2024 Acura MDX vs 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer presented itself as a compact version of the Chevrolet Blazer, exuding a balanced blend of SUV ruggedness and sophistication. Its intricate headlight and taillight designs, along with dark chrome trim, lent it an upscale appearance uncommon in its price range. The Activ and RS models offered unique styling cues, with the Activ model featuring a rugged front fascia and roof rails, while the RS model sported a more aggressive look with blacked-out trim and dual exhaust outlets. The contrasting roof options added a distinctive touch, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the Trailblazer's cabin, though not overtly adventurous, featured a mix of materials and colors that added personality, with practical design elements like grab handles and a creased dashboard.

The 2024 Acura MDX, on the other hand, showcased a modern and refined exterior with a large shield grille, rakish headlights, and intake vents. Inside, it was high-tech but somewhat cluttered with numerous controls. The MDX was available in various trims, each offering a range of features. The Type-S Advance model, which was reviewed, boasted luxurious amenities like massaging front seats and a top-end sound system. The MDX's interior was comfortable, with supportive seating in the first two rows, though the third row was more suitable for children. Despite its busy center console, the MDX offered a spacious and well-appointed cabin with thoughtful details like a fold-down center console in the second row.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer shared its platform and powertrains with the Buick Encore GX, offering a standard 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. An optional 1.3-liter turbo-three increased output to 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. The 1.2-liter engine was available only with front-wheel drive, while the 1.3-liter engine could be paired with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The Trailblazer Activ test car featured the 1.3-liter engine, AWD, and a nine-speed automatic transmission. It delivered decent performance with a pleasing exhaust note, though the transmission exhibited some rough shifts. The Activ model's dampers, tuned for gravel roads, provided a comfortable ride on pavement, though some bouncing was noted over road imperfections. The Trailblazer's selectable AWD system required manual engagement, unlike competitors' automatic systems.

The 2024 Acura MDX came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type S variant featured a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine delivering 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The MDX Type-S Advance offered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, thanks to its adaptive air suspension and Brembo performance brakes. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed for various drive modes, including Sport and Sport+, enhancing its agility. The MDX excelled on highways and boulevards, offering a refined and comfortable experience. Its towing capacity reached 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, though front-wheel-drive models were limited to 3,500 pounds.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite being one of the smallest SUVs, offered decent utility. It was wider and taller than the original S-10 Blazer, with a longer wheelbase that improved passenger space. The Trailblazer matched rivals like the Kia Seltos in headroom and offered more rear legroom than the Buick Encore GX. However, its flat rear seat cushions made long trips less comfortable. Cargo space was respectable, with 25.3 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.4 cubic feet with the seats folded, though it lagged behind the Kia Seltos. The Trailblazer's towing capacity was limited to 1,000 pounds. Up front, it featured practical storage solutions, though some design choices, like a small dashboard carve-out, were puzzling.

The 2024 Acura MDX came standard with three rows of seating, offering comfort and support in the first two rows, while the third row was 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 rows down. The MDX included a power liftgate, with a hands-free option available on higher trims. The Type-S Advance model featured a second-row bench with a fold-down center console and integrated cupholders. The center console provided ample storage, though the center stack of controls was cluttered. The shifter's button layout required adjustment, and the IDS dial occupied valuable space.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, a Bose audio system, and wireless phone charging were optional. While the Trailblazer's tech offerings were adequate for most buyers, the optional touchscreen was relatively small by modern standards. The combination of a smaller instrument cluster screen and analog gauges effectively conveyed information, with smart design touches like a pedestrian-detection icon.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its Achilles Heel. The 12.3-inch display was not a touchscreen, requiring a touchpad for control, which was unintuitive. However, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. It also featured a fully digital instrument panel and wireless device charging. The center console cleverly integrated charging ports, though the infotainment system's complexity detracted from the overall experience. Acura's newer models, like the Integra, featured more intuitive touchscreen setups, highlighting the MDX's outdated system.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and a Teen Driver system. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer earned a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with high marks for crash prevention tech.

The 2024 Acura MDX offered a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, driver attention monitoring, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Technology Package added parking sensors and reverse automatic emergency braking, while the Advance package included a 360-degree camera system and head-up display. The 2022 MDX, which the 2024 model mirrored, received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, though the infotainment system posed a distraction risk.