2023 Dodge Hornet vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX presented itself as a luxury SUV with a range of standard and Type S versions, each offering various trim packages to enhance equipment levels. The standard MDX was available with Technology, A-Spec, and Advance packages, while the Type S came in standard or Advance trim. Prices ranged from $49,550 to $73,200, excluding a destination charge. The test vehicle, a Type S Advance, featured Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid interior, with an MSRP of $74,995. Despite its high price, the MDX Type S aimed to deliver quality, luxury, and driving dynamism, though it occasionally fell short of expectations. The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to sport the Type S badge, characterized by subtle design elements like chicane-design LED lights, 21-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets. Inside, it boasted perforated Milano leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package, with the Type S Advance adding open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard. While the MDX Type S was visually appealing, some design choices, like the tapering body and gloss black plastic, detracted from its overall usability.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet showcased a distinct Dodge DNA with its muscle-car styling cues, including a wide "raccoon mask" face, bulging hood, and illuminated Rhombi logo. From the side and rear, it resembled a Porsche Macan or Cayenne, reflecting a more premium design language. The Hornet's standard silver 17-inch wheels appeared cheap from afar, but the Blacktop package offered 18-inch black alloy wheels, while the Track Pack added 20-inch wheels and performance enhancements. Dodge continued its "High Impact Paint" tradition with seven vibrant color options. Inside, the Hornet featured standard red stitching and a flat-bottomed steering wheel, emphasizing its performance roots. The GT Plus trim offered leather seats with power adjustments, while the base GT had manual-adjust cloth seats. The Hornet's interior layout favored the driver, with a screen and controls angled towards them, though the A-pillar design occasionally obstructed visibility.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, a significant increase over the standard 3.5-liter V6. However, the Type S was 285 pounds heavier than the lightest standard MDX with AWD. The twin-scroll turbo V6 used a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, powering all four wheels through Acura's SH-AWD system. This system could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel, enhancing cornering performance. The MDX Type S offered various 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, with issues like an indecisive transmission, lack of ride compliance, and poor brake pedal modulation. The engine's power increase was not substantial enough to justify its 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 response issues. Overall, the MDX Type S lacked the cohesion and predictability expected from a performance-oriented SUV.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet boasted "best-in-class performance" with its Hurricane 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, delivering 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This power output surpassed most competitors, with only the Mazda CX-30 coming close. The Hornet's base model emitted a low, menacing rumble, drawing attention from passersby. Sport mode enhanced throttle response, steering, and upshifts, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds. While not staggering, it outperformed rivals. The Hornet GT was peppy from a standstill, though it experienced lag when accelerating from cruising speeds. The hybrid powertrain in the Hornet R/T improved pickup pace. Overall, the Hornet offered impressive performance for its class, with room for further enhancement through available packages.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats, accommodating seven passengers, with options for two or three second-row seating positions. The test vehicle featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage, wrapped in quilted leather. Despite the comfort, the seats lacked the expected support for enthusiastic driving. The second-row seat could slide for more third-row space, but the third row was best suited for children. The MDX prioritized style over storage, with limited cabin storage options. The cargo area provided 18.1 cubic feet of space 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 2023 Dodge Hornet GT Plus trim offered leather seats with four-way powered lumbar adjustment and memory settings, enhancing comfort over the base GT's cloth seats. The front passenger seat matched the driver's for adjustability, though it lacked memory function. Both seats were heated and ventilated in the GT Plus trim. The cockpit layout favored the driver, with a screen and controls angled towards them. Visibility was generally good, though the A-pillar design occasionally obstructed views. The Hornet's interior design emphasized driver orientation, with a focus on comfort and convenience.

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. The TTI design limited center console space and partially blocked the wireless charging pad. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, though the native voice recognition system was less effective. The test vehicle included a Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers, delivering impressive sound quality. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet featured a driver-focused cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. The Uconnect 5 system was intuitive and easy to use, with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa connectivity. The GT Plus trim included a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system and a wireless charging pad. The navigation system worked well, though it occasionally continued giving instructions after ending a route. The Hornet's technology offerings were comprehensive and user-friendly, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2023 Acura MDX came equipped with Acura Watch, a suite of driving assistance and collision avoidance systems. Features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. The MDX also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and optional parking sensors. The Acura Watch systems were generally accurate, though lane-departure warnings could be triggered by pavement scars. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it earned four stars for frontal-impact protection.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet offered standard driver-assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning. The Tech Pack added advanced features like a surround-view camera and Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities. The Hornet had not yet been evaluated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features for peace of mind.