2023 Toyota Venza vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX was available in standard and Type S versions, each with trim packages that increased the amount of equipment. The standard MDX came in a base level with available Technology, A-Spec, and Advance packages, while the MDX Type S was offered in standard spec or with an Advance package. Prices ranged from $49,550 to $73,200, plus a destination charge of $1,195. The test vehicle arrived in Type S Advance trim with extra-cost Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid (white) interior, bringing the MSRP to $74,995. Despite the high price, the MDX Type S had some shortcomings in quality, luxury, and driving dynamism.

The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to wear the Type S badge, featuring chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and minor front styling modifications. The Type S had a subdued appearance with 21-inch wheels and quad exhaust outlets framing a rear diffuser panel. Inside, it featured perforated Milano leather, aluminum interior trim, and a Sport Appearance package. The Type S Advance added open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard. However, the body tapering at the doors and the gloss black plastic on the dashboard were points of criticism.

The 2023 Toyota Venza was a midsize crossover SUV with a sleek and sculpted design, more akin to a Lexus than a typical Toyota. The rear roofline tapered down to a sharp point at the taillights, avoiding the weak look of some "coupe-like" SUVs. The contoured body was a departure from the typical Toyota, with harmonious curves reminiscent of a Mazda. The Venza's interior borrowed heavily from the Toyota RAV4 but featured nicer materials and details, approaching Lexus' level of luxury.

The Venza's dashboard and center stack were similar to the RAV4, but it dressed up the cabin with better-integrated climate control buttons and more soft-touch surfaces. The materials had a more substantial feel than the vinyl-like coverings in more affordable Toyota models. Overall, the 2023 Venza was attractively styled inside and out, standing out as one of the best-looking vehicles in Toyota's lineup.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S was unique due to its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, generating 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This was an increase of 65 hp and 87 lb-ft over the standard 3.5-liter V6. However, the Type S also weighed 285 pounds more than the lightest standard MDX with all-wheel drive (AWD). The twin-scroll turbo V6 engine used a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters to power all four wheels through Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). This system could put up to 70 percent of total engine output to a single rear wheel, enhancing cornering performance.

The MDX Type S featured an Integrated Dynamics System with Snow, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes, along with a Lift mode to increase ground clearance. However, the performance upgrades didn't gel into a cohesive whole, with issues like an indecisive transmission, lack of ride compliance, squealing tires, and poor brake pedal modulation. The engine's power increase didn't justify its dismal fuel economy, averaging 16.9 mpg on the evaluation route, short of the EPA rating of 19 mpg combined. The MDX Type S struggled as a driver's SUV, with transmission confusion, on/off brake pedal response, and squealing tires detracting from the driving experience.

The 2023 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid system, producing 219 horsepower. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) sent power to the front wheels, while a separate electric motor powered the rear wheels for all-wheel drive (AWD). Initial acceleration was provided by the electric motors, with the gasoline engine seamlessly blending in for more power. The Venza reached 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, a respectable time for its class. The brakes used regenerative braking initially, with physical brake pads applied when more braking was needed, providing a seamless transition.

The Venza favored ride comfort over sporty handling, with light steering effort and adequate handling for easy and calm transportation. The ride quality was smoother than the RAV4 Hybrid's but not as plush as a similarly sized Lexus. The Venza's suspension took the edge off most road imperfections, and larger potholes were kept from sending large jolts through the cabin.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats with a choice of two or three second-row seating positions and a cargo area with ample floor space. The test vehicle had all available upgrades, including a triple-zone automatic climate control system and 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage. However, the firm driver's seat didn't hold the driver in place as well as expected. The MDX's second-row seat could slide forward and back, but the rearmost position didn't provide as much legroom as expected. The third row was best for carrying children.

The MDX's cabin prioritized style over storage space, with a small bin under the front center armrest and a touchpad interface that partially blocked the wireless charging pad. The cargo area offered 18.1 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded flat. The Type S Advance had a hands-free liftgate with a Walk Away Close function.

The 2023 Toyota Venza's front seats offered plenty of space for taller drivers and passengers, with large windows and a panoramic sunroof enhancing the feeling of spaciousness. The Star Gaze panoramic roof could turn opaque at the touch of a button. Outward visibility was excellent, but the roof pillar behind the driver could block the view of the blind spot. The rear seats were spacious enough for the average adult, with ample legroom and foot room. The rear passenger area featured materials as nice as the front seats.

The Venza's cargo area could hold up to 28.8 cubic feet of cargo, less than competitors like the Honda Passport and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The Venza was not rated for towing. However, it excelled at holding smaller personal items, with a wireless phone charger, well-sized cupholders, a deep center armrest bin, and large door pockets.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment screen wasn't touch-sensitive, requiring the use of a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the center console. The TTI design robbed the center console of storage space and partially blocked the wireless charging pad. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa Built-In, SiriusXM satellite radio, a native navigation system, and AcuraLink connected services with a complimentary three-year subscription.

The MDX's top-shelf Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers provided clear, clean sound. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display (HUD) showing navigation instructions, driving assistance status, and more. However, the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs, leading to incorrect speed limit suggestions.

The 2023 Toyota Venza came with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a wireless charging pad. The base LE trim featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, while the XLE trim and above had a 12.3-inch multimedia display. The new infotainment system delivered sharp graphics, quick responses, and a logical menu structure. A Wi-Fi connection was offered for a 30-day trial, with access to remote vehicle monitoring and control via a smartphone app. The top Venza Limited trim included a one-year trial subscription to Drive Connect services, which functioned like a virtual navigator.

The base audio system had six speakers and satellite radio for a three-month trial period. The XLE trim offered a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system as an option, which came standard on the Limited model, providing punchier bass and better sound quality.

The 2023 Acura MDX included the Acura Watch suite of driving assistance and collision avoidance systems, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. The MDX also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The MDX earned good crash-test ratings, with the IIHS naming it a Top Safety Pick+ and the NHTSA giving it an overall five-star rating.

The 2023 Toyota Venza scored five stars in overall and side crash protection from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. The Venza came with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure assist, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and a traffic sign reader. The XLE trim added front and rear parking sensors and automatic emergency braking in reverse, while the Limited trim included a surround-view camera system, a head-up display, and a digital rearview mirror.