2023 Honda HR-V vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Honda HR-V underwent a significant styling transformation, shedding some of its quirky charm for a more sophisticated and modern appearance. The lowered beltline and simplified detailing contributed to a sleeker look, with cleaner lines and fewer interruptions. The windshield wipers were discreetly tucked under the hood's lip, and the black molding strips on the roof were removed. The test model, finished in Nordic Forest Pearl, showcased one of the two new color options. The HR-V's interior followed the refinement trend set by the 2022 Civic, featuring a metal honeycomb grille that concealed the vents, touch-sensitive lights, and a sculptural center console. The EX-L trim, with its perforated leather seats and dual-zone climate control, offered a comfortable cabin that felt more upscale than its entry-level status suggested.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX Type S Advance trim aimed to deliver a luxury experience with its Apex Blue Pearl paint and Orchid interior. The MDX featured chicane-design LED lights, a panoramic sunroof, and 21-inch wheels that provided a commanding stance. Inside, the Type S boasted perforated Milano leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package. However, the design had its drawbacks, such as the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, which made controls challenging to locate. The MDX's electronic transmission switchgear also proved confusing. Despite these issues, the MDX Type S remained an attractive luxury SUV, though it struggled to fully meet the expectations set by its price point.

The 2023 Honda HR-V was equipped with a single powertrain option: a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. This marked an improvement over the previous model, with an increase of 17 hp and 11 lb-ft. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) featured a Step-Shift function to mimic traditional automatic transmission sounds during acceleration. The HR-V offered Normal, Snow, and ECON drive modes, with Sport mode available by shifting the lever. The new independent rear suspension and widened tracks enhanced the driving experience, making it enjoyable on winding roads, though it remained underpowered compared to competitors like the Kia Seltos and Ford Bronco Sport.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This was a significant increase over the standard 3.5-liter V6, though the Type S was heavier by 285 pounds. The 10-speed automatic transmission and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system provided dynamic performance, with the ability to direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. The MDX Type S featured various driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. However, the performance upgrades didn't fully integrate, resulting in an inconsistent driving experience. The transmission was indecisive, and the brake pedal response was unpredictable. The MDX Type S also suffered from poor fuel economy, averaging 16.9 mpg during testing, falling short of its EPA rating.

The 2023 Honda HR-V, a subcompact SUV, offered a well-thought-out interior with a center console featuring a shelf for drive mode controls and USB ports. The fastback design slightly reduced rear-seat headroom, but the HR-V still provided ample space with 39.4 inches in the front and 38.0 inches in the rear. Cargo capacity was 24.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 55.1 cubic feet with them folded. The HR-V's passenger volume varied by trim, with the EX-L offering 97.3 cubic feet. The rear seats featured a 60/40 split and a nearly flat floor when folded, enhancing versatility.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seating, with the option to remove the second-row center section for easier access to the third row. The Type S Advance trim included 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the seats didn't provide the expected support for spirited driving. The MDX's third row was best suited for children due to limited space. The cargo area offered 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The MDX's interior design prioritized style over storage, with limited space in the center console.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a tablet-style infotainment display, with the EX-L trim offering a 9-inch screen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The HR-V included a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and a 7-inch color touchscreen display as standard. The EX-L trim added a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad and an eight-speaker audio system. The HR-V's infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical knobs for power and volume control.

The 2023 Acura MDX boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment system relied on a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) for operation, which proved cumbersome. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In. The Advance package included a 10.5-inch head-up display and a high-end ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers. Despite these features, the TTI design limited storage space and obstructed the wireless charging pad.

The 2023 Honda HR-V came standard with the Honda Sensing suite, including adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, and lane-keeping assist. New features for 2023 included traffic-sign recognition and traffic jam assist. The HR-V had not yet been crash-tested for 2023, but the 2022 model received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured Acura Watch, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX also had blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, the MDX's safety systems occasionally issued false warnings, and the lane departure warning was less refined.