2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2022 Acura MDX stood as a hallmark of design in the three-row luxury crossover SUV category. It introduced a sleeker, sportier exterior inspired by automotive elegance. Acura built this generation on a dedicated platform, differing from previous models linked to the Honda Pilot. The vehicle’s proportions were meticulously tuned, extending the wheelbase, length, and width, enhancing both its road presence and interior spaciousness. Notably, the critical dash-to-axle distance was increased by over four inches, adding to the vehicle’s sophisticated allure.

LED technology played a pivotal role in the MDX’s design, featuring standard Jewel Eye LED headlights and expressive linear LED daytime running lights. Larger wheels, varying from 19 x 8.5 inches on the base model to 20 x 9 inches on higher trims, accompanied the sportier design, projecting a modern, assertive stance. Built in East Liberty, Ohio, the MDX reflected high craftsmanship and quality.

Inside, the MDX’s cabin exuded modernity and sophistication. The dashboard’s layered design emphasized cabin width, with authentic materials like natural wood, aluminum, and real leather enhancing the interior’s opulent feel. The center console showcased a unique gear selection system, including rectangular push-buttons, a lever, and a round button encased in an aluminum collar. The 12.3-inch non-touchscreen infotainment display ensured the driver's focus remained unchallenged, situated optimally atop the center stack.

Comfort was paramount, with front-row seats offering extensive adjustments and ample sizing, making long drives blissful. The steering wheel, beefy and equipped with redundant controls and paddle shifters, completed the driver-centric feel. The MDX's interior color schemes and paint options provided ample customization, ensuring a luxurious experience.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 offered a robust yet familiar design, retaining cues from its 2019 iteration, especially in the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims. The Adventure trim stood out with a more aggressive grille, faux skid plate, blacked-out wheels, and pronounced black cladding—though it looked more rugged than it performed.

Inside, the RAV4 Adventure popped with orange accents and contrast stitching, injecting liveliness into an otherwise modest interior. Elements like a frameless rearview mirror added a hint of premium character. While fabric seats were standard in LE and XLE trims, higher trims boasted upgraded upholstery and power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats. Even heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel were available through various packages, ensuring comfort across all trims.

The 2022 Acura MDX housed a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. The new 10-speed automatic transmission, either in FWD or the advanced SH-AWD system, played a crucial role in its dynamic performance. The SH-AWD, with its torque vectoring, improved cornering and driving precision, pushing up to 70% of torque to the rear wheels and directing up to 100% of that torque to either side during turns—making the MDX a delight to drive in various conditions.

Suspension upgrades included a double-wishbone front setup for enhanced sporty handling, complemented by a revised rear multi-link suspension for improved ride quality. Bigger brakes handled the power effectively, and the improved steering feel only added to the MDX's controlled yet engaging driving experience.

Contrasting the MDX, the 2023 Toyota RAV4's engine, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder generating 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, delivered decent (albeit not thrilling) performance. An eight-speed automatic transmission paired with this engine did its best but lagged in acceleration. The AWD system, standard on Adventure and TRD Off-Road, provided additional control in less favorable driving conditions.

The RAV4’s TRD Off-Road trim featured a specialized suspension with 18-inch wheels and Falken All-Terrain tires, promising (and delivering) better off-road capabilities compared to the adventure-oriented but less rugged Adventure trim. While handling and comfort on ordinary roads were competitive, the RAV4's performance felt more rugged and truck-like compared to the MDX’s polished driving dynamics.

As a three-row SUV, the 2022 Acura MDX excelled in versatility. The innovative second row featured a removable center section and adjustable seats to balance legroom for all passengers. Entering the third row was facilitated either by sliding the second-row seats or walking through the center. Despite the third row accommodating primarily pre-teens and smaller adults, it remained practical for carpools.

Cargo capacity in the MDX ranged impressively from 16.3 to 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 39.1 to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 71.4 to 95 cubic feet with the second row down. Features like the programmable power tailgate added to the MDX’s practicality, making it a versatile family hauler.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4, designed to seat five, provided 37.7 inches of front-row headroom (less than its competitors) and 39.5 inches in the back. Legroom measured 41 inches in the front and 37.8 inches in the second row, offering decent comfort but losing out slightly compared to rivals. Clever storage solutions, like an extended glove compartment shelf and large door pockets, accommodated front passengers’ needs well.

In terms of cargo space, the RAV4 offered 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row, growing to a respectable 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats down—adequate but not class-leading. While practical and convenient for daily use, it didn't quite match the MDX's expansive cargo capacity.

The 2022 Acura MDX boasted advanced technological features, notably the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System, offering 16 speakers and 710 watts for an immersive audio experience. Navigation was standard on higher trims, as was the 12.3-inch infotainment screen and HD digital instrument panel. The inclusion of Amazon Alexa for home-to-car connectivity, wireless device charging, and the CabinTalk feature on higher trims expanded the family's convenience and entertainment options. Additionally, software and firmware could be updated over the air, ensuring the MDX remained current with technological advancements.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a much-awaited infotainment upgrade. Standard features now included an 8.0-inch touchscreen (with a 10.5-inch option for higher trims), and the latest software supported OTA updates. The upgraded multimedia system brought an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system, and the overall user experience was enhanced with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Our Adventure tester’s enhancements weren’t limited to audio and visuals. A comprehensive 7-inch driver-information display came standard, with an option to upgrade to a 12.3-inch version on select trims. The technological updates propelled the RAV4 into a more competitive space, standing out in ways previous models hadn't managed.

The 2022 Acura MDX was designed for unparalleled safety. Although crash-test ratings hadn't been released at the time, the previous model's stellar results from IIHS and NHTSA suggested continued excellence. Acura's engineers integrated more high-strength steel and advanced safety structures for superior collision protection. Pedestrian safety features included impact-absorbing bumpers and deformable body components. The low-speed braking control and AcuraWatch suite (featuring adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking, and more) fortified the MDX’s comprehensive safety profile.

In comparison, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 delivered robust safety features as standard across all trims. These included lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beams, and adaptive cruise control, with available blind-spot monitoring on higher trims. The updated Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite introduced Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, enhancing its adaptive cruise capabilities.

The RAV4's crash tests yielded impressive results, earning a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS, a commendable achievement underscoring its reliable safety standards.