2023 Subaru Forester vs 2023 Acura MDX

When shopping for a new 2023 Acura MDX, buyers encountered both standard and Type S versions, each available with various trim packages that increased the amount of equipment. The standard MDX started at a base level with available Technology, A-Spec, and Advance packages, while the MDX Type S came in either its standard spec or with an Advance package. Prices for this luxurious SUV ranged from $49,550 to $73,200, plus a $1,195 destination charge.

Our test vehicle, arriving in Type S Advance trim, featured Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid (white) interior, clocking in at $74,995. With a price tag so high, expectations for quality, luxury, and driving dynamism were warranted, though the MDX fell short in certain areas.

The fourth-generation MDX, being the first Acura SUV to sport the Type S badge, took a subtle approach to its design enhancements. Sporting chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, automatic high-beam LED headlights, and minor front styling modifications, the MDX Type S maintained a subdued yet compelling appearance. Its stance was further enhanced by 21-inch wheels and quad exhaust outlets framing a rear diffuser panel.

Inside, all MDX models, including the Type S, boasted a panoramic sunroof and most featured Iconic Drive ambient lighting themes. The Type S came with perforated Milano leather, aluminum interior trim, a black headliner, stainless steel pedal covers, and in its Advance trim, open-pore wood along with a leather-wrapped dashboard. However, from some angles, the MDX's body taper appeared to mimic the look of a massive dent along the side, and the gloss black plastic on the dashboard posed challenges in locating and using certain controls. The electronic transmission switchgear also faced criticism for its complexity and confusion.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Forester, while bearing a homely exterior, emphasized functionality and durability. This SUV, available in Base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring trims, offered a price range from $26,395 to $36,495, excluding a $1,225 destination charge. Our test vehicle, in the Touring trim, priced at $37,720, sported the familiarly undistinguished appearance characteristic of Foresters over the past two decades.

The Forester’s boxy design and pincer-shaped front and rear lighting, along with its flared fenders, narrow waist, and upswept beltline, didn’t strive for beauty. Nonetheless, the Touring trim's 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim lent it a relatively upscale look. Additionally, strong roof rails allowed for significant load-bearing capacity, making the Forester highly functional for outdoor adventures.

Inside, the Forester Touring trim offered Saddle Brown leather and trim, exposed stitching, and metallic accents. The dashboard layout featured traditional analog gauges, an 8-inch touchscreen, and an information display, with plenty of durable hard plastic surfaces that made cleaning a breeze. The Forester’s busy interior style, heavy on buttons and knobs, highlighted a design ethos focused on ease of use rather than aesthetic appeal. Despite this, the array of physical controls ensured everything was easily accessible, aligning with the Forester's back-to-basics, functional charm.

What set the 2023 Acura MDX Type S apart was its engine—a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This represented an increase of 65 hp and 87 lb-ft of torque over the standard 3.5-liter V6. However, the additional weight of the Type S (285 pounds more than the standard AWD MDX) somewhat offset these gains.

The twin-scroll turbo V6 engine’s power was transmitted through a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, paired with Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. This system could direct up to 70 percent of engine power to a single rear wheel, optimizing performance during rapid acceleration out of curves. The Type S also employed a brake-based technology called Agile Handling Assist to improve cornering precision.

An Integrated Dynamics System offered five driving modes, including Snow, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+ modes, with an additional Lift mode that utilized the adaptive air suspension to increase ground clearance from 7.3 to 9.4 inches. Despite these features and a plethora of other performance enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive high-performance experience. Complaints included indecisive transmission behavior, lack of ride compliance, squealing tires, poor brake response, and an underwhelming increase in engine power. Fuel economy was notably poor, averaging 16.9 mpg on a mixed evaluation route, well below the EPA rating of 19 mpg combined.

Conversely, every 2023 Subaru Forester came equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that featured eight programmed ratios to mimic a traditional automatic. Subaru’s Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) system provided a Sport driving mode to enhance throttle response.

Foresters, except the Base trim, also featured an X-Mode off-road traction management system. Premium trims added Normal, Snow, and Dirt modes, while Sport trims incorporated Deep Snow and Mud settings.

Testing the Forester Touring in Southern California’s adverse weather conditions, including flooded roads and muddy trails, showcased the vehicle’s exceptional confidence and capability in challenging environments. The traditional evaluation route revealed that, although not particularly powerful, the Forester felt livelier than the heavier Outback. Excellent driving dynamics, including light and precise steering, responsive brakes, and a well-tuned suspension, contributed to an enjoyable driving experience on twisting mountain roads.

Despite its competent handling and ride quality, the Forester’s 2.5-liter engine remained merely adequate. Fuel economy was disappointing, with the vehicle returning 25.9 mpg on the evaluation route against an EPA rating of 29 mpg combined. A turbocharged or hybrid alternative would have been a welcome addition to improve both power and efficiency.

Acura packed the 2023 MDX with functionality, offering three rows of seats and adaptable cargo space. Our test model featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage, wrapped in quilted leather. However, the seats were firm and did not hold the driver in place adequately when driving enthusiastically.

Seven-passenger seating was standard, with the second-row bench having a removable center section or a fold-down armrest. The second-row seat could slide and tilt for third-row access, though the third-row seat was best suited for children. Storage within the cabin was somewhat compromised by the design priorities, with limited space under the front center armrest and a layout focused more on style than practicality.

Opening the power liftgate revealed ample cargo space, including an underfloor storage bin. Behind the third row, the MDX offered 18.1 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded and a maximum of 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded flat.

The Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, excelling in practicality and ease of use. Even the Premium trim provided a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and a wiper de-icer. Higher trims added features like dual-zone climate control and heated rear seats. Outward visibility was exceptional due to the SUV's high seating position, large windows, and thin pillars.

Interior storage was plentiful, with well-designed pockets and compartments. The cargo area, accessible via a standard or available power liftgate, was usefully shaped and included hooks and tie-downs. The Forester offered 26.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat (28.9 cubic feet for the Base model) and 69.1 cubic feet with the back seat folded (74.2 cubic feet for the Base model).

Acura's Digital Precision Cockpit in the 2023 MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display, though the infotainment screen was not touch-sensitive. Instead, the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the center console required hand-eye coordination, which could add distraction.

Despite its limitations, the infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Amazon Alexa Built-In, SiriusXM satellite radio, native navigation, and AcuraLink connected services with a complimentary three-year subscription. A high-end Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers was available, delivering exceptional sound quality. However, AcuraLink's traffic sign recognition system was sometimes inaccurate, displaying incorrect speed limits.

The Subaru Forester’s technology seemed outdated at a glance but was functional and user-friendly. The Base trim featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added satellite radio, HD Radio, and StarTex connected services, upgradable to an 8-inch display with navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. However, there was no wireless smartphone charger.

The older Subaru Starlink system in the Forester offered physical controls for climate and audio, making it easy to use. However, the voice-recognition system was unreliable, often misinterpreting commands. Therefore, using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto was recommended for a better experience.

The Acura MDX was equipped with Acura Watch, a suite of driving assistance and collision avoidance systems that included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition. Additionally, the MDX featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and available front and rear parking sensors with a surround-view camera.

Despite generally accurate and refined systems, issues such as false lane-departure notifications and misidentified obstacles occurred. However, the MDX earned high marks in safety, receiving a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured an updated EyeSight system with improved cameras and software, offering better performance. Equipped with blind-spot monitoring and Automatic Emergency Steering on higher trims, the Forester also included Rear Automatic Braking (RAB) on Wilderness and Touring trims. However, the RAB system occasionally activated unnecessarily.

The Forester Touring trim included a DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System, which monitored driver inattention. In terms of safety ratings, the Forester received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, although it fell short in some new tests. The NHTSA awarded the Forester a five-star overall rating.