2024 Acura MDX vs 2023 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox presented itself as an attractive crossover, even if it didn't boast the futuristic design of a Kia Sportage or the rugged appearance of a Toyota RAV4. Its restrained bodywork was complemented by a chunky front end that made the grille appear smaller, offering a refreshing change from the aggressive front fascias common in the industry. The gold Bowtie emblem, while garish against some paint colors, looked appealing in shades like Blue Glow Metallic and Harvest Brown Metallic. The Equinox was available in four trim levels: LS, LT, RS, and Premier, with options for front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Inside, the Equinox Premier trim featured handsome two-tone leather upholstery and standard heated front seats, though the interior design felt somewhat dated compared to competitors. Despite its simplicity, the Equinox was practical and user-friendly, with a traditional PRNDL shift lever and ample cupholder space. The optional Confidence and Convenience II package added desirable features like lumbar adjustments, ventilated front seats, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2024 Acura MDX impressed with its modern and refined exterior, featuring a large shield grille flanked by rakish headlights and accented by intake vents. Inside, the MDX was high-tech but busy, with a plethora of controls on the center console. The MDX was available in several trims, or "packages," including the Technology, A-Spec, and Advance Packages, as well as the Type-S and Type-S Advance. Standard features included tri-zone automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, and a panoramic sunroof. The Technology Package added ambient lighting and a premium stereo system, while the A-Spec trim offered sportier styling and an upgraded audio system. The Advance package included a heated steering wheel and additional USB ports. The Type-S Advance package, which we tested, featured a top-end sound system and massaging front seats. While the MDX's cabin wasn't as luxurious as a Mercedes-Benz GLS, it offered superior massaging seats.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. Despite the slight increase in horsepower from the previous model year, the Equinox's performance remained modest. It handled low-speed acceleration adequately but struggled to accelerate quickly above 30 miles per hour. The Equinox's six-speed automatic transmission, while older, contributed to the powertrain's noise due to its longer gear holds. The AWD system required manual engagement, but the new brake-by-wire system improved braking performance. The Equinox's suspension handled bumps well, and its steering was tight and accurate, making it enjoyable to drive.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine with 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type-S variant, which we tested, came with a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission managed power efficiently, providing strong acceleration and quick throttle response. The Type-S trims included Brembo performance brakes and an adaptive air suspension, enhancing ride comfort and handling. The MDX's Integrated Dynamics System offered various driving modes, including Sport and Comfort, while the Lift mode added ground clearance for off-road adventures. The MDX excelled on highways, offering a refined and comfortable ride, with a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox offered 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 63.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. While not the largest in its class, it surpassed the Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester. Passenger space was ample, with sufficient headroom and legroom for taller occupants. The interior featured higher-quality plastic components, numerous cupholders, and a decently sized center console bin. The Premier trim included a nearly silent power liftgate.

The 2024 Acura MDX came standard with three rows of seating, with the first two rows providing comfort and support. The third row was smaller and best suited for children. Cargo space measured 16.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 39.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and a maximum of 71.4 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The MDX included a power liftgate, with a hands-free option available on higher trims. The Type-S Advance test vehicle featured a second-row bench with a fold-down center console and integrated cupholders. The center stack of controls was cluttered, with a row of buttons for the shifter and a large dial for the drive-mode selector.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox's technology offerings were straightforward, with a 7-inch touchscreen on lower trims and an 8-inch screen on the Premier. While not as flashy as some competitors, the system was crisp, clear, and easy to use. The infotainment system responded quickly and included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Premier trim featured a wireless charging pad, and the driver-information display offered useful features.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its weak point, with a 12.3-inch display controlled by a touchpad, which was unintuitive. Despite this, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The center console cleverly housed charging ports and a wireless charging pad. However, the infotainment system's complexity detracted from the overall experience, making it less appealing compared to competitors like the Genesis GV80.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox came equipped with standard advanced driver assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams. While it received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, it scored poorly in some IIHS crash tests, with a Poor rating in the moderate overlap front crash test and a Marginal score in the side-impact test.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Technology Package added parking sensors and reverse automatic emergency braking, while the Advance package included a 360-degree camera system. The 2022 MDX, which shares safety scores with the 2024 model, earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. However, the infotainment system's complexity posed a potential distraction for drivers.