2023 BMW X1 vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2022 Acura MDX had always been an innovator in the three-row luxury crossover SUV segment and its exterior design continued to reflect this pioneering spirit. While previous generations shared a platform with the Honda Pilot, the new generation was engineered on a dedicated platform specifically for the MDX. This change was evident in the vehicle's proportions, which featured a longer wheelbase, overall length, a wider body, and a wider track. The dash-to-axle distance increased by over four inches, adding to its elegant and assertive stance. Acura's early adoption of LED headlights was showcased with standard Jewel Eye LED headlights and expressive linear LED daytime running lights. Larger wheels—19 x 8.5 inches on the base MDX and up to 20 x 9 inches on the Tech and higher trims—contributed to a sporty, modern look. The MDX, built in East Liberty, Ohio, demonstrated a very high level of craftsmanship and quality.

Inside, the MDX’s layered dashboard emphasized the cabin’s width and positioned the dashboard lower and further from the front-seat occupants, making the interior feel more expansive. Authentic materials like natural wood, genuine aluminum, and real leather supplemented by high-quality plastics created a rich ambiance. Although the layout of some controls was quirky, they quickly made sense in operation. The center console and stack housed multiple controls, including a unique gear selector inspired by fighter jets, an innovative touchpad for infotainment control, and a 12.3-inch landscape infotainment screen strategically placed at the top of the center stack. The front seats were notably comfortable and adjustable, suitable for drivers of all sizes.

The 2023 BMW X1, on the other hand, appeared as a refined evolution rather than a complete redesign of its predecessor. The larger, squarer kidney grille signaled readiness for more robust airflow. Flush door handles and standard LED headlights and taillights added a modern touch. The 2023 color palette became significantly more dynamic with 13 exterior color choices, including five brand-new options. The X1 retained its 18-inch wheels but introduced optional upgrades to 19 and 20-inch wheels, wrapped in performance tires for the first time. The xLine and M Sport packages enhanced the exterior with additional accents and body-colored elements.

Inside the X1, the cabin maintained a premium, though not overly luxurious feel. The BMW Curved Display dominated the dash, accompanied by long, narrow vents, creating a clean and uncluttered look. The SensaTec 2.0 seat coverings, available in four colors, felt high-quality, and the M Sport Package upgraded the interior with sport seats and an M leather steering wheel with paddle shifters. The panoramic moonroof associated with the Premium Package added to the sense of spaciousness in the smaller X1, while the sophisticated center armrest and aluminum-finished door handles enhanced the overall design cohesion.

The 2022 Acura MDX was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. This engine paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission that drove the front wheels in the base and Tech trims, with an option for the Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. The SH-AWD system featured torque vectoring, able to send up to 70% of the torque to the rear wheels and directing up to 100% of that torque to either side during cornering. This system provided enhanced cornering feel and control. The MDX's suspension saw significant upgrades, with a front double-wishbone setup and revised rear multi-link suspension, improving ride quality and sporty handling. Bigger disc brakes and improved steering with a variable gear ratio added to the SUV's impressive performance dynamics. The new 10-speed automatic transmission worked beautifully with the engine, smoothly transitioning through gears and enhancing the driving experience through five available drive modes: Snow, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual.

Comparatively, the 2023 BMW X1 received a notable power boost with its 2.0-liter twin-turbo four-cylinder engine, which now delivered 241 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain enabled the X1 to achieve a 0-60 mph time of 6.2 seconds and a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds. The new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) replaced the previous eight-speed automatic, offering a more engaging driving experience, particularly with the M Sport Package paddle shifters. The upgraded Adaptive M Suspension minimized body roll and provided a stable ride, although the suspension could feel somewhat stiff. The ride quality and agility of the X1 made it feel more like a sporty hatchback than a crossover.

Fuel economy for the X1 was impressive, with an EPA rating of 25 mpg city, 34 highway, and 28 combined, and it recommended premium fuel to achieve peak performance.

As a three-row SUV, the 2022 Acura MDX excelled in versatility. It offered comfortable seating for the first two rows, with bucket sport seats in the front and an innovative second row with a removable center section, allowing for easy access to the third row. The second-row seats could slide fore and aft and recline up to 12 degrees, balancing legroom for all passengers. The third row, while best suited for pre-teens and smaller passengers, added valuable extra seating capacity. Utility was another strong suit for the MDX, with a flexible cargo capacity ranging from 16.3 to 18.1 cubic feet with the third row up, 39.1 to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and up to 95 cubic feet of storage with both rear rows folded flat. The power tailgate featured innovative functionalities like “Grab ‘N Go” and Hands-Free Access, enhancing convenience.

The 2023 BMW X1, thanks to its larger dimensions, provided ample headroom and legroom, surpassing many of its competitors. Specifically, it offered 42.1 inches of front headroom and 39.3 inches in the rear, with 40.4 inches of front legroom and 37 inches in the rear. Cargo space was also generous, with 25.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 57.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. While heated seats were an optional extra, the wireless charging pad included in the Premium Package was well-executed, holding devices securely even on curvy roads.

Acura's MDX offered slightly more cargo capacity overall, especially with all seats folded flat, showcasing its strength as a versatile and family-friendly SUV. However, the X1's spacious interior, especially in terms of headroom and rear legroom, was impressive for its class.

The 2022 Acura MDX came packed with tech features. The ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System, included in upper trims, featured 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification, offering audiophiles an immersive experience. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen and the configurable Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument panel provided a modern user interface. Standard tech features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad. The A-Spec and Advance trims added the CabinTalk feature, allowing the driver to address rear passengers through the audio system, and a head-up display (HUD) was standard on the Advance package. Additionally, a WiFi hotspot and over-the-air software updates kept the MDX technologically current.

The 2023 BMW X1 introduced the BMW Curved Display with iDrive 8, integrating the 10.7-inch infotainment screen and 10.25-inch driver information display into a single pane. The infotainment system was responsive, with effective voice commands for various functions, though the navigation system had difficulty with less specific inputs. The Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration worked seamlessly. Live Cockpit Professional, part of the Premium Package, added a head-up display and augmented reality navigation. Standard features included BMW maps, Bluetooth interface, and four USB-C ports. The optional 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system provided excellent audio quality. The new toggle-style gear selector and the centralized control panel offered a modern and user-friendly interface.

Both vehicles excelled in technological offerings, but the Acura MDX’s robust audio system and extensive suite of standard features gave it an edge for tech enthusiasts.

Detailed safety features were a strong point for both vehicles.

The 2022 Acura MDX had not yet received crash-test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but the previous generation had received high marks, and engineers aimed for even better ratings. The MDX featured a higher percentage of high-strength steel for improved collision protection and included advanced safety structures for pedestrian and vehicle safety. Standard safety features under the AcuraWatch suite included a collision mitigation braking system, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, road departure mitigation, traffic sign recognition, and more.

The 2023 BMW X1 introduced active blind-spot detection with exit warning and a front-collision warning system with pedestrian and cyclist detection. The newly available Active Driving Assistant Professional suite offered a range of driver-assistance systems, including speed limit assist, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control with stop & go. The X1 could also be equipped with a 360-degree camera system as part of the Premium Package and offered Active Park Distance Control and Parking Assistant Plus for enhanced parking capabilities.