2023 Mazda CX-50 vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a design that was both familiar and fresh. Its styling was characterized by a blunt nose, long hood, and a rakish windshield, with the cabin positioned towards the rear wheels, embodying the subtle allure that Mazda vehicles have been known for over the past decade. However, the CX-50 introduced a rugged aesthetic with its pronounced fender swells, bold lower body cladding, and faux skid plates, which were common among crossovers masquerading as SUVs. The oversized air intake and vent designs added a performance edge without being visually offensive. When combined with the standard black grille, mirror caps, and optional 20-inch alloy wheels, these elements created an appealing exterior. Later in the year, the CX-50 Meridian Edition was introduced, featuring exclusive wheels, all-terrain tires, splash guards, and a roof-mounted load platform suitable for a rooftop tent.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX, particularly in its Type S variant, exuded a more understated elegance. The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to bear the Type S badge, and its design was subtle yet sophisticated. It featured chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and minor front styling modifications. The subdued appearance was complemented by 21-inch wheels and quad exhaust outlets framing a rear diffuser panel. Inside, the MDX Type S boasted a luxurious interior with quilted leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made it challenging to use certain controls. Despite these minor drawbacks, the MDX Type S remained an attractive luxury SUV.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options. The base engine, a 2.5-litre four-cylinder, produced 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, delivering power to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. This engine was fuel-efficient, with consumption figures of 9.7 L/100 km in the city, 7.9 on the highway, and 8.9 combined. For those seeking more power, the CX-50 GT Turbo trim featured a turbocharged version of the same engine, producing between 227 hp and 256 hp, depending on the octane of the fuel used. Torque ranged from 310 lb-ft at 2,000 rpm on 87-octane fuel to 320 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm on 93-octane fuel. The turbo engine offered a towing capacity increase from 2,000 pounds to 3,500 pounds. The CX-50's driving experience was smooth, with minimal turbo lag and a deliberate power build. Its Mi-Drive system offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, though the differences between them were subtle. The CX-50's ride quality was slightly firmer than the CX-5, and it exhibited a hint of torque steer during tight turns. Despite its SUV classification, the CX-50 felt more like a modern station wagon with a higher ride height and up to 21.8 cm of ground clearance.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, generating 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. This was a significant increase over the standard 3.5-litre V6, but the Type S also weighed 130 kg more than the lightest standard MDX with AWD. The engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. The MDX Type S featured an Integrated Dynamics System with multiple driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode that increased ground clearance. Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience. The transmission was indecisive, the ride lacked compliance, and the brakes were difficult to modulate. The engine's power increase was not substantial enough to justify its poor fuel economy, which averaged 13.9 L/100 km during testing. The MDX Type S was more agreeable in Normal mode but struggled in Sport and Sport+ modes, with the transmission often confused and the brakes lacking consistency. Overall, the MDX Type S failed to deliver the driving dynamics expected of a performance-oriented SUV.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 GT Turbo was well-equipped for Canadian winters, featuring power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, heated side mirrors, and heated windshield wipers. Ventilated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control added comfort on warmer days. The front seats were comfortable for long drives, though they could benefit from more side bolstering. The rear seat offered ample space for adults, with rear air vents and charging ports available on most trims. The rear doors opened to nearly 90 degrees, facilitating easy entry and exit. While storage space was adequate, Mazda missed opportunities for additional storage solutions. The cargo area offered 889 litres of space, expanding to 1,595 litres with the rear seats folded, though it was narrower between the wheel wells.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seating, with the option to configure the second row for two or three passengers. The Type S Ultra trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, wrapped in quilted leather. Despite these features, the seats were firm and lacked the support expected for spirited driving. The second-row seat was comfortable and supportive, with heating available on most trims. The third row was best suited for children, as access was tight for adults. The MDX's interior prioritized style over storage, with limited space in the centre console. The cargo area offered 461 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 2,021 litres with both rear rows folded. The Type S featured a hands-free liftgate with a Walk Away Close function, adding convenience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 came equipped with a Mazda Connect infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and Mazda Connected Services. The system was displayed on a 10.25-inch screen, though it lacked touchscreen functionality for native controls. Mazda offered touchscreen control for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the screen's distance from the driver was a drawback. The available 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system provided a satisfying audio experience. An Active Driving Display, or head-up display, projected essential information within the driver's line of sight, including blind-spot warnings.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a Digital Precision Cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. The infotainment system was operated via a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the centre console, which was not intuitive for users accustomed to touchscreens. The TTI design also limited storage space in the centre console. 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 delivered impressive sound quality. The MDX also featured a 10.5-inch head-up display, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, falling short of the Top Safety Pick+ designation due to headlight configurations and night-time pedestrian collision avoidance. The CX-50 offered a comprehensive suite of driving assistance systems, including active blind-spot monitoring, Traffic Jam Assist, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. However, the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize vehicles cutting into the lane.

The 2023 Acura MDX boasted a robust suite of safety features, including a collision mitigation braking system, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. The MDX also included rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall 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.