2024 Acura MDX vs 2024 Toyota Sequoia

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 ambient lighting, power-adjustable seats, and a panoramic moonroof, enhancing its luxury appeal.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared design elements with the Tundra, featuring hexagonal grilles and muscular stances. The Capstone model, with its chrome accents and Celestial Silver colour, appeared somewhat dated. Inside, the Sequoia mirrored the Tundra's blocky dash design, with physical dials and buttons for climate control. The Capstone trim offered semi-aniline leather upholstery, while other trims featured SofTex leatherette or standard leather. The Sequoia's interior was spacious, with power-adjustable front seats and a power-tilt moonroof, providing a comfortable and customizable experience.

The 2024 Acura MDX was powered by a standard 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft 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 performance. The Integrated Dynamics System provided various driving modes, including Sport and Comfort, while the MDX's towing capacity reached 2,268 kilograms.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was exclusively available in a hybrid format, utilizing the iForce MAX hybrid powertrain. This system combined a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor, generating 427 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. The Sequoia's fuel economy improved significantly, rated at 11.7 L/100 km combined with 4WD. The vehicle featured a part-time 4WD system with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offering smooth handling. The SR5 TRD Off-Road model included off-road features like unique tires and an electronic locking rear differential. The Sequoia's towing capacity was impressive, reaching 4,137 kilograms, with additional towing upgrades available.

The 2024 Acura MDX offered three rows of seating, with the first two rows providing comfort and support, while the third row was more suitable for children. The cargo space varied, with a maximum of 2,690 litres available when both the second and third rows were folded. The MDX featured a hands-free power liftgate and additional storage under the cargo floor. The Type S Ultra model included a second-row bench with a fold-down centre console, offering convenience and accessibility. Despite the cluttered centre stack of controls, the MDX provided ample storage and cupholders throughout the cabin.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured automatic power-deploying running boards, aiding entry for shorter passengers. The interior offered a maximum of 2,460 litres of cargo space with both rear rows folded. The second-row seats were easy to move for third-row access, though the third-row seats did not create a flat load floor due to the hybrid battery pack. The Sequoia's headroom and legroom measurements varied, with the second-row captain’s chairs available on higher trims. These seats were wide but lacked bolstering, providing a comfortable yet unanchored seating experience.

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 included multiple USB ports, a digital instrument panel, and wireless device charging. The clever placement of charging ports and a leather handrest for the touchpad were notable features, though the overall system was less intuitive compared to competitors.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia's Capstone trim was equipped with a 14-inch touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system was functional, though not flashy, prioritizing ease of use. The Sequoia featured a 12.3-inch driver information display and a Panoramic View monitor on higher trims. A 10-inch head-up display was standard on the Capstone, and the 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system was available on select trims, enhancing the vehicle's technological appeal.

The 2024 Acura MDX came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The vehicle also offered lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system on higher trims. The 2022 MDX received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS, indicating strong safety performance. However, the infotainment system's touchpad could be a distraction for drivers.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia included the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite as standard, featuring a pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. The vehicle also offered blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors with automatic braking. An optional trailer backup guide was available on higher trims. While the Sequoia had not been rated by safety organizations, the similar 2024 Toyota Tundra received a Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS, suggesting a high level of safety.