2024 Acura MDX vs 2023 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Genesis GV80 presented a sophisticated and graceful exterior with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, embodying a stately presence at over 16 feet long. The Prestige trim featured 22-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its elegant appearance, especially with the matte Brunswick Green paint. The rear design mirrored the front with four-part taillamps above dual exhausts, and while the hands-free liftgate was boxy, it contributed to the SUV's elegant look. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the metal and matte wood trim, with a unique two-spoke steering wheel. The center console housed three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes. Despite the 14.5-inch infotainment screen appearing somewhat out of place, the interior was spacious and luxurious, offering a pleasant environment.

The 2024 Acura MDX showcased a modern and refined exterior with a large shield grille, rakish headlights, and intake vents, creating a striking presence. Inside, the high-tech but busy cabin featured a plethora of controls on the center console, which 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 climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, and a panoramic sunroof. The Technology Package added ambient lighting and a premium stereo, while the A-Spec offered a sportier look and upgraded audio. The Advance Package included a heated steering wheel and remote start. The Type-S Advance boasted a 26-speaker sound system and massaging front seats, providing a luxurious experience despite the busy control layout.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered all-wheel drive with a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, or a turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the GV80 was not 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, provided a quiet and comfortable ride.

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, producing 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, with Brembo performance brakes and an adaptive air suspension. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed for various drive modes, including Sport and Comfort, enhancing the driving experience. The MDX's towing capacity reached 5,000 pounds with all-wheel drive, making it versatile for different driving needs.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of agility with luxurious features, including heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and ventilated front and rear seats. The Ergo Motion driver's seat offered fatigue-reducing functions, while the Nappa leather seats provided comfort. Although a third row was available, its limited legroom made it suitable only for children. The GV80 featured Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, and a digital key option. The tri-zone climate control and optional 21-speaker stereo system added to the luxury. The GV80 offered ample cargo space, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 84 cubic feet with seats folded, and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.

The 2024 Acura MDX came standard with three rows of seating, with the first two rows offering comfort and support, while the third row was best 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 71.4 cubic feet with both rows down. The MDX featured a power liftgate, with a hands-free option on the Advance Package. The Type-S Advance model included a second-row bench with a fold-down center console and integrated cupholders. The center console provided ample storage, but the center stack of controls was cluttered, with a row of buttons for the shifter and a large dial for drive modes, which could be confusing for drivers.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, accompanied by a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster and a head-up display. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the dial control was cumbersome, though it offered a "clicky" feel and handwriting detection. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though not wirelessly, along with wireless charging, USB ports, and outlets. The GV80's remote smart parking assist allowed for maneuvering in tight spaces without the driver in the car, adding convenience.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its weak point, with a 12.3-inch display controlled by a touchpad, which was unintuitive. However, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The center console cleverly housed charging ports and a leather handrest for the touchpad. Despite the thoughtful design of some features, the infotainment system's complexity detracted from the overall experience, making it less appealing compared to competitors like the Genesis GV80.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. A standout feature was the video feed of the car's blind spot displayed in the digital gauge cluster. The GV80 also featured Highway Drive Assist, which used cameras, radar, and navigation for hands-on driving aid. The NHTSA awarded the GV80 a five-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS rated it Good for crashworthiness and Superior for front crash prevention.

The 2024 Acura MDX came with a robust set of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. 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, received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+. Despite its strong safety scores, the infotainment system's complexity posed a distraction for drivers.