2024 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX, available in standard and Type S versions, offered a range of trim packages that enhanced its equipment levels. The Type S, particularly in the Advance trim, was designed to exude subtlety rather than overt aggression, with features like chicane-design LED lights and 21-inch wheels. Despite its appealing design, the MDX Type S had some drawbacks, such as the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, which made controls difficult to use, and the electronic transmission switchgear, which could be confusing. The interior boasted perforated Milano leather and a Sport Appearance package, but some design choices, like the tapering body, could give the impression of a dented side. Overall, while the MDX Type S was attractive, it had some design elements that detracted from its luxury appeal.

In contrast, the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica maintained a contemporary look despite not undergoing frequent redesigns. Its smooth exterior styling, with a modest grille and hidden sliding-door tracks, provided a clean and understated appearance. The Pacifica's design was a refreshing alternative to the flashier Toyota Sienna and the SUV-like Kia Carnival. Available in various trims, including the luxurious Pinnacle, the Pacifica offered features like LED lighting and a range of wheel options. The interior was distinctive, with a minimalist dashboard and a rotary shift knob. However, some interior elements, like the plastic mingling with leather upholstery, felt less luxurious. Despite this, the Pacifica's design was cohesive and practical, making it a strong contender in the minivan segment.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), aimed to deliver a thrilling driving experience. However, the performance enhancements, including a solid front suspension stabilizer bar and Electro-Servo brakes, didn't quite come together as a cohesive whole. The MDX Type S struggled with transmission indecisiveness, lack of ride compliance, and poor brake pedal modulation. Its fuel economy was also disappointing, averaging 16.9 mpg during testing, below the EPA rating of 19 mpg. While the MDX Type S offered quick acceleration and a great engine sound, its dynamic components didn't work in concert, making it less predictable and less enjoyable to drive than expected.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica, equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, provided a comfortable and stable driving experience. The engine, known as the Pentastar, was well-suited for the minivan, offering peppy acceleration and a towing capacity of 3,600 pounds. The Pacifica's chassis tuning prioritized comfort over handling sharpness, effectively damping body motion and road imperfections. While some weight transfer was noticeable during acceleration and deceleration, the Pacifica remained quiet, comfortable, and refined compared to its rivals. It wasn't a luxury minivan, but it delivered a pleasant driving experience, making it a strong choice for families seeking comfort and practicality.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a functional interior with three rows of seats and a flexible cargo area. The Type S Advance trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, wrapped in quilted leather upholstery. However, the seats didn't provide the expected support for enthusiastic driving. The MDX's second-row seats could slide and tilt for easier third-row access, but the third row was best suited for children. The interior design prioritized style over storage space, with limited storage options in the center console. The cargo area, with a power liftgate and underfloor storage bin, offered 18.1 cubic feet of space behind the third row, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica excelled in interior space and versatility, thanks to its Stow 'n Go seating system. This feature allowed the second-row seats to fold flat into the floor, creating large in-floor storage bins. The Pacifica offered seven seats as standard, with an eight-seat configuration available on the Touring L trim. Passenger space was generous, with ample headroom and legroom across all three rows. The non-hybrid Pacifica provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 140.5 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Pacifica also offered a built-in vacuum cleaner and a small storage area in the center console, enhancing its practicality for families.

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 system wasn't touch-sensitive, relying on a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) for operation. This design choice, while innovative, added complexity and distraction. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, allowing drivers to use familiar voice assistants. The top-tier ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers delivered impressive sound quality. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display, but the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs, leading to incorrect speed limit warnings.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica came standard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its intuitive and sharp displays. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The Pacifica offered up to 12 USB-C ports, built-in navigation, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The Uconnect Theater system provided rear-seat entertainment with touchscreens, wireless headphones, and Amazon Fire TV connectivity. The FamCam interior camera allowed parents to monitor rear-seat occupants. However, the Pacifica lacked an intercom system, which was available in some competitors.

The 2023 Acura MDX came equipped with Acura Watch, a suite of driving assistance and collision avoidance systems. These included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. The MDX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and optional parking sensors and a surround-view camera system. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, although it earned four stars in frontal-impact protection.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica was named a 2023 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, with some areas for improvement in crash tests and headlight ratings. The NHTSA awarded the Pacifica a five-star overall safety rating, with high scores in frontal and side crash tests. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included a 360-degree camera system and park assist. New for 2024 was an Emergency Vehicle Alert System, providing warnings about nearby emergency vehicles or road hazards.