2024 Acura MDX vs 2023 Genesis GV70

The 2023 Genesis GV70 exhibited a design that drew inspiration from its sedan counterpart, the G70, particularly above the belt-line. Its split-bar headlights and a distinctive chrome line that curved from behind the rear window were stylistic elements that connected it visually to the sedan. This chrome bar cleverly suggested a coupe-like SUV design without compromising versatility. Inside, the GV70's cabin was a testament to luxury, featuring top-notch materials and excellent fit and finish. The interior design was a harmonious blend of contemporary and classic aesthetics, with climate controls integrated into a curving bezel and a touchscreen that rose organically from the dash. The GV70's dash was equipped with a full touchscreen, a rotary dial, and button controls, offering a user-friendly interface. The physical rollers on the center console and steering wheel were a nod to practicality, providing a better experience than touch capacitive controls.

In contrast, the 2024 Acura MDX boasted a striking exterior with a large shield grille flanked by rakish headlights and accented by intake vents. The lower bumper area added a modern, refined presence. Inside, the MDX was high-tech but busy, with a plethora of controls in the center console that could be overwhelming. 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 automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, and a panoramic sunroof. The Type-S Advance package, which we drove, added a top-end 26-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats, enhancing comfort and luxury. While the MDX's cabin might not have matched the opulence of some competitors, its massaging seats were a standout feature, offering a firmer and more refreshing experience.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered two gas-powered engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The turbo-four provided ample power for most driving situations, while the V6 catered to performance enthusiasts with its extra grunt and throaty engine note. The GV70 excelled in blending comfort and sharp handling, offering a refined and well-rounded driving experience. The Electrified GV70 featured a 77.4-kWh battery powering two electric motors, generating a combined 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. It offered a smooth acceleration experience, with a Boost button for an extra power surge. The electric GV70 had a range of 236 miles and supported DC fast charging.

The 2024 Acura MDX came with a standard 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 with 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 we drove offered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, thanks to its adaptive air suspension and Brembo performance brakes. The MDX's Integrated Dynamics System allowed for various driving modes, including Sport+ and Lift mode for off-road adventures. While the MDX excelled on highways and boulevards, its firm ride quality was a trade-off for sportier handling. The MDX's towing capacity reached 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 provided 56.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 28.9 cubic feet with them in use, making it competitive in the compact luxury SUV segment. It featured a hands-free power liftgate and a well-designed center console with cupholders and storage options. While front-seat comfort was commendable, rear-seat legroom was tighter, requiring adjustments for taller passengers. The rear bench offered a reclining feature for added comfort.

The 2024 Acura MDX offered 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 down. The MDX featured a power liftgate, with a hands-free option available on higher trims. The Type-S Advance model included 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, which some drivers might find unnecessary.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The touchscreen was user-friendly, with large icons and logical menu navigation. The GV70 also included a rotary dial for scrolling and selecting, though its proximity to the rotary shifter could lead to confusion. Standard features included four USB ports, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo system. Optional features included ambient lighting, a digital instrument panel, and the Genesis digital key.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was a point of contention. The 12.3-inch display was not a touchscreen, requiring a touchpad for control, which was unintuitive. Despite this, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The MDX also featured multiple USB ports, a fully digital instrument panel, and wireless device charging. The clever placement of charging ports and a leather handrest for the touchpad were highlights, but the overall infotainment experience was lacking.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, driver attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Advance Package on the 2.5T added a blind-spot camera system, reverse automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree parking camera system. The Electrified GV70 included most of these features as standard, with the head-up display available in the Prestige trim.

The 2024 Acura MDX offered a robust set 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 parking camera system and a head-up display. The 2024 MDX had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but the 2022 model received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+.