2024 Acura MDX vs 2023 Toyota RAV4

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 offered a range of trim levels in Canada, from the base RAV4 LE to the more luxurious RAV4 Limited. The Trail trim, which we tested, featured a distinctive design with a two-part face and blacked-out wheels, giving it a rugged appearance. However, despite its off-road-friendly look, it was more of a style statement than a true off-roader. Inside, the Trail trim added orange accents and contrast stitching, enhancing the otherwise basic interior. The RAV4 provided a practical and somewhat rugged experience, with features like a frameless rearview mirror adding a touch of premium feel.

The 2024 Acura MDX impressed with its modern and refined exterior design, featuring a large shield grille and rakish headlights. Inside, the MDX was high-tech but busy, with a plethora of controls on the centre console. The MDX was available in several trims, including the sporty A-Spec and the luxurious Platinum Elite. The Type S Ultra trim, which we tested, offered a host of premium features, including massaging front seats and a top-end 25-speaker ELS sound system. The MDX's interior was comfortable and well-appointed, with genuine leather upholstery and ambient cabin lighting enhancing the overall experience.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came standard with all-wheel drive, powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the RAV4's performance was more "unobjectionable" than "exciting." While it lacked pep, it compensated with a relatively quiet ride compared to some competitors. The RAV4 Trail trim featured 19-inch wheels and a suspension setup similar to other RAV4 models, providing a comfortable ride but not excelling in acceleration.

In contrast, the 2024 Acura MDX offered a more powerful performance with its standard 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. The Type S Ultra trim took it up a notch with a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine delivering 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. The MDX's 10-speed automatic transmission and Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System ensured smooth power delivery and strong acceleration. The adaptive air suspension and Brembo performance brakes further enhanced the MDX's driving dynamics, making it agile and comfortable over various road conditions.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 was designed to seat five passengers, offering 958 mm of headroom in the front and 1,001 mm in the rear. While it provided ample rear headroom, it fell short in front-row legroom compared to competitors. The RAV4 excelled in cargo space, offering 1,059 litres behind the second row and 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded. Practical storage options, such as a shelf running the length of the glove compartment and generous door pockets, added to its functionality.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured three rows of seating, with the first two rows providing comfort and support. However, the third row was best suited for children due to its smaller size. The MDX offered a maximum of 512 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 2,690 litres with the second and third rows folded. The Type S Ultra trim included a fold-down centre console in the second row, enhancing passenger convenience. Despite its spaciousness, the centre stack of controls was cluttered, and the shifter's button layout required some adjustment.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen as standard, while the Limited trim featured a 10.5-inch screen. The system supported over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. The RAV4 Trail and Limited trims included a wireless charging pad, with the Limited trim also offering an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its Achilles Heel, with a 12.3-inch display controlled by a touchpad that was unintuitive. Despite this, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The MDX's clever placement of charging ports and a leather handrest for the touchpad were thoughtful touches, but the overall system was a drawback compared to competitors.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The updated TSS 2.5 suite enhanced its driver-assistance systems, and the RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS.

The 2024 Acura MDX also offered a robust set of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. While the 2024 model hadn't been tested by NHTSA or IIHS, the 2022 MDX received top safety scores, including a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS.