2023 Honda CR-V vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Honda CR-V adopted a more refined and slightly aggressive appearance with its blunt nose, grille, and elongated hood. This sixth-generation model, while more conservative than its predecessor, was designed to age gracefully. The CR-V EX-L featured 18-inch alloy wheels and dark-tinted rear privacy glass, enhancing its sophisticated look. Inside, the leather-wrapped seats, steering wheel, and shift knob elevated the interior's quality. The dashboard, inspired by the latest Civic, incorporated metal mesh trim that seamlessly integrated the air vents, creating a clean and simple aesthetic. The CR-V EX-L also boasted a larger touchscreen infotainment system, power-adjustable front passenger seat, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and power rear liftgate, adding to its appeal.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX, particularly in the Type S Ultra trim, set a different expectation for luxury and performance. The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to wear the Type S badge, featuring subtle design elements like chicane-design LED lights and 21-inch wheels. The interior of the Type S Ultra was adorned with quilted leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package, including a black headliner and stainless steel pedal covers. Despite its luxurious appointments, the MDX's design had some drawbacks, such as the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, which made controls challenging to use. Overall, the MDX Type S was visually appealing but had some design elements that detracted from its functionality.

The 2023 Honda CR-V was equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), powered either the front or all four wheels. While the CVT was known for its droning noise during hard acceleration, the CR-V excelled in ride and handling, offering a refined driving experience. The suspension, steering, and brakes were finely tuned, providing a smooth and engaging drive. The CR-V's fuel efficiency was impressive, with an average of 8.1 L/100 km on a mountainous route, slightly better than the official rating of 8.4 L/100 km.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX Type S featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Despite the power increase over the standard V6, the Type S's performance upgrades didn't fully integrate into a cohesive driving experience. The 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system provided dynamic capabilities, but the MDX Type S struggled with transmission indecisiveness and brake pedal modulation. The fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 13.9 L/100 km, falling short of the official rating of 12.4 L/100 km. The MDX Type S's performance enhancements aimed to create a thrilling ride, but the execution left room for improvement.

The 2023 Honda CR-V was touted as the roomiest version yet, though the driver's seat felt more car-like than SUV-like. The second row offered ample space, resembling a midsize model, with high seating positions and generous legroom. The CR-V's cargo area was versatile, with 1,113 litres of space and additional storage trays. Folding the back seat expanded the cargo capacity to 2,166 litres. The interior featured numerous storage options, though some were lined with hard plastic, potentially causing noise.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seating, accommodating up to seven passengers. The Type S Ultra trim included 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row seats were comfortable and supportive, with heating available in Canada. However, the third row was best suited for children due to limited space. The MDX's interior design prioritized style over storage, with a small centre armrest bin and limited storage space. The cargo area provided 461 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 2,021 litres with both rear rows folded.

The 2023 Honda CR-V featured a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX-L trim added a 9-inch touchscreen display, wireless connectivity, and an upgraded sound system. While the technology was an improvement over the previous generation, it didn't surpass competitors in terms of features.

The 2023 Acura MDX boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment system relied on a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) instead of a touchscreen, which could be distracting. The MDX offered Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In. The top-tier ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers provided exceptional sound quality. The MDX also featured a head-up display and AcuraLink connected services, though the native voice recognition system was less effective than using Alexa.

The 2023 Honda CR-V came equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of driver assist systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. New features included a seatbelt reminder system, rear-seat reminder system, and traffic sign recognition. The CR-V's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure and new airbag designs enhanced occupant protection. The CR-V received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a comprehensive suite of safety systems, including collision mitigation braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX also included rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Some trims added parking sensors and a surround-view camera system. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, though it had some issues with false collision warnings.