2023 Acura MDX vs 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2023 Acura MDX captured attention with its elegant Type S Advance trim, adorned with Apex Blue Pearl paint and a pristine Orchid interior. Offering a variety of trims and packages, prices for the MDX ranged from $49,550 to just over $73,200 plus destination charges. The MDX Type S stood out as the first SUV in Acura's line to bear the Type S badge, indicative of its subtle yet effective enhancements. Features like chicane-design LED lights and handsome 21-inch wheels complemented its understated luxury, though the body's tapering at the doors occasionally presented an optical illusion of dents. Inside, despite a few ergonomic challenges and some plasticky components on the dashboard, the vehicle exuded a high-quality vibe with its perforated Milano leather and wood accents.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe, meanwhile, represented a departure from typical SUV aesthetics, opting for a more boxy yet aerodynamically efficient structure that caught eyes and turned heads, even in rural settings. The Santa Fe's elegant array of colors and high-quality trims, especially the Calligraphy's lush interior and XRT's rugged stylishness, showcased Hyundai’s commitment to premium, functional design. Despite its smaller size compared to the MDX, it felt roomy and well-appointed, particularly in high-traffic areas like armrests and windowsills.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S, equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 delivering 355 horsepower, aimed for exhilarating performance. However, it struggled to fully integrate its enhancements into a cohesive driving experience. With all-wheel drive and various driving modes including an exclusive Lift mode for greater ground clearance, it targeted versatile driving dynamics. Yet, issues like an indecisive transmission and less-than-ideal brake modulation dulled the thrill, leading to a less predictable drive and unsatisfactory fuel economy averaging 16.9 mpg.

Conversely, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe presented a more modest 277 horsepower from its 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, with available all-wheel drive and diverse driving modes enhancing daily drivability. Despite the Santa Fe's lesser power, it offered a smooth, stable ride with minimal performance surprises. Its off-road capability, especially in the XRT trim, allowed for confident, capable handling in less-than-ideal conditions, proving sufficient for most adventurous families or solo explorers.