2023 BMW X1 vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 BMW X1 felt like a refined evolution of its predecessor, maintaining its recognizable design while enhancing its robustness. The larger, squarer kidney grille was less startling than the one on the BMW 4 Series, signaling a readiness for more robust air intake. The flush door handles, standard LED headlights and taillights, and new L-shaped taillights added to its modernized look. The color palette expanded significantly, offering 13 exterior color choices, including five new options. The X1 also introduced 20-inch wheels for the first time, available with performance tires. Inside, the cabin felt premium with the BMW Curved Display dominating the dash, and the SensaTec 2.0 seat coverings provided a comfortable experience. The M Sport Package added sport seats and a leather steering wheel, while the Premium Package included a panoramic moonroof, enhancing the overall feel of the interior.

The 2023 Acura MDX, particularly in the Type S Advance trim, aimed to set high expectations for quality, luxury, and driving dynamism. The fourth-generation MDX featured chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and 21-inch wheels. The Type S Advance trim added open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard, enhancing the interior's appeal. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made it challenging to use some controls. The MDX's body design, which tapered in at the doors, sometimes gave the impression of a massive dent. Despite these quirks, the MDX Type S remained an attractive luxury SUV.

The 2023 BMW X1 received a significant power boost with its 2.0-liter twin-turbo four-cylinder engine, producing 241 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This was an increase of 13 horsepower and 37 lb-ft from the previous model, allowing the X1 to accelerate from zero to 60 in 6.2 seconds and tow up to 3,500 pounds. The new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission replaced the previous eight-speed automatic, providing a more engaged driving experience, especially with the M Sport Package's paddle shifters. The upgraded Adaptive M Suspension and damping systems improved comfort and stability, with minimal body roll even in cornering. The X1's EPA fuel economy was rated at 25 mpg city, 34 highway, and 28 combined, with Premium fuel recommended.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, generating 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This was a significant increase over the standard 3.5-liter V6, but the Type S also weighed 285 pounds more than the lightest standard MDX with AWD. The 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters powered all four wheels through Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The MDX Type S featured an Integrated Dynamics System with multiple driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode. However, the performance upgrades didn't gel into a cohesive whole, with issues like an indecisive transmission, lack of ride compliance, and poor brake pedal modulation. The MDX Type S averaged 16.9 mpg, falling short of the EPA rating of 19 mpg combined.

The 2023 BMW X1 offered impressive interior space with 42.1 inches of front-row headroom and 39.3 inches in the rear, surpassing competitors like the Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. The X1 provided 40.4 inches of front-row legroom and 37 inches in the back. Cargo space was also generous, with 25.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 57.2 cubic feet with them folded down. Heated seats were an optional $550 upgrade, which also included a heated steering wheel. The wireless charging pad, part of the Premium Package, was cleverly designed to hold the phone securely even on twisty roads.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats with flexible second-row seating options and a spacious cargo area. The Type S Advance trim included 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage, wrapped in quilted leather upholstery. The second-row seat could slide forward and back, but the third row was best suited for children. The MDX's interior design prioritized style over storage space, with limited storage bins and a touchpad interface that took up valuable space. The cargo area was practical, with a sizable underfloor storage bin and hooks for grocery bags. The hands-free liftgate with Walk Away Close function was a thoughtful addition.

The 2023 BMW X1 featured the BMW Curved Display with a 10.7-inch infotainment screen and a 10.25-inch driver information display. The infotainment system was responsive and easy to operate, with voice commands working well for climate control and the panoramic moonroof. The Live Cockpit Plus was standard, while the Premium Package added Live Cockpit Professional with a head-up display and augmented reality navigation. The X1 included four USB-C ports and an optional 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The start/stop button and toggle-style gear selector were conveniently placed on the center console.

The 2023 Acura MDX's Digital Precision Cockpit included 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 took up valuable space and partially blocked the wireless charging pad. The MDX featured wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display, but the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs. The top-shelf Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers provided excellent sound quality.

For 2023, the BMW X1 included active blind-spot detection with an exit warning function, a front-collision warning system with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and BMW’s Active Driving Assistant Professional. This suite included speed limit assist, extended traffic-jam assistant, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control with a stop & go function. The X1 also offered a 360-degree camera system and Active Park Distance Control, which used sensors to avoid collisions. The Back-Up Assistant could retrace the route followed for up to 150 feet, and the updated Parking Assistant Plus could manage steering, acceleration, braking, and gear changes.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured Acura Watch, which included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control with low-speed following, and Traffic Jam Assist. The MDX also had a blind-spot monitoring system and rear cross-traffic alert. Certain trims added front and rear parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The MDX received good crash-test ratings, with the IIHS naming it a Top Safety Pick+ and the NHTSA giving it an overall five-star rating.