2024 Acura MDX vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2024 Acura MDX presented a striking exterior with its large shield grille, rakish headlights, and modern intake vents, creating a refined presence. Inside, the MDX was high-tech but somewhat cluttered, with a centre console filled with controls that could be overwhelming at first. The vehicle 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, enhancing its luxury appeal.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban maintained its status as an automotive institution with its massive silhouette and long-standing presence on the road. Despite its size, the Suburban blended into traffic, offering a familiar sight. It was available in six trims, from the LS to the High Country, each offering increasing levels of luxury. The Suburban's interior was spacious, with leather upholstery standard on most trims and options for beautiful brown leather in higher trims. However, even the top-spec models felt somewhat pedestrian inside, with supportive but not overly comfortable seats for long journeys.

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. This power was managed by 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 vehicle's towing capacity maxed out at 2,268 kilograms.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine options: a 5.3-litre V8 with 355 horsepower, a 6.2-litre V8 with 420 horsepower, and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel six-cylinder with 277 horsepower. The diesel engine provided better fuel economy and was available at no extra cost on the High Country trim. The Suburban's 10-speed automatic transmission was well-tuned, and the vehicle's size was managed by a height-adjustable air suspension. Despite its weight of 2,594 kilograms, the Suburban handled well, though drivers needed to account for some body roll and longer braking distances.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured three rows of seating, with the first two rows offering comfort and support, while the third row was more suitable 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 a centre console with ample storage. However, the centre stack of controls was cluttered, with a touchpad shifter that took some getting used to.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in cargo space, offering 1,175 litres behind the third row and a maximum of 4,097 litres with all seats folded. This made it ideal for families needing ample storage for road trips. The Suburban also featured a 106-litre fuel tank, allowing for long stretches between fill-ups, especially with the diesel engine's efficiency. The interior was spacious, with options for leather upholstery and a comfortable cabin for all passengers.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its weak point, 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 vehicle also featured multiple USB ports and wireless device charging, with thoughtful placement of charging ports in the centre console.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban's infotainment system was user-friendly, with a 10.2-inch touchscreen standard on most trims. Google Built-in allowed access to essential apps without needing a phone, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were included. The Suburban also offered a rear-seat entertainment system as an option, though the 10-speaker Bose audio system lacked the richness of higher-end systems.

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 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 Suburban received a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with advanced driver assistance systems like forward collision warning and lane-keeping assist included as standard. Higher trims offered additional features like Super Cruise, a semi-autonomous driving technology.