2024 Toyota 4Runner vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX, available in standard and Type S versions, offered a range of trim packages that enhanced its equipment levels. The standard MDX came with base specifications and optional Technology, A-Spec, and Advance packages, while the Type S was available in standard spec or with an Advance package. Prices ranged from $49,550 to $73,200, plus a destination charge. The test vehicle, a Type S Advance, featured Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid interior, with an MSRP of $74,995. Despite its high price, the MDX Type S didn't fully meet expectations for quality, luxury, and driving dynamism. The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to sport the Type S badge, with subtle design elements like chicane-design LED lights and 21-inch wheels. Inside, it boasted perforated Milano leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made controls difficult to use, and the electronic transmission switchgear was confusing.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner was a classic throwback, retaining its boxy shape since its last redesign in 2010. While it needed a makeover, its rugged design with flared fenders and a wide stance was suitable for off-road adventures. The TRD Pro model featured underbody skid plates, all-terrain tires, and a tubular roof rack, enhancing its off-road capabilities. Inside, the 4Runner showed its age with old-school styling and outdated technology, including an analog instrument panel and a small eight-inch infotainment touchscreen. The interior had hard plastic surfaces, but cushioned panels provided some comfort. The 4Runner's design leaned into nostalgia, similar to the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler, but lacked modern touches.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, a significant increase over the standard 3.5-liter V6. However, the Type S was 285 pounds heavier than the lightest standard MDX with AWD. The twin-scroll turbo V6 used a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, powering all four wheels through Acura's SH-AWD system. This system could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel, enhancing cornering performance. The MDX Type S featured an Integrated Dynamics System with various driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience, with issues like an indecisive transmission, lack of ride compliance, and poor brake pedal modulation. Fuel economy was also disappointing, averaging 16.9 mpg during testing, below the EPA rating of 19 mpg.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. While not drastically lower than competitors like the Bronco or Wrangler, the 4Runner was hindered by its five-speed automatic transmission, affecting acceleration and fuel economy. The TRD Pro model came with 4WD and a two-speed transfer case, while other trims offered RWD with optional 4WD. On-road, the 4Runner felt slow, with noticeable rear-end squat during acceleration. The engine sounded strained, and the TRD Pro's exhaust was loud. The soft suspension resulted in nosedive during hard braking and significant body roll when cornering. However, the 4Runner excelled off-road, with features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select for various surfaces. Despite its shortcomings on pavement, the 4Runner's off-road capabilities remained a strong point.

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 featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage, wrapped in quilted leather. However, the seats didn't provide the expected support for enthusiastic driving. The MDX's second-row seats were comfortable and supportive, with heating in the Advance trim. The third row was best suited for children due to limited space. The MDX's interior design prioritized style over storage, with limited space in the center console. 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 Toyota 4Runner's interior design appeared outdated, but its layout was user-friendly, with large climate-control dials and driveline levers. The 4Runner provided ample space for front passengers, though taller drivers might find the steering wheel's reach limited. The second row offered generous legroom, but headroom was restricted for taller passengers. The 4Runner's cargo area could hold 47.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 89.7 cubic feet with the rear seats stowed. However, the process of folding the seats was cumbersome. The 4Runner lacked a powered liftgate but featured a sliding glass rear window for easy access to gear.

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 screen wasn't touch-sensitive, requiring the use of a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the center console. The TTI design limited storage space and partially blocked the wireless charging pad. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, but the native voice recognition system was frustrating. The test vehicle had a 25-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system, delivering impressive sound quality. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the small eight-inch touchscreen was challenging to use while driving. The TRD Pro model featured a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system, but road noise often obscured the sound quality. The 4Runner lacked off-road-specific apps and gauges found in competitors. Additional terrain controls were located in the headliner console, with pictograms instead of descriptions. The 4Runner's Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select systems enhanced its off-road capabilities, but required familiarity with the owner's manual for optimal use.

The 2023 Acura MDX came equipped with 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 featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Certain trims added parking sensors and a surround-view camera system. The MDX received good crash-test ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, though it received four stars for frontal-impact protection.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with four stars from the NHTSA for overall and frontal crash protection, five stars for side impacts, and three stars for rollover evaluations. The IIHS gave it a "Good" rating for moderate frontal overlap and side protection tests, but "Marginal" and "Poor" results in the small overlap frontal test. The 4Runner included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and a blind-spot monitor. The TRD Pro and Limited trims offered a surround-view camera system, with parking sensors exclusive to the Limited trim. The 4Runner's safety alerts were sometimes oversensitive, but could be adjusted.