2022 Mazda CX-5 vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 underwent subtle yet impactful exterior updates, including new LED headlights and taillights, redesigned bumpers, a revised grille, and a fresh rear liftgate. These changes aimed to enhance visibility and modernize the vehicle's appearance. The top-tier Signature trim featured body-color lower exterior trim, emphasizing Mazda's ambition to position itself as a premium brand. Inside, the CX-5 retained its luxurious feel, especially in the Signature trim, with premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats provided improved comfort, addressing previous complaints about the seating experience. However, the introduction of a new, more complex trim lineup replaced the long-standing structure, potentially confusing buyers.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX Type S presented a more understated yet sophisticated design. The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to sport the Type S badge, with subtle styling cues like chicane-design LED lights and quad exhaust outlets. The Type S Advance trim added open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard, enhancing the interior's luxury feel. Despite its appealing design, some elements, such as the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, posed usability challenges. The MDX's interior was spacious, offering three rows of seating and a panoramic sunroof, but the design choices sometimes compromised storage space. Overall, the MDX Type S aimed to blend luxury with performance, though it occasionally fell short of expectations.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: the 2.5 S with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and the 2.5 Turbo, which delivered up to 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. Both engines came with a revised six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The CX-5's driving dynamics were improved with increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning, providing a quieter and smoother ride. The Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) offered different driving modes, enhancing the vehicle's sporty feel. The CX-5's performance was characterized by its responsive handling and reduced noise, making it a compelling alternative to entry-level luxury SUVs.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, generating 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. Despite the power increase, the Type S's performance was hindered by its weight and an indecisive 10-speed automatic transmission. The MDX Type S included Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) and an Integrated Dynamics System with multiple driving modes. However, the performance enhancements did not cohesively elevate the driving experience. The MDX Type S struggled with ride compliance, brake modulation, and fuel efficiency, averaging 16.9 mpg in combined driving. While the MDX Type S aimed to offer a thrilling ride, it often fell short of delivering a seamless driving experience.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and seating with new, more comfortable seats and a sportier driving position. The interior featured dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, the back seat remained snug, and the control layout was frustrating due to the non-touchscreen Mazda Connect infotainment system. Cargo space was adequate, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded, comparing favorably to entry-level luxury SUVs but less so against mainstream compact crossovers.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seating with flexible second-row configurations and a spacious cargo area. The Type S Advance trim included 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the seats were firm and lacked the expected support for spirited driving. The MDX's interior design prioritized style over storage, with limited space in the center console. The cargo area was practical, with 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 71.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The MDX's interior was comfortable and functional, though some design choices limited its practicality.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, operated via center console controls. The lack of a touchscreen and natural voice recognition made the system less intuitive. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. The 2.5 S Premium trim and above included a 10-speaker Bose sound system, which performed adequately.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a Digital Precision Cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment display. The infotainment system used a True Touchpad Interface (TTI), which was less intuitive than a touchscreen. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, enhancing connectivity. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs. The ELS Studio 3D audio system provided excellent sound quality, though the infotainment system's usability could be improved.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came with a comprehensive i-Activsense package, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added features like a surround-view camera and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.

The 2023 Acura MDX included the Acura Watch suite, featuring forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Additional safety features were available on higher trims. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, though some safety systems occasionally issued false alerts.