2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2022 Volvo XC60 underwent subtle styling changes, enhancing its sporty appearance with a new front fascia featuring "air blades" and a redesigned rear bumper that concealed the tailpipes. The updated front grille housed sensors for driver-assist systems behind a heated Volvo logo, ensuring functionality in cold weather. Built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, the XC60 shared its foundation with other Volvo models like the XC90 and S90. Inside, the XC60 retained its clean design, highlighted by a new digital instrument cluster and a portrait-oriented touchscreen. While the interior was generally subdued, the B6 R-Design model added flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats. The Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered both standard and Type S versions, with various trim packages enhancing equipment levels. The Type S Advance trim, priced at $74,995, featured Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid interior. Despite its high price, the MDX Type S aimed to deliver quality and luxury but fell short in some areas. The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to bear the Type S badge, with subtle styling cues like chicane-design LED lights and 21-inch wheels. Inside, the Type S boasted perforated Milano leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package. However, the body design sometimes gave the impression of a dent, and the gloss black dashboard elements complicated control usage. The electronic transmission switchgear also proved confusing for some drivers.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 versions. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system, adding 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 variant included an electric supercharger, delivering 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, while the B5 offered 258 hp and 247 lb-ft. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B5 offering FWD or AWD and the B6 exclusively AWD. The XC60 B5 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, while the B6 achieved it in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 emphasized luxury over performance, with a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, enhanced by optional air suspension. The plug-in hybrid XC60 Recharge offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 5 seconds, while the Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, with a 4.9-second sprint.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's SH-AWD system. The AWD system could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel, enhancing cornering performance. The MDX Type S offered multiple driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. Despite performance enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience, with issues like an indecisive transmission, lack of ride compliance, and poor brake pedal modulation. The turbocharged V6 provided quick acceleration but at the cost of poor fuel economy, averaging 16.9 mpg during testing. The MDX Type S was more agreeable in Normal mode but faced challenges in Sport and Sport+ modes, with transmission and brake issues affecting driver confidence.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained its competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Legroom was average for the segment. The mild-hybrid models offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up and 49.8 cubic feet with them folded, while plug-in hybrids had slightly less capacity. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats, with flexible second-row configurations and ample cargo space. The Type S Advance trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the seats lacked the expected support for spirited driving. The MDX's third row was best suited for children, with limited space for adults. The cabin prioritized style over storage, with limited space under the front center armrest. The cargo area provided 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The Type S Advance included a hands-free liftgate with a Walk Away Close function.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul, featuring a 9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. The system integrated Google Assistant for voice control and Google Maps for navigation, with access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. The system supported over-the-air updates and promised full iPhone compatibility. The digital instrument cluster offered a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions.

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 included Return and Home buttons, a volume knob, and a wrist rest. While the TTI aimed to improve driver interaction, it added complexity and reduced storage space. The MDX supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In. The Advance package included a 10.5-inch head-up display, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs. The ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for the 2022 model year, but the 2021 model received top ratings. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and more. New features for 2022 included a Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. Volvo's Pilot Assist system offered adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering.

The 2023 Acura MDX included Acura Watch, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, the MDX's safety systems occasionally issued false warnings, and the adaptive cruise control could be slow to resume speed.