2022 Porsche Macan vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2022 Porsche Macan retained much of its original design, despite several updates over the years. It featured a refreshed styling with larger standard wheels and a new center console that incorporated haptic touch controls, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. The Macan S, our test vehicle, was equipped with a high-output powertrain and performance upgrades, making it a visually striking and performance-oriented SUV. Its exterior, with Volcano Gray paint and 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels, exuded a sporty and athletic look, while the interior, adorned with red leather and metallic accents, offered an upscale and purposeful ambiance.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX Type S Advance trim presented a more subtle yet sophisticated appearance. The MDX Type S was the first Acura SUV to bear the Type S badge, featuring chicane-design LED lights and 21-inch wheels that contributed to its poised stance. The interior boasted perforated Milano leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package, creating a luxurious environment. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, posed usability challenges. Despite these minor drawbacks, the MDX Type S maintained an appealing presence, both inside and out.

The 2022 Porsche Macan offered a range of powerful engines, with the Macan S featuring a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 producing 375 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, delivered impressive acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 4.4 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package. The Macan S excelled in handling, thanks to its re-tuned steering and suspension, Porsche Active Suspension Management, and optional performance upgrades like Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus and Porsche Surface Coated Brakes. It provided a thrilling driving experience, with precise steering and excellent grip, though the brake pedal required a firmer push to initiate a stop.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine generating 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Despite its performance enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience. The 10-speed automatic transmission and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system offered potential, but the vehicle's dynamics felt disjointed. The MDX Type S lacked the expected power increase over the standard V6, and its fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 16.9 mpg during testing. While the MDX Type S had various driving modes and performance features, it failed to inspire confidence and predictability in spirited driving scenarios.

The 2022 Porsche Macan provided a comfortable experience for front-seat occupants, with optional 14-way power-adjustable seats offering heating and ventilation. However, rear-seat space was limited, especially for taller passengers. The redesigned center console with haptic touch controls added a modern touch, but it required drivers to look away from the road to operate. Cargo space was modest, with 17.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX offered more versatility with its three-row seating configuration. The Type S Advance trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. While the seats were comfortable, they lacked the support expected for a performance-oriented model. The MDX's second-row seats could be adjusted for more legroom, and the third row was best suited for children. The cargo area provided ample space, with 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 71.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, the interior design prioritized style over storage, limiting available space for small items.

The 2022 Porsche Macan came equipped with a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, known as Porsche Communication Management (PCM). It included wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and connected services. While the user experience was generally intuitive, the voice recognition system was less reliable compared to competitors. Fortunately, essential controls like stereo volume and climate settings were separate from the touchscreen, reducing the need for frequent interaction with the system.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a Digital Precision Cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment screen was not touch-sensitive, requiring the use of a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the center console. This design choice, while innovative, added complexity and reduced available storage space. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, providing familiar voice assistant functions. The Advance package included a 10.5-inch head-up display, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread speed limits.

The 2022 Porsche Macan included essential safety features such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Optional features like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist were available. While the Macan's safety technologies performed as expected, it lacked more advanced driving assistance systems. The Macan had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2023 Acura MDX came with Acura Watch, a suite of driving assistance and collision avoidance systems. It included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with low-speed following. The MDX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and optional parking sensors and a surround-view camera. While the Acura Watch systems were generally accurate, occasional false alerts and a steering wheel wobble for lane-departure warnings were noted. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.