2023 Acura MDX vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

When shopping for a new Acura MDX, buyers found both standard and Type S versions, each with trim packages that increased the amount of equipment. The standard MDX came in a base level with available Technology, A-Spec, and Advance packages, while the MDX Type S was offered in standard spec or with an Advance package. Prices ranged from $49,550 to $73,200, plus a destination charge of $1,195. The test vehicle arrived in Type S Advance trim with extra-cost Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid (white) interior, bringing the MSRP to $74,995. Despite the high price, the MDX Type S set expectations for quality, luxury, and driving dynamism, but it missed the mark in some respects.

The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to wear the Type S badge, and it featured subtle design cues. Chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and minor front styling modifications contributed to its subdued appearance. The Type S also had 21-inch wheels, quad exhaust outlets, and a rear diffuser panel. Inside, it boasted perforated Milano leather, aluminum interior trim, and a Sport Appearance package. The Type S Advance added open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard. However, some design choices, like the body tapering at the doors and gloss black plastic on the dashboard, detracted from its overall appeal.

The CX-50 was a more rugged counterpart to the Mazda CX-5, with significant design changes. It was 1.4 inches lower, 3 inches wider, and 5.7 inches longer than the CX-5, with a 4.6-inch wheelbase stretch. The broad-shouldered proportions were emphasized by square wheel arches and fake air vents below the headlights and taillights. For 2024, the CX-50 was available in eight trim levels, ranging from 2.5 S Select to 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. Lower trims had 17-inch wheels, while higher grades offered 20-inch wheels. The test car was a 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition, featuring all-terrain tires, a black hood graphic, and more pronounced rocker-panel trim.

The CX-50 Meridian Edition had an earthy color palette, including Polymetal Gray Metallic or Zircon Sand Metallic paint and Terracotta leather upholstery. The interior design was pleasing, with an infotainment screen on a little shelf and impressive material quality and fit and finish for a non-luxury brand. The CX-50's interior had minimal piano black plastic trim, which likely aged better than some rivals. However, the CX-50 didn't fully meet Mazda's aspirations of becoming a more upscale brand. Standard half-leatherette seats and manually-adjustable front seats on base models were reminders of Mazda's traditional market position.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S was unique due to its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, generating 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This was an increase of 65 hp and 87 lb-ft over the standard 3.5-liter V6. However, the Type S also weighed 285 pounds more than the lightest standard MDX with all-wheel drive (AWD). The twin-scroll turbo V6 engine used a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters to power all four wheels through Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). This system could put up to 70 percent of total engine output to a single rear wheel, enhancing cornering performance.

The MDX Type S featured an Integrated Dynamics System with Snow, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes, along with a Lift mode to increase ground clearance. Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S fell short as a cohesive performance vehicle. The transmission was indecisive, the ride lacked compliance, and the brake pedal modulation was poor. The engine's power increase didn't justify its dismal fuel economy, averaging 16.9 mpg during testing. The MDX Type S struggled as a driver's SUV, with issues like on/off brake pedal response and squealing tires detracting from the driving experience.

All CX-50 models used a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with turbocharging on higher trim levels. The base naturally-aspirated version produced 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the turbo engine was rated at 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on 93-octane gasoline and 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on 87-octane fuel. A six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD) were standard on all models. Normal, Sport, and Off-road driving modes were standard, with a Towing mode on turbo models, increasing towing capacity from 2,000 pounds to 3,500 pounds.

The CX-50 shared powertrains with the Mazda CX-5 but offered a different driving experience. While the CX-5 exemplified Mazda’s "Zoom Zoom" ethos, the CX-50 felt more like other models in its segment. The CX-50 was a good daily driver but didn't inspire spirited driving like the CX-5. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires produced limited grip and higher-than-average noise, and the roof platform added wind noise at highway speeds. Despite these issues, the CX-50 was well-mannered and suitable for daily driving.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats with options for two or three second-row seating positions and a spacious cargo area. The test vehicle had all available upgrades, including a triple-zone automatic climate control system and 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage. The seats were wrapped in quilted leather upholstery, but the driver's seat felt firm and didn't hold the driver in place as well as expected. The MDX provided seven-passenger seating, with a removable center section in the second row for easier third-row access. However, the third row was tight for adults and best suited for children.

The MDX's interior prioritized style over storage space, with a small bin under the front center armrest and a touchpad interface that took up valuable console space. The cargo area offered 18.1 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded flat. The power liftgate and underfloor storage bin added convenience, making it easy to carry luggage and other items.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 had similar passenger space to the Mazda CX-5, with slightly less headroom and slightly more legroom in both rows. It offered 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 56.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. While the CX-50 had more cargo space than the CX-5 with the second row up, it trailed most competitors in cargo capacity. The available power liftgate made cargo access easier, but the cargo area wasn't ideal for dirty or bulky items, and the optional roof platform was high and challenging to use for shorter people.

The CX-50's interior featured a sensible layout and adequate storage space, with a substantial shifter and Mazda's rotary infotainment controller on the center console. While some automakers have removed shifters to free up console space, Mazda proved it wasn't necessary. The interior materials were appropriate for the Meridian Edition, but more durable materials would have been better suited for its rugged image.

Acura's Digital Precision Cockpit in the 2023 MDX included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment screen wasn't touch-sensitive and required the use of a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the center console. The TTI design took up valuable console space and partially blocked the wireless charging pad. While the MDX featured wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, the native voice recognition system was frustrating to use.

The MDX offered several sound systems, with the test vehicle featuring the top-shelf Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display (HUD) showing navigation instructions, driving assistance status, and more. However, the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs, leading to incorrect speed limit suggestions.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, operated by a rotary controller and buttons on the center console. Wireless Apple CarPlay was standard, but Android Auto required a cable. Higher trims included wireless phone charging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The rotary controller provided physical feedback, making it easier to use without taking eyes off the road. However, the infotainment system felt dated, with plain graphics and basic functions, making it suitable for buyers who preferred simplicity.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured 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, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. The MDX also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The MDX earned good crash-test ratings, with the IIHS naming it a Top Safety Pick+ and the NHTSA giving it an overall five-star rating.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was named a 2023 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, receiving top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention tech. However, it received lower scores for nighttime pedestrian detection and standard headlights. The NHTSA had not published complete safety ratings for the 2024 model year at the time of publication. The CX-50 included standard driver-assist tech like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, a driver attention monitor, and emergency lane-keeping. Optional features included rear automatic braking, traffic-jam assist, and a 360-degree camera system.