2024 Acura MDX vs 2024 Volvo XC90

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 genuine leather upholstery, with the A-Spec trim adding sporty touches.

In contrast, the 2024 Volvo XC90 offered a more subdued and earthy exterior palette, aligning with its focus on practicality, safety, and sustainability. The XC90 was available in B6 and Recharge T8 models, with the latter offering a plug-in hybrid option. The interior, though dated, was fitted with rich materials, including wool-blend upholstery and natural wood trim. The Ultimate trim featured massaging front seats, a premium headliner, and a high-end Bowers & Wilkins audio system. The XC90 allowed for more customization in terms of paint, wheels, and upholstery, catering to discerning buyers.

The 2024 Acura MDX was powered by a standard 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft 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 SUV could tow up to 2,268 kilograms and featured multiple drive modes, including Sport+ and Lift mode for added ground clearance.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor, producing a total of 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. The SUV offered 53 kilometres of electric-only range and averaged 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode. The XC90 featured multiple driving modes, including Pure, Power, and Hybrid, with an optional air suspension providing up to 25 centimetres of ground clearance. Despite its power, the XC90 was more focused on luxury than performance, with a firm ride and less engaging handling compared to the MDX.

The 2024 Acura MDX offered three rows of seating, with the first two rows providing comfort and support, while the third row was best suited for children. The SUV provided a maximum of 2,690 litres of cargo space with the second and third rows folded. The Type S Ultra featured a second-row bench with a fold-down centre console and plenty of cupholders throughout the cabin. However, the centre stack of controls was cluttered, with a touchpad for the infotainment system that was not user-friendly.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 featured a well-equipped interior with power-adjustable and heated front seats, a four-zone climate control system, and a panoramic glass roof. The SUV could seat seven people, with the option for second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seats were more accommodating than expected, and the XC90 offered up to 2,426 litres of cargo space with the second and third rows folded. Interior storage was adequate, and the climate control system struggled to cool the cabin on hot days.

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 vehicle also featured multiple USB ports, a digital instrument panel, and wireless device charging. However, the unintuitive infotainment system made it difficult to recommend over competitors with more user-friendly technology.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, offering Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were also standard, with optional Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins audio systems. The infotainment system was more intuitive than previous Volvo systems, and the XC90 included a digital instrumentation panel and a surround-view camera. The Google Assistant provided a generally rewarding experience, though it sometimes required different prompts for desired actions.

The 2024 Acura MDX came with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The MDX earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+. However, the infotainment system’s touchpad required drivers to look away from the road, creating a potential distraction.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was synonymous with safety, earning a five-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS. The SUV included standard safety features and unique systems like large-animal detection. However, its advanced driving assistance systems were not as innovative as competitors, and Pilot Assist struggled with certain driving scenarios, shaking confidence in the technology.