2023 Dodge Hornet vs 2024 Acura MDX

The Hornet is introduced as a compact utility vehicle, or CUV. This would seem to suggest that “compact” and “sport” are mutually exclusive (no shade on Dodge; they didn’t coin the term). But the Hornet defies that with its emphasis on power, attitude, and in-crowd fun.

Yes, the Hornet is also notable in that the 2024-model-year hybrid R/T is Dodge’s first electrified performance vehicle. But every automaker has—or will soon have to have—its own first electrified model. That in itself is these days remarkable only internally. However, we would argue that the Hornet represents a gateway with influence far outside the company as well: It creates a previously nonexistent pathway for the type of consumers the Dodge brand targets, who will now be able to take the step toward electrification without sacrificing their street cred.

The Acura MDX is a mainstay of the luxury SUV segment, and it covers the bases remarkably well. Its well-rounded nature is perhaps because it shares a platform with the Honda Pilot (another fantastic family hauler) but for that same reason, it doesn’t offer the same cachet as a BMW X5 or Mercedes-Benz GLE. Whether you are on a road trip or heading to work, the MDX is comfortable, refined, and has space for the family and their gear. For 2024, there’s a new Type-S trim level, bringing a new level of performance to the three-row, seven-passenger midsize luxury SUV. But as we’ll get into in a bit, the MDX is held back by a maddening infotainment system that could truly be a sticking point to overshadow all other positive attributes.

Verdict: The MDX is a beautiful, safe, and cost-effective luxury SUV, and the new Type-S trim level delivers a higher level of performance. However, it doesn’t offer as much space as some of its competitors, and we wouldn’t recommend it to anyone easily frustrated by finnicky tech interfaces.