2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded a sense of luxury and sophistication that was hard to match. Its design was a testament to Land Rover's long-standing tradition of crafting elegant SUVs. The Velar's exterior was a blend of sleek lines and bold features, with its pop-out door handles and trapezoidal roof adding to its allure. Despite concerns about reliability, the Velar's aesthetic appeal was undeniable, making it a standout in the small luxury SUV segment. The interior, though not as opulent as previous models, still offered high-quality materials and a polished black center stack that defined its cabin.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX presented a more subtle approach to luxury. The Type S Advance trim, with its Apex Blue Pearl paint and Orchid interior, set high expectations for quality and performance. The MDX's design was understated, with chicane-design LED lights and 21-inch wheels giving it a refined stance. Inside, the MDX offered a spacious and functional cabin with three rows of seating and a host of comfort features. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, detracted from its overall appeal. Despite these minor flaws, the MDX remained an attractive option for those seeking a luxury SUV with a focus on practicality.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in a driving experience that was distinct from previous Land Rover models. Its lower center of gravity and lighter weight contributed to improved handling and braking. The Velar offered a choice between a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with 247 horsepower and a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, available in two power outputs: 340 hp and 395 hp. The Velar's Terrain Response system provided six driving modes, enhancing its on-road performance, though its off-road capabilities were limited compared to larger Range Rover models.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), the MDX Type S aimed to deliver a thrilling driving experience. However, the performance upgrades didn't fully integrate, leading to issues with transmission response, ride compliance, and brake modulation. The MDX Type S struggled to deliver the cohesive driving experience expected from a performance-oriented SUV, with its fuel economy falling short of expectations.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar prioritized style over space, resulting in a tighter interior compared to midsize SUVs. Rear-seat headroom and visibility were compromised by the Velar's design, and cargo space was limited to 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's interior featured a new Pivi Pro infotainment system, but the lack of a discrete parking brake control and the bulky shifter design were notable drawbacks.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a more functional interior with three rows of seating and flexible cargo space. The Type S Advance trim included 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the seats didn't provide the expected support for spirited driving. The MDX's second-row seats could be adjusted for more third-row space, but the third row was best suited for children. The cargo area was spacious, with 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system exceeded expectations with its simplified layout and logical arrangement of functions. The system included features like voice activation, a PM2.5 air filter, and a heated windshield. The Velar also offered a 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise control with steering assist, though the latter wasn't as advanced as competitors' systems.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a Digital Precision Cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment display. However, the lack of a touch-sensitive screen and reliance on the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) detracted from the user experience. The MDX included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, but the native voice recognition system was less effective. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been crash-tested by U.S. agencies, but it performed well in the European NCAP tests, earning five stars. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring, with optional 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control.

The 2023 Acura MDX boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features under the Acura Watch umbrella, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it experienced a false collision warning during testing.