2022 Ford Expedition vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2022 Ford Expedition underwent significant changes, including exterior styling updates and enhanced infotainment technology. The front featured a new grille, headlights, and bumper, while the rear received revised taillights, tailgate trim, and a new bumper. Redesigned wheels were introduced across the model lineup. The Expedition was available in various trims, including the new Timberline trim for off-road enthusiasts, which added features like standard 4WD, all-terrain tires, and suspension modifications. Inside, the Expedition boasted a redesigned dashboard with the new Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, the latter featuring a 15.5-inch touchscreen display. The test model, a Limited Stealth Edition, had a luxurious interior with leather seats and advanced tech, though it came with a hefty price tag of $80,155.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered standard and Type S versions, each with various trim packages. The Type S featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. The MDX Type S Advance trim, priced at $74,995, included extra-cost Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid interior. The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to wear the Type S badge, featuring subtle styling modifications, 21-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets. Inside, the Type S Advance trim added open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard. However, the MDX's design had some drawbacks, such as the gloss black plastic on the dashboard and the electronic transmission switchgear, which could be confusing to use.

The 2022 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 380 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque in the test vehicle. With 93-octane fuel, it could achieve 400 hp and 480 lb-ft. The Stealth Edition Performance Package could boost these figures to 440 hp and 510 lb-ft. The engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and the SUV could tow between 9,000 and 9,300 pounds. Fuel economy ranged from 17 to 19 mpg in combined driving, but the test vehicle averaged 16.2 mpg. The Expedition's powertrain delivered an addictive driving experience, though it guzzled fuel when pushed hard. The Stealth Edition's sport-tuned suspension contributed to a sometimes harsh ride, but the adaptive damping suspension available on higher trims could improve comfort. Despite its size, the Expedition was easy to park, thanks to excellent visibility and parking aids. On the highway, it excelled, providing a quiet and comfortable ride for long trips.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, generating 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. The engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. The MDX Type S had an Integrated Dynamics System with various driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. However, the performance upgrades didn't create a cohesive driving experience. The transmission was indecisive, the ride lacked compliance, and the brake pedal modulation was poor. The MDX Type S averaged 16.9 mpg in combined driving, falling short of the EPA rating of 19 mpg. The turbocharged V6 delivered quick acceleration but consumed fuel rapidly. The suspension transmitted bumps and cracks into the cabin more harshly than expected, and the vehicle struggled as a driver's SUV on winding roads. The Electro-Servo brakes were inconsistent, making it difficult to trust the MDX Type S when driving enthusiastically.

The 2022 Ford Expedition excelled in comfort and interior space. It offered power running boards for easy entry and exit, and the cabin provided ample room for passengers. The test vehicle featured power-adjustable, leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, along with a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable, with plenty of legroom and individual climate controls. The third-row seat was easy to access and provided good leg support, though headroom could be tight for taller passengers. Cargo space behind the third row measured 19.3 cubic feet, but the Expedition Max offered a larger 34.3 cubic-foot cargo hold. With both rear rows folded, the standard Expedition provided 104.6 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Max offered 121.5 cubic feet.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats with flexible second-row seating options. The test vehicle had 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage, wrapped in quilted leather upholstery. The second-row seat could be configured for a pass-through or a center armrest with cupholders. The third-row seat was best suited for children, as it was tight for adults. The cabin's design prioritized style over storage space, with a small bin under the front center armrest and a wrist rest that partially blocked the wireless charging pad. The cargo area provided 18.1 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The Type S Advance trim included a hands-free liftgate with a Walk Away Close function, making it convenient for loading and unloading cargo.

The 2022 Ford Expedition featured the next-generation Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems. The standard Sync 4 system included a 12-inch touchscreen, while the optional Sync 4A system had a larger 15.5-inch touchscreen. Both systems offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect with a Wi-Fi hotspot, and natural voice recognition. Higher trims added features like SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, wireless smartphone charging, and premium Bang & Olufsen sound systems. The Sync 4A system had some quirks, such as difficulty restarting Apple CarPlay and occasional accidental activation of the defroster function. The Expedition also offered an upgraded rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV and Pro Trailer Backup Assist 2.0 for easier trailer reversing.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a Digital Precision Cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. The infotainment system used a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the center console, which could be challenging to use. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa Built-In, SiriusXM satellite radio, and AcuraLink connected services. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display (HUD) with navigation instructions and driving assistance status. The top-shelf Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers provided excellent sound quality. However, the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs, leading to incorrect speed limit displays.

The 2022 Ford Expedition came with three Ford Co-Pilot360 packages. The standard package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, a driver monitoring system, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, speed-limit-sign recognition, intersection assist, and evasive steering assist. The Co-Pilot Assist 2.0 package, standard on higher trims, included a surround-view camera system, rear automatic emergency braking, and Active Park Assist 2.0. The Expedition also offered BlueCruise hands-free driving technology. During testing, the adaptive cruise control performed well, but the lane-centering assist had issues with sensing hands on the steering wheel and steering the vehicle too close to other cars.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured Acura Watch, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. The MDX also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The latest Acura Watch systems were more accurate and refined, but the lane departure warnings could be annoying, and the adaptive cruise control was slow to resume speed. During testing, the MDX mistook an overhead exit sign for an obstacle and momentarily braked, which was concerning. The MDX received good crash-test ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.