2023 Acura MDX vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, a staple in the crossover SUV market, had its roots in the mid-1990s as a compact alternative to the larger SUVs dominating the scene. Over the years, it evolved significantly, growing in size and sophistication, and by 2022, it was a mature crossover SUV often leading the sales charts in the United States. The RAV4's design, while fitting in with contemporary crossover aesthetics, featured distinctive angular wheel arches and crisp lines that contrasted with the body-side bends. Its expressive headlights and grille gave it a playful yet aggressive look, complemented by Toyota's renowned fit-and-finish, which elevated the overall quality of its exterior.

Inside, the RAV4 boasted a layered dashboard with contrasting textures and colors, anchored by a straightforward center stack. The touchscreen interface was strategically placed for minimal driver distraction. The interior design included unique elements like a circuit-board-inspired geometric pattern that tied various cabin areas together, from seat inserts to dash pieces. The Adventure-trim model even featured 19-inch matte gray alloy wheels, adding to its distinctive appeal.

The 2023 Acura MDX, particularly in its Type S variant, aimed to blend luxury with performance. The MDX Type S featured subtle design cues, such as chicane-design LED lights and quad exhaust outlets, which contributed to its understated yet sporty appearance. The panoramic sunroof and ambient lighting themes added a touch of elegance, while the interior boasted perforated Milano leather and aluminum trim. The Type S Advance trim further enhanced the luxury feel with open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made certain controls challenging to use. Despite these minor drawbacks, the MDX Type S presented itself as an attractive luxury SUV, though its design sometimes gave the impression of a massive dent due to the body tapering at the doors.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a range of powertrains, starting with a gasoline-only model featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, provided smooth power delivery without turbo lag. The RAV4 Hybrid combined a similar engine with an electric motor, delivering 217 combined horsepower and impressive fuel economy of 41 mpg city/38 mpg highway. The RAV4 Prime, a plug-in hybrid, boasted 302 horsepower and could run up to 42 miles on electricity alone, with an efficiency rating of 94 MPGe. The RAV4's handling was car-like, with a four-wheel independent suspension and dynamic torque vectoring for improved cornering.

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. Despite the power increase, the Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive performance experience. The 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system aimed to enhance driving dynamics, but the vehicle often felt disconnected from the driver. The MDX Type S offered various driving modes, including Sport and Sport+, but these modes resulted in poor fuel economy, averaging 16.9 mpg during testing. The Electro-Servo brake system and large 21-inch wheels contributed to a lack of ride compliance and brake pedal modulation issues, making the MDX Type S less predictable and less enjoyable to drive.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, while classified as a small SUV, offered impressive cargo space with 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. It had a healthy payload capacity and towing capabilities, with Adventure and TRD Off-Road models rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds. Inside, the RAV4 provided ample space for four adults, with comfortable front-row seating and a practical layout featuring numerous storage compartments and cupholders.

The 2023 Acura MDX provided three rows of seating, accommodating up to seven passengers. The Type S Advance trim featured luxurious 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the seats lacked the expected support for spirited driving. The second-row seats offered flexibility with a removable center section, but the third row was best suited for children due to limited space. The MDX's cargo area was spacious, with 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 71.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The hands-free liftgate with Walk Away Close function added convenience for loading and unloading cargo.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Higher trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL audio system. The RAV4 Prime featured advanced technology, including multiple USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and a bird’s-eye view camera system. The RAV4's technology package provided a good balance of features across its trim levels.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a Digital Precision Cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment display. However, the infotainment system relied on a True Touchpad Interface, which was less intuitive than traditional touchscreens. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, along with a premium 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 Toyota RAV4 included Toyota’s Star Safety System and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic emergency braking. The RAV4 received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with the RAV4 Prime earning a Top Safety Pick+ designation.

The 2023 Acura MDX came with Acura Watch, featuring forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. While the MDX had good crash-test ratings, some safety features, like the lane-departure warning, were less refined, and the vehicle occasionally issued false collision warnings.