2024 Genesis GV70 vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX presented a blend of luxury and subtlety, especially in its Type S Advance trim. This model featured a striking Apex Blue Pearl paint and a refined Orchid interior, setting a high bar for luxury and driving dynamism. However, despite its appealing design, the MDX Type S had some drawbacks. The chicane-design LED lights and quad exhaust outlets added to its allure, but the body design sometimes gave the impression of a dented side profile. Inside, the MDX boasted perforated Milano leather and a Sport Appearance package, yet the gloss black plastic on the dashboard and the electronic transmission switchgear were less user-friendly.

In contrast, the 2024 Genesis GV70 stood out with its sleek design and distinctive styling features. The split headlights and large grille were signature elements, while the hatchback-like rear window profile and large exhaust outlets on the Sport Prestige trim added flair. The GV70 balanced SUV presence with luxury-car style, surpassing competitors like the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 in finesse. The Electrified GV70 maintained the same stylish design, with a unique grille housing the charge port. Inside, the GV70 offered a distinctive interior with quilted Nappa leather and a panoramic sunroof, complemented by an elliptical pod for climate controls and a futuristic infotainment system.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 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 enhance driving dynamics. However, the performance upgrades didn't fully integrate, leading to an inconsistent driving experience. The MDX Type S struggled with transmission indecisiveness, lack of ride compliance, and poor brake pedal modulation. Despite its turbocharged V6, the MDX Type S offered only a modest power increase over the standard V6, resulting in disappointing fuel economy, averaging 16.9 mpg during testing.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 offered two gasoline engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 375 horsepower. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Electrified GV70 featured front and rear electric motors, producing a combined 429 horsepower, with a Boost Mode providing 483 horsepower for short bursts. While the GV70 delivered strong straight-line acceleration, its chassis tuning didn't match its sporty rivals. The suspension struggled with road imperfections, and the Electrified model, despite its additional weight, maintained similar driving dynamics to the gasoline version.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a spacious interior with three rows of seats and flexible second-row seating options. The Type S Advance trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, wrapped in quilted leather. However, the seats didn't provide the expected support for spirited driving. The MDX's third row was best suited for children, and the interior design prioritized style over storage space. The cargo area offered 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 provided competitive interior space, with slightly less headroom than some rivals but more front-seat legroom. The GV70's cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats in place, expanding to 56.9 cubic feet when folded. The Electrified GV70's interior space was minimally impacted by the battery pack. The GV70's stylish interior design, featuring an orb-like infotainment controller and rotary shifter, limited small-item storage. However, the Electrified GV70 included automatic side bolsters for the front seats, enhancing support during spirited driving.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment display, but the infotainment system relied on a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) instead of a touchscreen. This design choice, while innovative, added complexity and reduced storage space. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, along with a premium ELS Studio 3D audio system. The Advance package included a 10.5-inch head-up display, although the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread speed limits.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 came standard with a 14.5-inch touchscreen and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 3D effect and a 12-inch head-up display. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with a rotary controller offering a high-quality feel. The GV70 also included a fingerprint scanner for driver profiles and digital key functionality, allowing a phone to replace the key fob.

The 2023 Acura MDX was equipped with Acura Watch, a suite of driving assistance and collision avoidance systems. These included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. 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 tests.

The 2024 Genesis GV70, both gasoline and Electrified versions, received the IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ award. The NHTSA awarded the gasoline GV70 a five-star overall safety rating, with four-star frontal and rollover crash-test ratings. The GV70 featured standard safety equipment, including lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and Highway Driving Assist. The Highway Driving Assist 2 system added automated lane-change capability and blind-spot monitoring. Genesis also offered a safe exit assist function and a radar-based rear occupant alert system.