2023 Ford Bronco vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX presented a sophisticated yet understated design, especially in its Type S Advance trim. This model featured a striking Apex Blue Pearl paint and a refined Orchid interior, setting a high bar for luxury and style. The MDX Type S was the first Acura SUV to sport the Type S badge, emphasizing subtlety over ostentation. Its exterior was marked by chicane-design LED lights and 21-inch wheels, while the interior boasted perforated Milano leather and a Sport Appearance package. Despite its appealing aesthetics, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, detracted from usability, and the electronic transmission switchgear was occasionally confusing.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Bronco stood out with its retro-cool styling and modern engineering across nine trim levels. Its blocky shape, wide grille, and round headlights were instantly recognizable. The Bronco's design was not just for show; functional elements like cleats above the headlights and raised fins aided in off-road navigation. The interior continued the rugged theme with durable materials and practical features like sealed switches and drain plugs for easy cleaning. While not as refined as typical SUVs, the Bronco's interior was designed for durability, making it a favorite among off-road enthusiasts.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience. The transmission was often indecisive, and the ride lacked compliance, with squealing tires and poor brake pedal modulation. Fuel economy was also a concern, with the MDX Type S averaging 16.9 mpg, falling short of its EPA rating.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine choices, starting with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower. A 2.7-liter V6 increased output to 330 hp, while the top-tier Raptor model boasted a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 418 hp. All engines came with four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case. The Bronco excelled in off-road performance, with features like G.O.A.T. drive modes and Trail Turn Assist enhancing its capabilities. On-road, the Bronco provided a more comfortable ride than the Jeep Wrangler, with better tracking and quieter interiors.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a spacious interior with three rows of seats and flexible second-row configurations. The Type S Advance trim featured luxurious amenities like 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the seats were firm and didn't hold occupants as securely as expected. The MDX provided 18.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. Despite its style-focused interior, the MDX lacked practical storage solutions.

The Ford Bronco's boxy design translated into ample interior space, especially in the four-door model. The two-door version offered 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space, while the four-door provided up to 77.6 cubic feet. The Bronco's interior was designed for practicality, with features like netted door pockets and accessory rails. However, the rear seats didn't fold flat, limiting cargo versatility. The Bronco's design allowed for easy removal of fenders and doors, appealing to off-road enthusiasts.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment display. However, the infotainment system relied on a True Touchpad Interface (TTI), which was less intuitive than traditional touchscreens. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, but the native voice recognition system was frustrating. The top-tier audio system delivered impressive sound quality, and the Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities, with G.O.A.T. drive modes and numerous camera views for navigating challenging terrain. The Trail Turn Assist feature allowed for sharp turns by braking the inside rear wheel. The Bronco also offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an optional 12-inch infotainment display for improved usability.

The 2023 Acura MDX came equipped with Acura Watch, a suite of driving assistance and collision avoidance systems. It included features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it had some issues with false lane-departure notifications and collision warnings.

The Ford Bronco's safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and hill-descent control. The Mid package added blind-spot monitoring and lane-keep assist, while the High package offered front parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system. The Bronco's crash test ratings were mixed, with the four-door model receiving four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from the NHTSA.