2023 Acura MDX vs 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The 2023 Acura MDX was available in standard and Type S versions, each with trim packages that enhanced its equipment. The standard MDX offered base, 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 $1,195 destination charge. The Type S Advance trim, with its Apex Blue Pearl paint and Orchid interior, had an MSRP of $74,995. Despite its high price, the MDX Type S didn't fully meet expectations for quality, luxury, and driving dynamism. The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to feature the Type S badge, which stood for subtlety. It had chicane-design LED lights, automatic high-beam headlights, and 21-inch wheels. The Type S Advance added 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 usability.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer marked a significant departure from its predecessor, with a more compact design and aggressive styling reminiscent of the Camaro. The 2024 model year saw a minor refresh, with thinner accent lights, a reshaped grille, and smaller, deeper-set headlights, giving it a more athletic appearance. Inside, the dashboard received a modern makeover with a digital instrument panel and an 11-inch touchscreen. While the digital panel didn't fully occupy its enclosure, the materials used were decent, with padded armrests and fabric door inserts. The Trailblazer's interior layout was similar to the Volkswagen Taos, with a more cohesive design than the Hyundai Kona. The Mazda CX-30 offered a more luxurious feel, but the Trailblazer's interior was inviting and practical.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S was distinguished by its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, a notable increase over the standard 3.5-liter V6. However, the Type S was 285 pounds heavier than the lightest standard MDX with AWD. The engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's SH-AWD system, which could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. The MDX Type S featured an Integrated Dynamics System with multiple driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive performance experience. The transmission was indecisive, the ride lacked compliance, and the brakes were difficult to modulate. The engine's power increase was insufficient to justify its poor fuel economy, averaging 16.9 mpg in testing. The MDX Type S was more agreeable in Normal mode but faltered in Sport and Sport+ modes, with transmission and brake issues detracting from the driving experience.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two powertrains: a base 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and a more powerful 1.3-liter engine with 155 horsepower. The latter was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and AWD. While the 1.3-liter engine was adequate, it required planning for acceleration and passing due to slow transmission response. The Trailblazer's zero to 60 mph time exceeded nine seconds, making it one of the slower SUVs in its class. Braking was predictable, and while handling was average, the Trailblazer excelled in comfort, smoothing over road imperfections and minimizing noise. Compared to rivals, the Trailblazer's performance was on par with the Volkswagen Taos and Hyundai Kona, but the Mazda CX-30 offered better power and handling.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats, with options for two or three second-row seating positions and ample cargo space. The Type S Advance trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the seats were firm and didn't provide the expected support for spirited driving. The MDX accommodated seven passengers, with a removable second-row center section for easier access to the third row. While the third row was best suited for children, the second row offered comfort and heating in the Advance trim. The MDX's interior prioritized style over storage, with limited space in the center console. The cargo area provided 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer provided ample front space and excellent visibility. It featured a wireless charging pad, cupholders, and a deep bin under the armrest for storage. The front seats were firm yet comfortable, with heated options on most trims. The rear seats offered generous legroom and headroom, accommodating adult passengers and rear-facing infant seats. The Trailblazer boasted 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, nearly matching the Hyundai Kona. The available hands-free power liftgate added convenience for loading and unloading.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment display, but the latter wasn't touch-sensitive. Instead, it used a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the center console, which was less intuitive than traditional touchscreens. The TTI design also limited storage space and partially obstructed the wireless charging pad. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, but the native voice recognition system was less effective. The Advance package included a 10.5-inch head-up display, but the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs. The ELS Studio 3D audio system delivered impressive sound quality, but the infotainment system's usability was hindered by the TTI.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer came standard with an 11-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's response was slightly delayed, but the display was well-positioned for easy viewing. A native navigation system wasn't available, but smartphone connectivity provided reliable navigation options. The base audio system was adequate, with an optional Bose upgrade for enhanced sound quality. Overall, the Trailblazer's technology features were user-friendly and competitive for its class.

The 2023 Acura MDX included Acura Watch, a suite of driving assistance and collision avoidance systems. It featured 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. While the Acura Watch systems were generally accurate, the lane-departure warnings and adaptive cruise control could be improved. 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 in frontal-impact tests.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer received five-star ratings from the NHTSA in overall, frontal, and side crash tests, with four stars for rollover protection. The IIHS awarded it "good" ratings in all crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The optional Driver Confidence package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control was available separately. The Trailblazer's safety features performed reliably, though some rivals offered more standard equipment.