2024 Acura MDX vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from the brand's past design ethos, which was often likened to utilitarian appliances. The XC90 presented a purposeful yet understated exterior, with a stout front end and a grille that was assertive without being ostentatious. The signature "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch, distinguishing it from the boxy Volvos of the past. The Ultimate trim, with its 21-inch wheels and Platinum Grey paint, added a touch of drama and richness to the otherwise minimalist design. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with its two-tone leather steering wheel, Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist interior was complemented by tasteful wood deco inlays, although the lack of physical controls might have been a point of contention for some.

In contrast, the 2024 Acura MDX boasted a bold and modern exterior with a large shield grille and rakish headlights. The Type S Ultra trim, in particular, featured sporty elements like a flat-bottom steering wheel and open-pore wood inserts. Inside, the MDX was high-tech but busy, with a plethora of controls on the centre console. The cabin was equipped with features like tri-zone climate control, a panoramic moonroof, and ambient lighting. The Type S Ultra trim added luxurious touches like massaging front seats and a 25-speaker ELS sound system. However, the busy centre console and the touchpad-controlled infotainment system might have been overwhelming for some users.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine, a mild-hybrid powertrain that replaced the older T5 and T6 engines. This new setup delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, slightly less than its predecessor but with improved fuel efficiency and smoother operation. The mild-hybrid system used a 13-volt starter generator to handle functions like climate control and ignition, enhancing the driving experience with an almost imperceptible auto stop-start feature. The XC90 offered a reserved yet enjoyable drive, with its eight-speed automatic transmission providing smooth shifts and its brakes offering solid pedal feel. Despite its size, the XC90 handled corners well, although it lacked the customizable driving dynamics found in some competitors.

The 2024 Acura MDX, particularly in the Type S Ultra trim, offered a more powerful performance with its twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System ensured quick throttle response and strong acceleration. The adaptive air suspension and Brembo performance brakes contributed to a comfortable and agile ride, with the Integrated Dynamics System offering multiple drive modes for varied driving conditions. The MDX excelled on highways and boulevards, with its firm suspension providing a sporty ride quality. Its towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms was also a notable feature for those needing to haul heavier loads.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 offered a serene front-seat experience, but its Scandinavian minimalism led to some storage challenges. The lack of dedicated space for smaller items, like cell phones, and the small centre console bin were notable drawbacks. The second row was comfortable but adjusting the seats was a bit challenging. The standard seven-passenger seating could be altered to six-passenger with captain’s chairs, but accessing the third row was difficult. Cargo space was decent, with 356 litres behind the third row and a maximum of 1,856 litres with all seats folded, though it fell short compared to some competitors.

The 2024 Acura MDX provided three rows of seating, with the first two rows being comfortable and supportive. The third row was smaller, best suited for children. Cargo space was more generous, with 512 litres behind the rear seats and up to 2,690 litres with all seats folded. The MDX featured a hands-free power liftgate and additional storage under the cargo floor. The centre console offered ample space, but the centre stack of controls was cluttered, with a touchpad shifter that took some getting used to. The lack of second-row captain’s chairs was offset by a fold-down centre console with cupholders.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system running on Google OS, the first of its kind as standard in a vehicle. This system integrated Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant, offering excellent natural-language recognition. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for many functions could be frustrating, as it lacked physical buttons for essential controls. Keyless entry was standard, with a head-up display as an option.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its weak point, with a 12.3-inch display controlled by a touchpad that was unintuitive. Despite this, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The clever placement of charging ports and a leather handrest for the touchpad were thoughtful touches, but the overall system was less user-friendly compared to competitors. The hope was that Acura would update this system in future models.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety, earning a five-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Volvo’s Pilot Assist technology further enhanced safety by maintaining distance from other vehicles and assisting with lane-keeping.

The 2024 Acura MDX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. It also offered 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 rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. However, the infotainment system's touchpad could be a distraction, taking the driver's eyes off the road.