2024 Acura MDX vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2024 Acura MDX presented a striking exterior with its large shield grille, rakish headlights, and modern lower bumper design. Inside, the MDX was high-tech but cluttered, with a centre console filled with controls that could be overwhelming. The MDX was available in several trims, including the A-Spec and Platinum Elite, with the Type S Ultra offering top-tier features like a 25-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats. The interior boasted genuine leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and a panoramic moonroof, providing a luxurious experience despite the busy control layout.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV marked a significant evolution for the Blazer nameplate, transitioning from a truck-based off-roader to a sleek, car-based crossover. Built on an EV-specific platform, the Blazer EV featured a tall hood, a scowling front end, and boomerang-shaped taillights, giving it a bold presence. The Blazer EV was available in LT and RS trims, with the RS offering a sportier look with blacked-out accents. The interior was distinctive, with large round air vents and a flat-bottom steering wheel, though some materials felt flimsy. Despite its dramatic styling, the Blazer EV's interior was mostly free of the piano-black plastic found in other brands.

The 2024 Acura MDX came standard with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type S Ultra variant featured a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Power was managed through a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System (SH-AWD). The MDX Type S Ultra offered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, with adaptive air suspension and Brembo performance brakes enhancing its driving dynamics. The MDX could tow up to 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) and a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrain. The RWD model produced 340 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, while the AWD version offered 288 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque. The Blazer EV SS, a performance model, was set to deliver 557 hp and 648 lb-ft of torque. The Blazer EV provided strong acceleration, with the AWD model offering better traction. It excelled on twisty roads with precise steering but sacrificed comfort due to its stiff suspension. The Blazer EV also featured adjustable regenerative braking, enhancing driver involvement.

The 2024 Acura MDX offered three rows of seating, with the first two rows being comfortable and supportive, while the third row was best suited for children. Cargo space was generous, with a maximum of 2,690 litres available when the second and third rows were folded. The MDX included a hands-free power liftgate and additional storage under the cargo floor. The centre console provided ample storage, though the control layout was cluttered, with a row of buttons for the shifter and a large dial for the drive-mode selector.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's interior felt spacious, though headroom and legroom were similar to the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. Cargo space was less than the gasoline Blazer, with 722 litres available with the second row in place and 1,673 litres with the seats folded. The Blazer EV featured a "presence activated" liftgate and ample small-item storage, though some controls were moved to the touchscreen, requiring adjustment. The interior design was heavily stylized, with a large dashboard and high side sills contributing to a unique driving experience.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its Achilles Heel, with a clumsy interface controlled by a touchpad rather than a touchscreen. Despite this, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The centre console featured cleverly placed charging ports and a wireless charging pad, though the overall system was unintuitive compared to competitors like the Genesis GV80.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV introduced a new Google-based infotainment system with built-in Google apps, though it lacked standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system featured a 17.7-inch touchscreen and 11-inch digital instrument cluster, with sharp graphics and built-in route planning. The Blazer EV also offered over-the-air software updates and a hands-free start sequence, enhancing its high-tech appeal. However, some controls were touchscreen-based, which could be inconvenient for passengers.

The 2024 Acura MDX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. It earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+. However, the infotainment system's touchpad could be a distraction for drivers.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV included standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. The Super Cruise hands-free driver assist system was standard on SS and optional on RS trims. Crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.