2023 Acura MDX vs 2024 Subaru Outback

The 2023 Acura MDX presented itself as a luxury SUV with a range of trims, including the standard and Type S versions. The Type S Advance trim, which we tested, came with a striking Apex Blue Pearl paint and a sophisticated Orchid interior. Despite its high price tag of $74,995, the MDX Type S aimed to deliver on quality and luxury, though it occasionally fell short of expectations. The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to feature the Type S badge, characterized by subtle design elements like chicane-design LED lights and 21-inch wheels. Inside, the Type S boasted perforated Milano leather and a Sport Appearance package, though some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, were less user-friendly.

In contrast, the 2024 Subaru Outback maintained its rugged charm with minor updates to the Wilderness trim, including a new front fascia and LED fog lights. Our test vehicle, the Touring XT, showcased an appealing Autumn Green Metallic color that stood out against the dark gray cladding. The Outback's design varied across trims, with tasteful chrome accents on the Touring trim. Inside, the top-trim model impressed with Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery, offering a level of luxury unexpected from Subaru. The Outback's interior was both handsome and functional, with different trims offering a range of seating materials from cloth to StarTex synthetic leather.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S distinguished itself with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. This was a significant increase over the standard 3.5-liter V6, though the Type S also weighed 285 pounds more than the lightest standard MDX with AWD. The engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), 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, with issues like an indecisive transmission and poor brake pedal modulation. Fuel economy was also a concern, with the Type S averaging 16.9 mpg, below the EPA rating of 19 mpg.

The 2024 Subaru Outback, true to its brand, featured a "Boxer" engine. The standard 2.5-liter flat-four engine produced 182 horsepower, while the XT trims, including the Wilderness, were equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This turbo setup improved towing capacity to 3,500 lbs. The Outback's CVT mimicked the feel of an eight-speed transmission, and the steering and braking systems were well-suited for a comfortable ride. The Outback's ground clearance was notable, with the Wilderness trim offering 9.2 inches, making it a capable off-road vehicle.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a spacious interior with three rows of seats and a flexible second-row configuration. The Type S Advance trim featured luxurious amenities like 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 MDX's third row was best suited for children, and while cargo space was ample, the design prioritized style over storage. The MDX provided 18.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Subaru Outback, despite its sleek design, offered generous interior space. It provided more headroom and legroom than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The Outback's cargo area measured 32.6 cubic feet with all seats in place, expanding to 75.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Outback's feature set was impressive, with dual-zone climate control and heated front seats standard on most trims. The Touring trim added ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel, enhancing comfort for colder climates. The hands-free power liftgate and roof rails with retractable cross bars added to the Outback's practicality.

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 relied on a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) instead of a touchscreen, which could be distracting and reduced storage space. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Amazon Alexa Built-In. The top-tier ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers provided excellent sound quality. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2024 Subaru Outback's technology suite included an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen on all but the base trim. The Subaru Starlink multimedia platform offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless connectivity starting from the Premium trim. The climate controls were integrated into the touchscreen, with some hard buttons for essential functions. Wi-Fi capability was available on most trims, and the Harman Kardon audio system provided excellent sound quality. The Outback's technology package was comprehensive, with a mix of modern and traditional features.

The 2023 Acura MDX came equipped with the Acura Watch suite, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX also featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. However, the system occasionally issued false warnings, and the adaptive cruise control was slow to resume speed. 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 the frontal-impact test.

The 2024 Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technologies was standard, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency steering. The Outback added reverse automatic braking and a wide-angle camera on the Touring trim for improved pedestrian detection. The digital rearview mirror and driver-attention monitor further enhanced safety, making the Outback a well-rounded choice for safety-conscious buyers.