and unintuitive controls.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid offered a simplified powertrain lineup, with a hybrid option combining a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. This made it the most powerful CR-V to date, with a top speed of 185 km/h. The hybrid powertrain was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and featured four drive modes: Snow, Sport, Normal, and Econ. The CR-V Hybrid also introduced a "B" shifter position for increased regenerative braking and improved fuel efficiency, with an estimated consumption of 6.0 L/100 km in the city, 6.9 on the highway, and 6.4 combined.

The 2024 Acura MDX Type S Ultra was equipped with a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System (SH-AWD). The Type S Ultra featured strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, thanks to its adaptive air suspension and Brembo performance brakes. The Integrated Dynamics System offered multiple drive modes, including Sport+, Snow, Comfort, and Lift, which added 5 cm of ground clearance. The MDX's towing capacity was 2,268 kg, making it suitable for various driving situations.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid's larger exterior translated to increased interior volume, with 1,028 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 2,030 litres with them folded. The Touring model featured a hands-free power tailgate and wide-opening rear doors for easy access. Rear seat legroom was increased to 1,042 mm, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The interior included eight cupholders and a cubby for two smartphones, with a traditional console design offering best-in-class storage.

The 2024 Acura MDX offered three rows of seating, with the first two rows being comfortable and supportive, while the third row was best suited for children. Cargo space was 512 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,367 litres with them folded, and a maximum of 2,690 litres with both the second and third rows down. The Type S Ultra featured a fold-down centre console with integrated cupholders in the second row, but no option for captain's chairs. The centre console provided ample storage, but the centre stack of controls was criticized for its cluttered design.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment display with physical volume and tuning knobs, while the EX-L and Hybrid Touring trims had a 9-inch touchscreen with a volume knob. The CR-V Hybrid was well-equipped with USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone climate control, heated mirrors, and a 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system. The Hybrid Touring trim also included Honda's smart navigation system, optimizing fuel efficiency based on the route.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was criticized for its clumsy interface, with a 12.3-inch display controlled by a touchpad. Despite this, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The MDX also featured multiple USB ports, a fully digital instrument panel, and wireless device charging. However, the unintuitive infotainment system detracted from the overall experience.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, and the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies. New safety features for 2023 included traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, and low-speed braking control. The CR-V Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Acura MDX also offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. The 2022 MDX, which the 2024 model carried over from, earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. However, the infotainment system's design was a potential distraction for drivers.