2023 Acura MDX vs 2024 Volvo XC90

When shopping for a new Acura MDX in 2023, buyers could choose between standard and Type S versions, each available with various trim packages that increased equipment levels. The standard MDX offered base specifications with Technology, A-Spec, and Advance packages, while the Type S variant came in standard spec or with an Advance package, with prices ranging from $49,550 to $73,200 plus a destination charge of $1,195.

Our test vehicle arrived in Type S Advance trim with striking Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid (white) interior, priced at $74,995. This set high expectations for quality, luxury, and driving dynamism, though it did fall short in some respects.

The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to sport the Type S badge, but the S stood more for subtlety than aggression. It featured chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, LED headlights with automatic high beams, and understated front styling modifications and badges. The 21-inch wheels gave it a dominant stance, complemented by quad exhaust outlets framing a rear diffuser panel.

Inside, the MDX Type S boasted perforated Milano leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package with a black headliner and stainless steel pedal covers. The Type S Advance added open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard. Despite the luxurious appointments, some angles of the MDX suggested an odd tapering body design that could appear dented. Additionally, gloss black plastic accents on the dashboard made it challenging to locate some controls, and the electronic transmission switchgear could be confusing even for long-time users.

In contrast, Volvo's 2024 XC90 showcased a different philosophy. Available in B5, B6, and Recharge T8 models, the XC90's trim levels included Core, Plus, and Ultimate, with prices from $56,000 to $79,600 plus a $1,195 destination charge. Our test model—a Recharge T8 in Ultimate trim with seven-passenger seating—came with a Lounge Package, massaging front seats, premium headliner, active air suspension, a Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and a trailer hitch, priced at $89,145.

Volvo's mastery of color and materials manifested in a subdued, earthy palette fitting a practical, safety-first luxury SUV. Wheel designs went up to 21 inches, and most models featured Bright themes with chrome and polished metal accents, contrasting with the blacked-out trend. Inside, the XC90 offered choices between wool-blend and ventilated Nappa leather upholstery, all trimmed with natural wood and an elegant Orrefors crystal shift knob. Volvo also allowed buyers to mix and match paint, wheels, and upholstery options, providing a personalized experience.

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 notable increase over the standard 3.5-liter V6. However, the Type S weighed 285 pounds more than the lightest standard MDX with AWD. This engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), capable of directing 70% of its power to a single rear wheel.

Despite a robust list of performance enhancements, including an adaptive air suspension with a unique Lift mode, larger front brake rotors with Brembo calipers, and exclusive 21-inch wheels, the MDX Type S struggled to offer a cohesive driving experience. Poor brake pedal modulation, inconsistent transmission behavior, and excessive fuel consumption at 16.9 mpg (short of the 19 mpg EPA rating) marred its potential. Though quick and sounding great when revved, the MDX Type S often felt like its dynamic components were not working in concert.

Conversely, the 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined a B6 model’s turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a 107-kilowatt electric motor and an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery, delivering 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup provided 32 miles of electric-only range and an estimated 27 mpg when driven as a hybrid. Recharging was efficient, with options to use a standard household outlet or a 240-volt outlet for quicker top-ups.

The XC90 offered multiple driving modes, including Pure, Power, Hybrid, Constant AWD, and Off-Road, with up to 9.9 inches of ground clearance in the latter. Despite falling short of its electric range promises during intensive testing, the XC90 performed admirably in everyday suburban driving, nearing its predicted fuel economy when kept charged. Yet, its dynamic traits leaned more toward comfort than sportiness, struggling with body roll, brake fade, and steering precision on challenging roads.

The 2023 Acura MDX packed a functional punch with three rows of seats and flexible second-row configurations. The fully equipped Type S Advance model featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage, triple-zone climate control, and premium leather upholstery. While supportive, the seats did not quite meet the high expectations set by the MDX's performance ambitions.

Seven-passenger seating was standard, with the option to remove the second-row center section for easier third-row access. Although the third row was tight for adults, it suited children well. Storage solutions within the cabin felt limited due to design priorities, but the cargo area behind the third row offered 18.1 cubic feet of space, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with seats folded down. Practical features like a hands-free liftgate with Walk Away Close and grocery bag hooks enhanced usability.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 stood out even in its base Core trim with high-end features like power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a panoramic glass roof. Higher trims added luxury elements like massaging front seats, heated steering wheel, rear door sunshades, and an integrated booster seat. While seating comfort was excellent and visibility superb, the climate control system struggled to cool the interior on hot days when driving in Pure mode.

Storage was adequate but not plentiful, with the third row tight for adults yet more accommodating than expected. Cargo capacity was slightly less generous than the MDX, with 65.5 cubic feet available with the third-row seat down and 85.7 cubic feet with the second row folded.

Acura equipped the 2023 MDX with its Digital Precision Cockpit, consisting of a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the lack of a touchscreen and reliance on a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) made interaction less intuitive and could be distracting. Fortunately, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In provided familiar and functional alternatives. The MDX also featured AcuraLink services and an optional Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D 25-speaker audio system, plus a 10.5-inch head-up display in the Advance package.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 focused on a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in, offering Google Maps, Google Play access, and a conversational voice assistant. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM were standard, with optional high-end audio systems like the 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins setup. While smaller than some modern displays, the screen's proximity and intuitive interface compensated, and the minimalistic design included essential physical controls for ease of use. The XC90 also featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and an available head-up display with a surround-view camera.

Safety was paramount for both vehicles. The 2023 Acura MDX included the AcuraWatch suite with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. Additionally, it featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera in certain trims. Despite some concerns about false alerts, the MDX had strong crash-test ratings, receiving five stars overall from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's tradition of innovation in safety, with features like adaptive cruise control paired with Pilot Assist for lane centering, large-animal detection, and distracted driver alerts. Despite its comprehensive safety suite, the XC90's advanced systems were not as cutting-edge as some competitors'. The SUV earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, although it sometimes faltered with lane-keeping accuracy under certain conditions.