2023 Acura MDX vs 2023 Volvo XC60

When shopping for a new 2023 Acura MDX, buyers found both 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 set expectations for quality, luxury, and driving dynamism, but it missed the mark in some respects. The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to wear the Type S badge, featuring subtle design cues like chicane-design LED running lights, 21-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets. Inside, it boasted perforated Milano leather, aluminum interior trim, and a Sport Appearance package. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made controls challenging to use.

When shopping for a new 2023 Volvo XC60, buyers chose between three powertrains. The XC60 B5 used a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, while the XC60 B6 employed a turbocharged, supercharged, and mild-hybrid engine. Both had standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The upgrade model was the XC60 Recharge with a turbocharged PHEV powertrain, offering an estimated 35 miles of electric driving before switching to traditional hybrid operation. Prices ranged from just under $46,000 to more than $76,000, including the destination charge.

The test vehicle arrived in Recharge spec with the Ultimate package and the Dark exterior theme, featuring extra-cost Thunder Grey paint, a Climate Package, air suspension, and a Bowers & Wilkins sound system. The MSRP was $74,690, including the $1,095 destination charge. The XC60 Recharge looked terrific with its 20-inch wheels and blacked-out exterior trim. Inside, classic Scandinavian minimalism, colorways, and materials were the rule, with features like a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, and an Orrefors crystal gear selector knob adding to the opulence.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S was unique due to its engine. It employed a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 generating 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, which were increases 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 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 mechanical torque-vectoring AWD system could put up to 70 percent of total engine output to a single rear wheel, enhancing cornering performance.

An Integrated Dynamics System provided Snow, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes, with an exclusive Lift mode to increase ground clearance. Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience. The transmission was indecisive, the ride lacked compliance, and the brake pedal modulation was poor. The engine's power increase over the standard V6 was not substantial, making its dismal fuel economy harder to accept. On the evaluation route, the MDX Type S averaged 16.9 mpg, falling short of the EPA rating of 19 mpg in combined driving.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine driving the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission, with an electric motor powering the rear wheels. Combined, these components produced 455 horsepower and 423 pound-feet of torque, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. Several driving modes, including Hybrid, Power, Pure, Off-road, and Constant AWD, governed the XC60 Recharge’s behavior. In Pure mode, the vehicle could travel an estimated 35 miles on electric power alone.

The XC60 Recharge was exceptionally quick, with Volvo claiming a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds. The drivetrain refresh in mid-2022 made the XC60 Recharge the most powerful in the company’s history. The rear motor displayed a torque-vectoring effect in Hybrid mode, contributing to a fun driving experience. During the evaluation, the XC60 Recharge averaged 54.6 mpg over a 65-mile route, demonstrating impressive fuel efficiency. The vehicle also offered a one-pedal driving function and regenerative brakes to maximize battery pack regeneration.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats with a choice of two or three second-row seating positions, plus 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 seats did not hold the driver in place as well as expected when driving with enthusiasm. The second-row seat could slide forward and back, but the rearmost position did not 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 limited storage due to the design of the center console. The cargo area offered 18.1 cubic feet of space behind the third-row seat, 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded flat. The power liftgate and underfloor storage bin added to the vehicle's practicality.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 was a compact crossover SUV best suited for carrying four people, though it could accommodate five when necessary. The front seats provided outstanding comfort, with heating, ventilation, and power cushion extensions. The back seats were also comfortable but offered limited legroom for taller passengers. Storage space was decent, with practical spots for smaller items in the center console and larger items in the door panel bins and glovebox.

The XC60 Recharge featured a power liftgate, revealing 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat and 63.3 cubic feet with the back seat folded down. The cargo area was shaped to accommodate full-size suitcases and included a netted space for the charging cord. The air suspension option allowed for easier loading of heavy items, and a ski pass-through panel added to the vehicle's versatility.

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 reduced storage space and partially blocked the wireless charging pad. The MDX also included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, but the native voice recognition system was frustrating to use.

Additional infotainment features included SiriusXM satellite radio, a native navigation system, and AcuraLink connected services with a complimentary three-year subscription. The test vehicle had the top-shelf Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers, delivering clear and clean sound. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display (HUD) showing navigation instructions, driving assistance status, and more.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 9-inch Google Built-in infotainment system with four years of complimentary access to Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play. The system supported both Android and Apple CarPlay, with additional highlights like SiriusXM satellite radio and Wi-Fi access. The 9-inch touchscreen was easy to use, with excellent graphics and a simple, intuitive interface.

The voice-recognition system impressed, though it occasionally provided unexpected results. The test vehicle had the optional Bowers & Wilkins high-end sound system, which was sensationally good but expensive. The Ultimate package included a Harman Kardon sound system, which would likely suffice for most users.

The 2023 Acura MDX included Acura Watch, a collection of driving assistance and collision avoidance systems. Features included 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 a blind-spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert, and, in certain trims, 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. However, the MDX received four-star protection ratings for the driver and front passenger in the frontal-impact test.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 was synonymous with safety, featuring Pilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering capability. Pilot Assist excelled on multi-lane freeways, proving smooth and accurate. The XC60 also had Oncoming Lane Mitigation to help avoid collisions with oncoming vehicles and prevent unsafe left turns across traffic.

The XC60 B5 and B6 mild-hybrids earned top marks from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the 2022 calendar year. The XC60 Recharge had not been assessed by the NHTSA, but the IIHS rating for the mild-hybrids suggested strong safety performance.