2022 Subaru Forester vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2022 Subaru Forester came in various trims, including base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring, with prices starting at $25,195 and topping out at $35,295 for the Touring model. All-wheel drive was standard across all trims. The Forester Wilderness, tested in Bend, Oregon, featured a white exterior, dark gray interior with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather, and a base price of $33,945. With additional options like a navigation system, Harman Kardon premium sound system, and power rear liftgate, the total price reached $36,014. The Wilderness trim added rugged features like a suspension lift, higher ride height, and extensive protective cladding, which gave it a distinctive but polarizing look.

Inside, the Forester emphasized functionality over aesthetics, with a mix of hard plastic and soft surfaces that felt well-constructed but somewhat dated. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, featuring physical knobs and buttons for easy navigation. Despite its rugged exterior, the Forester Wilderness retained a practical and intuitive interior, making it a reliable choice for those seeking utility and off-road capability.

The 2023 Acura MDX, available in standard and Type S versions, offered a range of trim packages, with prices from $49,550 to $73,200. The Type S Advance trim, tested with Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid interior, had an MSRP of $74,995. The fourth-generation MDX featured subtle styling enhancements, including chicane-design LED lights, 21-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets. The Type S Advance added luxury touches like perforated Milano leather, aluminum trim, and a leather-wrapped dashboard.

Inside, the MDX Type S boasted a panoramic sunroof, Iconic Drive ambient lighting, and a Sport Appearance package. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard and the electronic transmission switchgear, detracted from the overall experience. Despite these minor issues, the MDX Type S remained an attractive luxury SUV with a well-appointed interior.

The 2022 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive. The Wilderness model's CVT provided a 25% increase in initial torque supply, doubling its towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The Forester Wilderness achieved an average fuel economy of 25.9 mpg during testing, slightly below the EPA's 26 mpg estimate.

The Forester's driving dynamics were pleasing, with a characteristic boxer engine grumble and a CVT that rarely drew attention to itself. The dual-function X-Mode system offered improved off-road capabilities, while the re-tuned suspension and longer springs and shocks in the Wilderness trim provided a smooth ride and increased ground clearance to 9.2 inches. The Forester excelled in various driving environments, from city streets to off-road trails, proving its versatility and capability.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, generating 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 offered impressive performance. The Integrated Dynamics System provided multiple driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance.

Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver 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 during testing, falling short of the EPA's 19 mpg estimate. While the turbocharged V6 offered quick acceleration, the overall performance fell short of expectations, making the standard MDX a more predictable and enjoyable choice.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit, water-resistant StarTex upholstery, and standard all-weather floor mats. The upgraded roof rails accommodated a dynamic load of 220 pounds and a static load of 800 pounds, making it suitable for roof tents. The Forester offered comfortable seating for both front and rear passengers, with ample storage space and a well-shaped cargo area. With the rear seats folded, the Forester provided up to 74.2 cubic feet of cargo space, making it one of the roomiest compact SUVs.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats, with the option to remove the center section of the second-row seat for easier access to the third row. The Type S Advance trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the seats fell short of the model's performance-oriented mission. The MDX provided decent cargo space, with 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The hands-free liftgate with Walk Away Close function added convenience, making the MDX a practical choice for families.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and Starlink connected services. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen, navigation system, and Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Wilderness trim included a 180-degree forward-view camera, and the PIN Code Access feature allowed for keyless entry during outdoor activities.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display, operated via the True Touchpad Interface (TTI). While the TTI aimed to improve driver interaction, it fell short compared to traditional touchscreens. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, along with a top-shelf Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread speed limits.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the next-generation EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and was expected to retain its IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating.

The 2023 Acura MDX came with Acura Watch, a suite of driving assistance and collision avoidance systems. Standard features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four-star ratings for frontal-impact protection.