2024 Acura MDX vs 2023 Ford Bronco

The 2023 Ford Bronco was a standout with its retro-cool styling and modern engineering, offered in nine distinct trim levels. Its blocky, upright shape, wide horizontal grille, and big round headlights were unmistakable, even from afar. The Base trim had a primitive charm with steel wheels and minimal adornment, while the Raptor trim showcased its top-tier status with a wide stance, elevated height, and massive tires. The Heritage trim added a nostalgic touch with a white grille, roof, and wheels, along with plaid seat upholstery. The Bronco's rugged interior featured a broad dash, sealed switches, and drain plugs for easy cleaning, emphasizing durability over luxury.

In contrast, the 2024 Acura MDX boasted a modern and refined presence with its large shield grille, rakish headlights, and sleek bumper design. Inside, it was high-tech but busy, with a plethora of controls on the center console. The MDX was available in several trims, including the Technology, A-Spec, and Advance Packages, as well as the Type-S and Type-S Advance. Standard features included tri-zone climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, and a panoramic sunroof. The Type-S Advance package added a 26-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats, offering a luxurious driving experience. Despite its high-tech interior, the MDX's infotainment system was criticized for being clumsy and unintuitive.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine choices, starting with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. It was available with a seven-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission. The optional 2.7-liter V6 engine increased power to 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, while the top-of-the-line Raptor featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. All Broncos came with four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case. The Bronco excelled in off-road capabilities, with a bouncy yet manageable ride quality on-road, and was quieter than the Jeep Wrangler. However, its high-riding dimensions required careful handling on curving roads.

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 came with a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. Power was managed through a 10-speed automatic transmission, with the option of Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System. The Type-S Advance offered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, with Brembo performance brakes and an adaptive air suspension. The MDX was agile for its size, with a tight turning radius and a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape provided ample interior space, with the four-door model offering easier access to the rear seats. The two-door Bronco had 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 52.3 cubic feet with seats folded, while the four-door offered 35.6 cubic feet, expanding to 77.6 cubic feet. However, the rear seats didn't fold flat, creating a step-up that hindered sliding longer cargo. The Bronco's design allowed for easy removal of fenders and doors, enhancing its off-road appeal.

The 2024 Acura MDX came standard with three rows of seating, with the first two rows being comfortable and supportive. The third row was smaller, suitable for children. Cargo space was 16.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 39.1 cubic feet with seats folded, and a maximum of 71.4 cubic feet with both rows down. The MDX featured a power liftgate, with a hands-free option on higher trims. The center console offered ample storage, but the center stack of controls was cluttered, with a touchpad shifter that was unintuitive.

The 2023 Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities, featuring G.O.A.T. drive modes for various terrains and numerous camera views for tight spots. The Trail Turn Assist feature allowed for sharp turns by braking the inside rear wheel. The Bronco also offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with Ford’s SYNC 4 system and an optional 12-inch infotainment display.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its weak point, with a 12.3-inch display controlled by a touchpad that was unintuitive. However, it came standard with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The MDX also featured multiple USB ports, a digital instrument panel, and wireless charging, with clever placement for charging ports in the center console.

The 2023 Ford Bronco received mixed safety ratings, with the four-door model earning four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from NHTSA. IIHS awarded it a "Good" rating in most tests, except for head restraints and seats, which received an "Acceptable" score. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and hill-start assist, with additional features available in higher trims.

The 2024 Acura MDX came with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, 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 the 2024 model mirrored, earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+.