2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Genesis GV80 presented a sophisticated and graceful exterior with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, giving it a stately presence at over 16 feet long. The Prestige trim featured 22-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its elegant look, especially with the matte Brunswick Green paint. The rear design echoed the front with four-part taillamps above dual exhausts, and while the hands-free liftgate was boxy, it added to the SUV's elegance. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the metal and matte wood trim, with a unique two-spoke steering wheel. The center console featured three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes. However, the 14.5-inch infotainment screen seemed awkwardly placed atop the dash, though the interior remained spacious and luxurious.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX Type S Advance trim arrived with a striking Apex Blue Pearl paint and Orchid interior. The MDX Type S, the first Acura SUV to wear the Type S badge, maintained a subtle yet appealing design with chicane-design LED lights and 21-inch wheels. The interior boasted perforated Milano leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package. However, the body design sometimes appeared to taper awkwardly, and the gloss black plastic on the dashboard complicated control usage. Despite these minor issues, the MDX Type S remained a fundamentally attractive luxury SUV.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options, both with all-wheel drive: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a turbo 3.5-liter V6 delivering 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. The larger engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, powered the test vehicle. While the GV80 wasn't particularly quick, taking about five and a half seconds to reach sixty, it excelled in highway driving with smooth power delivery and shifts. The electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, ensured a quiet and comfortable ride.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine generating 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The MDX Type S included performance enhancements like a solid front suspension stabilizer bar, Electro-Servo brakes, and larger front brake rotors. However, the performance upgrades didn't integrate seamlessly, leading to issues like an indecisive transmission and poor brake pedal modulation. The MDX Type S averaged 16.9 mpg, falling short of its EPA rating, and struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with luxury features like heated and ventilated seats, an Ergo Motion driver's seat, and Nappa leather upholstery. The SUV offered a third-row option, though legroom was limited. The GV80 boasted a tri-zone climate control system, a 21-speaker stereo, and a panoramic glass roof. With 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 84 cubic feet, and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds, the GV80 provided ample utility.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats, with the option to remove the second-row center section for easier access to the third row. The Type S Advance trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage, though the seats didn't hold occupants as securely as expected. The MDX provided 18.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The hands-free liftgate with Walk Away Close function added convenience, though the interior design prioritized style over storage space.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the dial offered a "clicky" feel, though navigating through icons was cumbersome. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though not wirelessly, and offered wireless charging and multiple USB ports. The GV80's remote smart parking assist allowed the vehicle to maneuver in and out of tight spaces without the driver inside.

The 2023 Acura MDX's Digital Precision Cockpit included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display, operated via a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the center console. The TTI design, while innovative, added complexity and reduced storage space. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, though the native voice recognition system was less effective. The Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers delivered impressive sound quality, and the Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The GV80 featured a video feed of the car's blind spot in the digital gauge cluster and Highway Drive Assist for hands-on/eyes-up driving on approved highways. The NHTSA awarded the GV80 a full five-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS rated it Good for crashworthiness and Superior for front crash prevention.

The 2023 Acura MDX included Acura Watch, a suite of driving assistance and collision avoidance systems, with features like forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX also offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it earned four stars for frontal-impact protection.