2024 Toyota RAV4 vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX offered both standard and Type S versions, each with various trim packages to enhance equipment levels. The standard MDX came with base, 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 $1,195 destination charge. The test vehicle, a Type S Advance, featured extra-cost Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid interior, bringing the MSRP to $74,995. Despite its high price, the MDX Type S had mixed results in terms of quality, luxury, and driving dynamics.

The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to sport the Type S badge, characterized by subtle design elements. It featured chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and minor front styling modifications. 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. However, some design choices, like the body tapering at the doors and gloss black plastic on the dashboard, detracted from its overall appeal.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 aimed to look tougher than it was, with aggressive styling and dual exhaust outlets hinting at non-existent performance. Upper trims featured fake skid plates and off-road-themed versions with utility-style roof racks. The test vehicle, a TRD Off-Road model, had a base price of $38,295 plus a $1,350 destination charge. It included a digital rearview mirror and Advanced Technology and Weather packages, bringing the MSRP to $41,925. However, the RAV4's interior reflected its utility-focused design, with easy-clean surfaces and rubber-lined storage areas.

The TRD Off-Road model featured SofTex artificial leather upholstery, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and optional heated and ventilated front seats. The RAV4's cabin was practical, with storage shelves, trays, and oversized rubberized control knobs. It comfortably seated four adults, with a roomy cargo area offering 37.6 cubic feet of space, expandable to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Despite its rugged appearance, the RAV4's off-road capabilities were limited, as evidenced by damage to the lower front fascia during testing.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, a significant increase 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, powering all four wheels through Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. This system could direct up to 70 percent of 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 from 7.3 inches to 9.4 inches. Despite these enhancements, the Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience. The transmission was indecisive, the ride lacked compliance, and the brake pedal modulation was poor. The engine's power increase over the standard V6 was not substantial, resulting in disappointing fuel economy. On the evaluation route, the MDX Type S averaged 16.9 mpg, falling short of the EPA rating of 19 mpg in combined driving.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The engine required high revs to access maximum power, and an eight-speed automatic transmission powered the front wheels unless the torque-vectoring AWD system was chosen. The TRD Off-Road model came with AWD, off-road suspension tuning, an underbody skid plate, and all-terrain tires on 18-inch matte-black TRD alloy wheels. Multi-Terrain Select offered Normal, Snow, Mud & Sand, and Rock & Dirt driving modes, but the TRD Off-Road's ground clearance and approach/departure angles were not improved over other RAV4 models.

The RAV4's off-road suspension provided a comfortable ride during daily commutes, absorbing bumps and imperfections well. The steering and brakes were well-tuned for the RAV4's purpose, and the all-terrain tires performed adequately on the road. The 2.5-liter engine, while powerful for its class, was loud and unrefined. The eight-speed automatic transmission and the engine's reliability were redeeming factors. The RAV4 TRD Off-Road's EPA fuel economy rating was 28 mpg in combined driving, and the test vehicle averaged 26.6 mpg on the evaluation route.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats with flexible second-row seating options and a spacious cargo area. The test vehicle featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage, wrapped in quilted leather upholstery. However, the seats were firm and did not provide the expected support during enthusiastic driving. The second-row seat could be configured for pass-through access to the third row, but legroom was limited in the rearmost position. The third row was best suited for children, as it was challenging for adults to access and offered limited space.

The MDX's interior design prioritized style over storage space, with a small bin under the front center armrest and a touchpad interface that occupied valuable console space. The cargo area was practical, with a decent amount of floor space and an underfloor storage bin. The MDX could carry 18.1 cubic feet of cargo behind the third row, 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded flat. The Type S Advance trim included a hands-free liftgate with a Walk Away Close function, adding convenience during loading and unloading.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4's interior focused on practicality and utility, with storage shelves, trays, and oversized rubberized control knobs. The TRD Off-Road trim featured SofTex artificial leather upholstery and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The optional Weather package added heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and rain-sensing wipers. The RAV4's driver’s seat was comfortable, and the steering wheel was well-shaped for a pleasant grip. The rear seat offered good legroom and footroom, although it felt low and lacked leg support.

The RAV4's cargo area was spacious, with 37.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, expandable to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. These figures were competitive for the segment, making the RAV4 a practical choice for carrying passengers and cargo.

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 was not touch-sensitive, requiring the use of a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the center console. The TTI design was intended to reduce distraction but had several flaws, including a steep learning curve, reduced storage space, and partial obstruction of 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 to use.

The MDX's infotainment system included SiriusXM satellite radio, a native navigation system, and AcuraLink connected services with a complimentary three-year subscription. The test vehicle had the top-tier Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers, delivering excellent sound quality. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display (HUD) with navigation instructions and driving assistance status. However, the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs, leading to incorrect speed limit displays.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured the Toyota Audio Multimedia system with an 8-inch or available 10.5-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and five connected services plans. Service Connect and Safety Connect were free for ten years, while Remote Connect and Drive Connect were complimentary for one year. Drive Connect added cloud-based navigation, a digital voice assistant, and concierge services. Wi-Fi Connect transformed the RAV4 into an internet hotspot with a free three-month data plan.

The RAV4's infotainment system was sophisticated but had some drawbacks, including the lack of a multi-panel Home screen, difficulty exiting Apple CarPlay, and hard-to-read fonts. The digital voice assistant performed well, except for issues with volume and specific commands. The test vehicle did not have the available JBL premium audio system but included a digital rearview mirror for improved visibility.

The 2023 Acura MDX came 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, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. However, the lane-departure warning system's steering wheel wobble was less preferred, and the adaptive cruise control was slow to resume speed after lane changes.

During testing, the MDX's collision warning system mistakenly identified an overhead exit sign as an obstacle, momentarily braking the vehicle. Despite this, the MDX had good crash-test ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, it received four-star ratings for driver and front passenger protection in the frontal-impact test.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5), a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). However, the base LE trim did not include a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert. TSS 2.5 performed adequately, with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist working better on straighter highways. The lane-centering assist was somewhat lazy, and the adaptive cruise control's braking was often too cautious.

The RAV4's TSS 2.5 system issued some inaccurate lane-departure warnings but generally worked well. However, the RAV4 lost its Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS due to Marginal and Acceptable ratings in the latest crash tests. These results highlighted the need for an updated RAV4 design.