2024 Acura MDX vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition, or 40 ASE, was based on the SR5 trim level and added $3,330 to its price. This special edition featured retro body stripes, a heritage grille design, bronze 17-inch wheels, and unique badges and stitching. It was available in black, white, or red paint with a black artificial leather interior. The 4Runner lineup included various trims, with prices ranging from $51,050 to $66,220, plus a $1,930 destination charge. The 40 ASE had a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $54,380. The 4Runner's design evoked the rugged appeal of truck-based SUVs from the past, with a solid and quality interior featuring easy-to-use controls.

The 2024 Acura MDX boasted a striking design with a large shield grille, rakish headlights, and a modern, refined presence. Inside, it was high-tech but busy, with a plethora of controls on the centre console. The MDX was available in several trims, including the A-Spec and Platinum Elite, with the Type S Ultra being the top-tier model. Standard features included tri-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic moonroof, power-adjustable and heated front seats, and ambient cabin lighting. The Type S Ultra added a 25-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats, offering a luxurious and comfortable driving experience. While the MDX's cabin was not as advanced as some competitors, its massaging seats were a standout feature.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. It featured a five-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive (4WD) in Canada, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The 4Runner offered two 4WD systems: a part-time system and a full-time system in the Limited trim. Its fuel economy was rated at 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The 4Runner excelled in off-road conditions, with features like Active Traction Control, a locking rear differential, and Multi-Terrain Select. However, its on-road performance was less impressive, with leisurely acceleration, heavy steering, and a lack of tire grip.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured a standard 3.5-litre V6 engine with 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type S Ultra trim came with a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Power was delivered through a 10-speed automatic transmission to Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System (SH-AWD). The MDX Type S Ultra offered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, thanks to its adaptive air suspension and Brembo performance brakes. It featured multiple drive modes, including Sport+ and Lift mode, for varied driving conditions. The MDX excelled on highways and boulevards, with a firm yet comfortable ride and responsive steering.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner offered a unique feature with its rear window that powered down into the tailgate, providing excellent ventilation. The interior featured comfortable seats, with the 40 ASE model using SofTex artificial leather. The 4Runner had dual-zone climate control and ample storage, though some lacked rubber liners. The second-row seating was spacious, with good legroom and USB charging ports. A third-row seat was available but compromised cargo space. Without the third row, the 4Runner offered 1,337 litres of cargo space, making it a practical midsize SUV.

The 2024 Acura MDX came standard with three rows of seating, with the first two rows being comfortable and supportive. The third row was smaller and best suited for children. The MDX offered 512 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,367 litres with the rear seats folded. Maximum cargo space was 2,690 litres with both rows folded. The MDX featured a hands-free power liftgate and a fold-down centre console in the second row. The centre stack of controls was cluttered, with a touchpad for the infotainment system that was unintuitive.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured traditional analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Upgrades included a navigation system and a JBL premium sound system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs and buttons suitable for use with gloves. Voice recognition performed well, though it had limitations with certain commands.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its weak point, with a 12.3-inch display controlled by a touchpad that was unintuitive. However, it offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The MDX featured multiple USB ports, wireless device charging, and a fully digital instrument panel. Despite its clumsy interface, the MDX had thoughtful details like a leather handrest for the touchpad and cleverly placed charging ports.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. The 4Runner received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with lower ratings for front passenger protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS gave it a Marginal rating for driver protection in the small overlap frontal-impact test.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. It also had a surround-view camera system and a head-up display from the Platinum Elite grade. The 2022 MDX, which the 2024 model carried over from, received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+.