2024 Acura MDX vs 2023 Land Rover Defender

The 2023 Land Rover Defender was a standout in the Canadian market, significantly outselling its sibling, the Land Rover Discovery. Despite sharing similar size and price points, the Defender's design resonated more with consumers, reminiscent of the classic LR4 with its boxy, rugged aesthetic. The Defender's design was characterized by its square-jawed face, rectangular hood, and doors, all set parallel to the ground, with a sharply chopped tail that defined its classic truck look. Tasteful nods to the original 1980s Defender, such as the dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood, skylights along the roof, and the body-colour square separating the side glass, added to its appeal. The Defender was available in three body styles: the two-door 90, the medium-length four-door 110, and the extended-length four-door 130, offering unparalleled choice in the SUV market.

Inside, the Defender maintained a focus on function and durability, with an interior that was basic yet unique. Despite its high price, the interior was coated in rubbers and plastics designed to resist stains and wick moisture, with exposed screws and plain-looking air vents. The steering wheel was reminiscent of an old Toyota, and the overall feel was more utilitarian than luxurious. However, the build quality and fit were excellent, and the Defender's hardcore character remained intact, offering a refreshing contrast to the more opulent Range Rover models. Despite its high price, the Defender continued to sell well in Canada, indicating that its unique charm resonated with many consumers.

The 2024 Acura MDX, on the other hand, presented a modern and refined presence with its large shield grille flanked by rakish headlights and accented by intake vents. The interior was high-tech but busy, with a centre console filled with controls that could be overwhelming at first. The MDX was offered in several trims, including the base Tech model, A-Spec, Platinum Elite, and the Type S Ultra, which we reviewed. Standard features included tri-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic moonroof, power-adjustable front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Type S Ultra added a top-end 25-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats, which were firmer and more refreshing than those in other luxury SUVs.

The MDX's performance was bolstered by a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine in the Type S Ultra, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System provided strong acceleration and a comfortable ride. The adaptive air suspension and Brembo performance brakes added to the MDX's agility, making it light on its feet despite its size. The MDX excelled on boulevards and highways, offering a refined and comfortable ride, although some might find the double-wishbone front suspension a bit firm. The MDX's towing capacity maxed out at 2,268 kilograms, making it a versatile choice for those needing to haul loads.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender was a formidable off-road vehicle, with its uncanny grip, incredible wheel articulation, and generous clearance. The air suspension allowed it to 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 lb-ft 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 16.4/12.7/14.7 L/100 km, while the six-cylinder was more efficient at 12.9/10.4/11.8 L/100 km.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured a standard 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, while the Type S Ultra's twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 delivered 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission and Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System provided smooth power delivery and quick throttle response. The adaptive air suspension and Brembo performance brakes enhanced the MDX's agility, making it comfortable over bumps and light on its feet. The MDX excelled in urban and highway settings, with a firm yet comfortable ride, and a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered exceptional versatility with its seating configurations, accommodating up to eight passengers in the 130 model. The Defender 90 could seat six with an optional jump seat, while the 110 offered an optional third row. The 130 featured a standard third row, providing ample space for passengers. Cargo space varied, with the 130 offering 2,180 litres with the third row and second row folded, while the 90 provided 1,642 litres with the rear seats folded. The Defender's large glass areas and optional panoramic moonroof enhanced visibility, and various accessories, such as a metal roof rack and console refrigerator, added to its practicality.

The 2024 Acura MDX came standard with three rows of seating, with the first two rows offering comfort and support, while the third row was best suited for children. Cargo space was generous, with a maximum of 2,690 litres available with the second and third rows folded. The MDX featured a hands-free power liftgate and additional storage under the cargo load floor. The centre console provided ample space for items, although the centre stack of controls was cluttered. The shifter, a row of buttons, took some getting used to, and the IDS drive-mode selector was a large dial in the centre of the controls.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender featured two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro, 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. Heated front seats, keyless entry, and heated power-folding mirrors were standard, while higher trims offered additional features such as air suspension, a head-up display, and a rearview mirror with a camera display.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was less intuitive, with a 12.3-inch display controlled by a touchpad. Despite this, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Amazon Alexa integration, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Multiple USB ports, a fully digital instrument panel, and wireless device charging were standard. The touchpad/charging pad packaging was well thought out, but the infotainment system's interface detracted from the overall experience.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender received a five-star rating from Euro NCAP, with standard safety features including lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included a digital instrument panel, head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system. However, the Defender lacked front knee airbags and rear side thorax airbags.

The 2024 Acura MDX came with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The MDX earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+. Despite its strong safety scores, the infotainment system's interface could be a distraction for drivers.