2023 Volvo XC40 vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2022 Acura MDX had a pioneering role in the three-row luxury crossover SUV category, presenting a compact exterior that belied its spacious interior. This new generation was built on a dedicated platform, distinct from the Honda Pilot, with tweaked proportions including a longer wheelbase, wider body, and increased dash-to-axle distance for a more elegant look. The MDX featured standard Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels, contributing to a sportier and modern exterior design. Built in East Liberty, Ohio, the MDX showcased high craftsmanship and quality.

Inside, the MDX was modernized with a layered dashboard that emphasized cabin width and authentic materials like natural wood, genuine aluminum, and real leather. The center console housed unique gear selection controls and a touchpad for infotainment functions. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen was strategically placed for safety, and the front seats offered comfort and adjustability. The MDX's solid, quality feel was complemented by a variety of exterior colors and interior themes, enhancing its luxury appeal.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 maintained its distinctive, flat-roofed SUV profile, with a clean exterior design free of unnecessary detailing. Updates for 2023 included pixelated "Thor’s Hammer" headlights, a more angular front bumper, and new wheel designs. The XC40 shared its Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform with the Volvo C40 Recharge and Polestar 2, making it the only CMA-based model in the U.S. available with a combustion engine.

The interior of the XC40 retained its minimalist design with thin air vents and scalloped door elements. Standard features included dual-zone automatic climate control and optional leather upholstery, with vegan leather for Recharge models. The Ultimate trim offered premium options like a panoramic moonroof and an Orrefors crystal shift knob. Despite its entry-level status, the XC40's fit and finish were commendable, though the all-black interior felt somewhat utilitarian.

The 2022 Acura MDX was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. A new 10-speed automatic transmission sent power to the front wheels or all four wheels with the optional Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The SH-AWD system featured torque vectoring, enhancing cornering feel and control. The MDX's suspension was upgraded to a double-wishbone setup in the front and revised multi-link suspension in the rear, improving ride quality and sporty handling. The vehicle's overall stiffness and rigidity were significantly improved, contributing to a solid ride feel.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 introduced mild-hybrid powertrains, adding a 48-volt electrical system and a 13-horsepower integrated starter generator. The base B4 powertrain combined this system with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 197 hp and 221 pound-feet of torque. The B5 model offered a more powerful 2.0-liter turbo-four with 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B4 being FWD-only and the B5 AWD-only. The B5 model could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. The XC40 Recharge, with its two electric motors, produced 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds and an EPA-rated 223-mile range.

The 2022 Acura MDX excelled as a three-row SUV, offering comfortable seating for the first two rows and a flexible second row with a removable center section. The third row was best suited for smaller passengers. The MDX provided between 16.3 and 18.1 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expandable to 95 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The power tailgate featured convenient functions like "Grab ‘N Go" and Hands-Free Access. Interior lighting was customizable with 27 themes, enhancing the cabin ambiance.

The 2023 Volvo XC40, while smaller, offered reasonable space among its competitors. It provided ample headroom and shoulder room, making the second-row middle seat usable. Cargo space was 20 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 46.9 cubic feet with them folded. The XC40 featured good interior storage with large door panel carve-outs and a spacious center console. A power tailgate and keyless entry were standard on higher trims.

The 2022 Acura MDX featured the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System with 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification in higher trims. All models came with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and the Acura Precision Cockpit 12.3-inch HD digital instrument panel. Standard tech included Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Qi-compatible wireless charging, and a WiFi hotspot. Higher trims offered a head-up display, CabinTalk feature, and surround-view camera system.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 adopted an Android-based infotainment system with Google apps, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 9-inch touchscreen. The Ultimate trim included a 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and multiple USB-C ports. The infotainment system provided a pleasing visual experience, though users preferring Apple might find the Google features less satisfying. The minimalist design meant most controls were accessed via the touchscreen.

The 2022 Acura MDX was engineered with a higher percentage of high-strength steel and an advanced safety structure. It featured a low-speed braking control system, collision mitigation throttle control, and the AcuraWatch suite of safety and driver assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition. While crash-test ratings were not yet available, Acura targeted top ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 included standard safety features like lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring. Higher trims added front and side parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system, and Pilot Assist. The XC40 received top ratings from IIHS in most crash tests, though it dropped to "Acceptable" in the updated side-impact test. NHTSA awarded the gasoline XC40 a five-star overall safety rating.