Acura MDX vs Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

When the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid was redesigned in 2019, it transformed from a softer, typical crossover appearance into a more substantial, blocky look. Its trapezoidal grille, adapted from Toyota's truck line, gave it a heftier presence, complemented by beveled and angled bodywork that framed the headlights. This aggressive design set a new trend, which was later adopted by competitors like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-50. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid continued the angular theme with a multi-tiered dashboard featuring beveled cutouts for visual interest. The infotainment touchscreen was conveniently mounted atop the dash, surrounded by physical buttons and knobs for easy control.

Materials quality in the RAV4 Hybrid was average for its class and price. Although there were many hard plastics, most touchpoints were lightly padded. Base models and the new Woodland trim curiously had a downmarket urethane steering wheel and center armrest, which felt cheap. Thankfully, higher trims used leather coverings for a more premium feel. The RAV4 Hybrid boasted strong build quality, showing no creaks or squeaks even on rough roads.

Meanwhile, the 2024 Acura MDX had an assertive and refined look. Its large shield grille was flanked by rakish headlights and highlighted by intake vents, giving the lower bumper a modern presence. Inside, it felt high-tech but appeared busy with numerous controls in the center console, which could be overwhelming.

The Acura MDX was available in several trims or "packages," including the Technology Package, A-Spec Package, and Advance Package. We drove the Type-S Advance, which featured tri-zone climate control, push-button start, synthetic leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable and heated front seats, as standard. Higher trims added features such as ambient lighting, advanced audio systems, ventilated seats, and even a massage function in the Type-S Advance, among other luxuries.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor/generator. This combination, along with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) driving the front wheels and a second electric motor on the rear axle for all-wheel drive (AWD), produced a combined 219 horsepower. This setup allowed the RAV4 Hybrid to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 7.5 seconds. It was about half a second quicker than the standard RAV4 and slightly behind the impressive 5.5-second time of the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid. In terms of braking, regenerative systems helped charge the battery, transitioning smoothly into physical brakes for full stops.

The suspension offered a balance between ride comfort and confident cornering, smoothing out moderate bumps and potholes without being sporty. The driving dynamics were calm and effortless, which would appeal to most drivers looking for a relaxed driving experience.

In contrast, the 2024 Acura MDX's standard powerplant was a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. However, the Type-S model we tested came with a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, delivering a substantial 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This power was channeled through a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura’s available Super-Handling AWD system.

The Type-S Advance we tested boasted strong acceleration that, while not neck-snapping, was more than sufficient for quick starts, highway merging, and passing maneuvers. The adaptive air suspension and Brembo performance brakes further enhanced the ride, which was firm but comfortable, suitable for luxury SUV expectations. The MDX Type-S could handle corners adeptly for its size and weight, and a variety of drive modes—from Comfort to Sport+—allowed for personalized driving dynamics. Additionally, when properly equipped, the MDX had a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, well above the RAV4 Hybrid’s capabilities.

In the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, front passengers enjoyed ample space, while rear seats were roomy enough for average-sized adults. It offered slightly more rear headroom than the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage, though with a bit less legroom. However, taller passengers in the back might find the seat cushions low, wishing for more thigh support on long trips.

Cargo space in the RAV4 Hybrid was commendable, offering 37.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, just a tad smaller than the non-hybrid RAV4 by a tenth of a cubic foot. This space was competitive with the Honda CR-V's 39.5 cubic feet and the Kia Sportage's 39.3 cubic feet. The rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor, though shorter owners might find it difficult to reach them. Interior storage was a strong point, including a wide dashboard shelf, a phone tray, large cupholders, and a roomy center armrest bin.

The 2024 Acura MDX, however, came standard with three rows of seating. While the first two rows were comfortable and supportive, the third row was smaller and better suited for children. Behind the rear seats, the MDX provided 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, which expanded to 39.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. With both the second and third rows folded, the MDX offered a maximum of 71.4 cubic feet, significantly more than the RAV4 Hybrid. Additionally, it featured an extra storage area underneath the cargo load floor. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available on various trims.

The MDX's second-row bench had a fold-down center console with integrated cupholders. Although second-row captain’s chairs weren’t an option, the fold-out armrest aimed to provide an individual-seat experience. The bench's center also folded to ease access to the third row. While cupholders were abundant throughout the cabin, the center stack of controls left something to be desired in terms of layout and intuitiveness.

For 2023, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid updated its infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous versions. The touchscreens, available in either 8.0-inch or 10.5-inch sizes, boasted modern, sharp graphics and logically arranged menus. Its placement atop the dashboard aimed to reduce distraction. All RAV4 models came standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although a wireless charging pad was optional. The system supported over-the-air updates and included connectivity options such as a Wi-Fi hotspot and remote vehicle monitoring. The top trim added a fully digital instrument panel, while audio systems ranged from a six-speaker setup to an 11-speaker JBL system.

Contrarily, the 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was less user-friendly. The 12.3-inch display appeared to be a touchscreen but was controlled by a touchpad below the shifter, which felt counterintuitive. Despite these usability issues, the MDX did offer a strong feature set, including wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The MDX’s clever integration of charging ports and a leather handrest for the touchpad revealed the thought put into some design elements, even as the overall system frustrated users. We hoped Acura would update this system based on the more intuitive setups found in newer models like the Integra.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid earned high marks in safety. The NHTSA awarded it five out of five stars for overall and side crash protection, and four stars in frontal and rollover crash tests. The IIHS rated it "Good" in most tests, with an "Acceptable" in newer moderate overlap frontal and side-impact tests. The RAV4 was named a Top Safety Pick by IIHS.

Toyota's Safety Sense 2.5 suite of safety features was standard across all RAV4 Hybrid models, including forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, front and rear parking proximity sensors, and optional features like a surround-view camera system and digital rearview mirror.

The 2024 Acura MDX also came with an extensive suite of driver assistance features, such as standard automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-departure warning, driver attention monitoring, traffic sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added parking sensors, reverse emergency braking, and additional conveniences like rain-sensing wipers, a 360-degree camera system, and a head-up display.

Although the 2024 MDX had not been tested yet, it retained the 2022 model's strong scores, earning five stars overall from NHTSA and top ratings from IIHS, including a Top Safety Pick+ and a Superior rating for crash-prevention technology. However, the touchpad-based infotainment system posed a potential distraction, detracting from these otherwise laudable safety features.