2023 Land Rover Defender vs 2023 Acura MDX

In Canada, the 2023 Land Rover Defender was a popular choice, outselling the Land Rover Discovery by a significant margin. The Defender's boxy design, reminiscent of the old LR4, appealed to customers who preferred its classic truck aesthetic over the Discovery's more conventional look. The Defender's design was characterized by its square-jawed face, rectangular hood and doors, and abruptly chopped tail, all of which contributed to its rugged and timeless appearance. Tasteful accents, such as the dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood, skylights along the roof, and a full-size wheel and tire mounted to the hatch, paid homage to the original 1980s Defender. The Defender was available in three body styles: the short two-door 90, the medium-length four-door 110, and the extended-length four-door 130, offering a range of options for buyers.

Inside, the Defender's interior was functional and durable, with a focus on practicality rather than opulence. Despite its high price, the interior featured rubbers and plastics designed to resist moisture and stains, along with exposed screws and plain-looking air vents. The steering wheel was reminiscent of an old Toyota, and the overall design was basic and barren, yet refreshing in its simplicity. While the build quality and fit were excellent, the Defender's interior lacked the luxury feel of a Range Rover. The Defender's price, particularly for the 110 V8 Carpathian Edition, was considered excessive by some, but its strong sales in Canada indicated that many buyers appreciated its unique character and capabilities.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a range of standard and Type S versions, each with various trim packages to enhance equipment levels. In Canada, the standard MDX was available in base, Tech, A-Spec, and Platinum Elite packages, while the MDX Type S came in standard spec or with an Ultra package. Prices ranged from $59,300 to $84,400, excluding a destination charge. The Type S Ultra trim, with its Apex Blue Pearl paint and Orchid interior, set high expectations for quality, luxury, and driving dynamics, but it fell short in some areas.

The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to wear the Type S badge, and its subtle design was praised for not overtly advertising its performance potential. The Type S featured chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and 21-inch wheels for a proper stance. Inside, the Type S Ultra boasted quilted leather, aluminum interior trim, a Sport Appearance package, and a leather-wrapped dashboard. However, the gloss black plastic on the dashboard made it challenging to use some controls, and the electronic transmission switchgear was confusing. Despite these nit-picks, the MDX Type S remained an attractive luxury SUV.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled in off-road performance, showcasing its uncanny grip, incredible wheel articulation, and generous clearance. With the air suspension raised, the Defender could tackle almost any path, although most owners would not use its full off-road capabilities. On the road, the Defender's performance was less impressive, with excessive body roll, slow steering, and noticeable wind noise. The turbocharged inline-six and supercharged V8 engines provided ample power, with the V8 delivering 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. The six-cylinder engine, part of a 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain, offered 395 hp and 406 lb-ft, while the turbocharged four-cylinder engine was less powerful at 296 hp and 295 lb-ft. Fuel economy varied, with the V8 returning poor ratings of 16.4/12.7/14.7 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine producing 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 offered various driving modes, including Snow, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, along with a Lift mode for increased ground clearance. Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive performance, with an indecisive transmission, lack of ride compliance, and poor brake pedal modulation. Fuel economy was disappointing, with the MDX Type S averaging 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres during testing. The MDX Type S was more agreeable in Normal mode but lacked the dynamic cohesion expected from a performance model.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered exceptional versatility as an everyday SUV, with unmatched seating configurations. The Defender 90 could seat six with a jump seat, while the 110 and 130 models offered optional third-row seating for up to eight passengers. The Defender's large glass areas, including alpine lights, provided excellent visibility, and the 130 featured a panoramic moonroof. Cargo space varied across models, with the 130 offering 2,180 litres with the third row and second row folded. The Defender's off-road capabilities were complemented by features such as a metal roof rack, console refrigerator, heated windshield, and power-deployable side steps.

The 2023 Acura MDX provided three rows of seats with flexible configurations, including a removable centre section in the second row. The Type S Ultra trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, wrapped in quilted leather upholstery. The MDX's interior prioritized style over storage space, with limited storage options in the centre console. The cargo area offered 461 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 1,107 litres with the third row folded and 2,021 litres with both rear rows folded. The MDX's hands-free liftgate with Walk Away Close function added convenience for loading and unloading cargo.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender featured two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software, with a standard 10-inch screen and an optional 11.4-inch touchscreen. Both screens were quick and easy to operate, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a voice assistant, and connected apps. The Defender's standard features included heated front seats, keyless entry, and heated power-folding mirrors. Higher trims added features such as air suspension, a locking rear differential, and a head-up display.

The 2023 Acura MDX boasted a Digital Precision Cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment screen was not touch-sensitive, requiring the use of a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the centre console. The TTI design was criticized for its complexity and lack of storage space. 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 with navigation instructions and driving assistance status.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. safety organizations but received a five-star rating from Euro NCAP. Standard safety features included lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included a digital instrument panel with full-screen maps, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a collision mitigation braking system, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. However, the MDX's safety systems occasionally issued false warnings, and the adaptive cruise control was slow to resume speed after lane changes.