2023 Acura MDX vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was crafted by removing the third row from the standard Atlas model, lowering the roofline by 2.3 inches, and shortening the SUV's length by 5.2 inches. Despite these changes, the wheelbase remained the same, ensuring a spacious interior for five passengers. However, the design adjustments resulted in reduced cargo space, offering 40.3 cubic feet behind the second-row seat and a maximum of 77.8 cubic feet. The Atlas Cross Sport boasted a bold and sporty appearance, particularly in the SEL Premium R-Line trim with its 21-inch machined-finish wheels. While the base SE trim's 18-inch wheels appeared undersized, the SE with Technology and SEL trims offered more suitable 20-inch options. The interior featured various color combinations, but the presence of hard, glossy plastics detracted from the overall quality impression.

The 2023 Acura MDX, available in standard and Type S versions, offered a range of trim packages to enhance equipment levels. The Type S Advance trim, with its Apex Blue Pearl paint and Orchid interior, set a high expectation for luxury and performance. The MDX Type S featured subtle design elements, including chicane-design LED lights and 21-inch wheels, contributing to its understated yet appealing look. Inside, the MDX Type S boasted perforated Milano leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package. However, the gloss black plastic on the dashboard and the electronic transmission switchgear posed usability challenges. Despite these minor drawbacks, the MDX Type S remained an attractive luxury SUV, though its body design occasionally gave the impression of a dented appearance.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 producing 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine, standard in the SEL Premium R-Line trim, provided a more satisfying driving experience, despite its aging design and occasional lack of refinement. The V6's towing capacity of 5,000 pounds surpassed the turbo-four's 2,000 pounds. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard and 4Motion all-wheel drive available. The Atlas Cross Sport excelled on highways, offering agreeable ride quality, though road noise was more pronounced than expected. However, the suspension tuning was inconsistent, feeling too firm at low speeds and too soft at higher speeds, leading to a less-than-ideal driving experience.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, provided a dynamic driving experience. The MDX Type S featured an Integrated Dynamics System with multiple driving modes, including a Lift mode for increased ground clearance. Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive performance, with issues such as an indecisive transmission, lack of ride compliance, and poor brake pedal modulation. The turbocharged V6, while powerful, did not offer a significant improvement over the standard V6, resulting in disappointing fuel economy. The MDX Type S averaged 16.9 mpg during testing, falling short of its EPA rating. Overall, the MDX Type S lacked the cohesion and predictability expected from a performance-oriented SUV.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase and interior dimensions with the larger seven-passenger model, providing ample space for five adults. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, heated rear seats, and a dual-zone climate control system. A panoramic sunroof enhanced the sense of space, while various storage compartments offered practicality, though some lacked lining to prevent rattling. The cargo area, though reduced compared to the seven-passenger model, provided sufficient space for luggage and other items, with additional storage under the load floor.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seating, accommodating up to seven passengers. The Type S Advance trim included 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, wrapped in quilted leather. The second-row seat could be adjusted for more third-row space, though the rearmost position offered limited legroom. The third row was best suited for children, given its tight access. The MDX's interior design prioritized style over storage, with limited space in the center console. The cargo area provided ample floor space and a sizable underfloor storage bin, accommodating luggage and other items. The hands-free liftgate with Walk Away Close function added convenience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE came with an 8-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB-C ports. Higher trims featured a 10.25-inch digital cockpit and an 8-inch touchscreen with additional features like wireless smartphone integration, SiriusXM, and wireless charging. The infotainment system offered access to Car-Net connected services, though user experience issues were noted. The SEL Premium R-Line trim included a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system, delivering impressive audio quality.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display, operated via a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the center console. The TTI design, while innovative, posed challenges in terms of usability and storage space. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, enhancing connectivity options. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread speed limits. The MDX's top-tier audio system, the Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D, provided exceptional sound quality.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and lane-keeping assist. The IQ Drive system offered Travel Assist and Emergency Assist features, though some refinement was needed. The Atlas Cross Sport received favorable crash-test ratings, though not the highest accolades from safety organizations.

The 2023 Acura MDX came equipped with Acura Watch, a suite of safety features including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The MDX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. While the Acura Watch systems were generally accurate, occasional false alerts and issues with adaptive cruise control were noted. The MDX received high safety ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.