2024 Acura MDX vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

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 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 ambient lighting, power-adjustable seats, and genuine leather upholstery, enhancing its luxury appeal.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 was a rugged alternative to the CX-5, with a lower, wider, and longer stance. Its design featured square wheel arches and fake air vents, emphasizing its broad-shouldered proportions. The CX-50 was available in three trims: GS-L, GT, and Meridian Edition, with the latter offering all-terrain tires and a black hood graphic. The interior was well-designed, with a BMW-like infotainment screen and impressive material quality. However, Mazda's aspiration to move upscale was still a work in progress, as evidenced by the base model's manually adjustable passenger seat and standard half-leatherette seats.

The 2024 Acura MDX was powered by a standard 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type S Ultra variant featured a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 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 MDX's towing capacity reached 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 came with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, with turbocharging available on higher trims. The base engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the turbo engine offered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93-octane gasoline. A six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive were standard, with Normal, Sport, and Off-road driving modes. The CX-50's towing capacity increased to 1,587 kilograms with the turbo engine. While the CX-50 shared powertrains with the CX-5, it offered a different driving experience, focusing more on daily driving comfort than sporty dynamics.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured three rows of seating, with the first two rows offering comfort and support, while the third row was best suited for children. Cargo space was generous, with a maximum of 2,690 litres available when both 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 was spacious, but the centre stack of controls was cluttered, with a row of buttons for the shifter and a large IDS dial.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly less headroom but more legroom. Cargo space was 889 litres with the rear seats up and 1,595 litres with them folded. The CX-50's cargo area was less accommodating for bulky items, and the optional roof platform was high. The interior featured a substantial shifter and Mazda’s rotary infotainment controller, providing a sensible layout and adequate storage space.

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 cleverly housed charging ports and a wireless charging pad, but the infotainment system's unintuitive nature was a drawback.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment screen controlled by a rotary controller and buttons. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with higher trims offering wireless phone charging and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The system lacked excitement, with plain graphics and basic functions, but it was suitable for buyers who preferred simplicity.

The 2024 Acura MDX came 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.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was named a 2023 Top Safety Pick by IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. It offered standard driver-assist tech like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist, with optional features like a 360-degree camera system. However, it received a lower score for nighttime pedestrian detection.