2024 Land Rover Defender vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX presented a sophisticated yet understated design, 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 performance. The MDX Type S was the first Acura SUV to sport the Type S badge, characterized by subtle design cues like chicane-design LED lights and quad exhaust outlets. Despite its appealing aesthetics, some design elements, such as the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, posed usability challenges. The MDX's interior boasted perforated Milano leather and open-pore wood, but the electronic transmission switchgear was a point of contention for some users.

In contrast, the 2024 Land Rover Defender combined a classic, boxy silhouette with modern touches like angular headlights, creating a rugged yet contemporary look. The interior was more utilitarian compared to other Land Rover models, with durable materials reminiscent of a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco. The Defender was available in three body styles—90, 110, and 130—each offering various trims and customization options. Our test vehicle, the Defender 110 S, featured the County visual package with vintage graphics and white wheels, emphasizing its adventurous spirit. The interior was practical, with features like a panoramic glass roof and a heated steering wheel, blending comfort with functionality.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This was a significant boost over the standard MDX's 3.5-liter V6. The Type S utilized a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience. The transmission was often indecisive, and the ride lacked compliance, with squealing tires and poor brake pedal modulation. Fuel economy was also a concern, with the MDX Type S averaging 16.9 mpg, falling short of its EPA rating.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered a range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the P300, producing 296 horsepower. Our P400 test model featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, generating 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The Defender also offered two supercharged 5.0-liter V8 options, with the P525 variant delivering 518 hp. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time active four-wheel drive. The Defender excelled in off-road capabilities, with features like adaptive air suspension and Terrain Response 2. The P400 model provided ample power for highway driving, though it exhibited some lurching at low speeds.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a spacious interior with three rows of seats, accommodating up to seven passengers. 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 during spirited driving. The second-row seats could slide forward for easier third-row access, but the third row was best suited for children. Cargo space was generous, with 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 71.4 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The MDX also included thoughtful features like a hands-free liftgate and underfloor storage.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender balanced luxury and practicality, with soft-touch materials and functional elements like grip handles and rubberized floors. Seating capacity varied by model, with the Defender 110 offering an optional third row for children. The Defender 130 provided more space, with 15.3 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 76.1 cubic feet with all seats folded. The two-door Defender 90 offered 15.6 cubic feet behind the second row. The cargo area featured hard plastic surfaces, making it easy to clean and ideal for adventurous outings.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment system relied on a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) instead of a touchscreen, which some users found cumbersome. The MDX included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, allowing for voice-activated commands. 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, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread speed limits.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an 11.4-inch touchscreen. While smaller than some competitors, the screen was straightforward and aligned with the Defender's utilitarian nature. It included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 10-speaker Meridian stereo system. The layout was user-friendly, with home buttons for easy navigation between features.

The 2023 Acura MDX was equipped with Acura Watch, a suite of driver assistance features including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. It also offered adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, 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, though it earned four stars in frontal-impact tests.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender included a comprehensive array of safety features, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It also offered blind-spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, and a 360-degree parking camera system. The lane-departure and lane-keeping assist systems were overly sensitive, but they could be easily deactivated. As of this writing, the Defender had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA.