2024 Acura MDX vs 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe presented a more conservative exterior design compared to some of Hyundai's more daring models. Despite its understated appearance, it remained an attractive SUV, with its wide upper and lower grilles and thin LED headlights providing a touch of distinction. The Calligraphy AWD trim, in particular, showcased a sophisticated look with its Stormy Sea paint and black-on-black interior. Inside, the Santa Fe's cabin was high-quality but somewhat monotone, with Nappa leather seats offering comfort and style. The interior's dark theme could be offset by opting for a beige or gray interior, adding visual contrast.

In contrast, the 2024 Acura MDX boasted a striking design with its large shield grille, rakish headlights, and modern bumper styling. The interior was high-tech but busy, with a plethora of controls on the center console. The MDX was available in several trims, including the Type-S Advance, which we reviewed. This trim featured luxurious elements like massaging front seats and a 26-speaker ELS sound system. While the MDX's cabin was not as advanced as some competitors, it offered a sporty and refined driving experience.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe offered two engine options: a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and a turbocharged version delivering 281 horsepower. The turbocharged engine, available in the Limited and Calligraphy trims, provided a significant performance boost with 311 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed "wet" dual-clutch automatic transmission ensured smooth acceleration, and the drive-mode selector allowed for customization with Comfort, Sport, Snow, and Smart modes. The turbocharged Santa Fe excelled in acceleration and passing power, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a spirited drive.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine with 290 horsepower, while the Type-S variant came with a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission and Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System provided a balanced and comfortable ride. The Type-S Advance trim included Brembo performance brakes and an adaptive air suspension, enhancing its sporty character. The MDX's towing capacity reached 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, making it a versatile option for those needing extra hauling capability.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe prioritized spaciousness with its two-row configuration, offering 41.7 inches of rear-seat legroom and 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. Folding the rear seats expanded the cargo area to 72.1 cubic feet, with additional underfloor storage. The Santa Fe's interior featured comfortable seating, dual-zone climate control, and a hands-free smart liftgate. The Calligraphy trim added premium touches like a head-up display and ambient lighting. However, the wide center console slightly compromised driver leg and hip space.

The 2024 Acura MDX came standard with three rows of seating, though the third row was best suited for children. It offered 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 39.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The maximum cargo capacity reached 71.4 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The Type-S Advance trim included a fold-down center console in the second row, providing a more individual-seat experience. While the center console offered ample storage, the center stack of controls was cluttered, with a touchpad interface that took some getting used to.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in technology, offering a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in higher trims and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, satellite radio, and voice recognition. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with clearly marked icons and customizable settings. However, voice-recognition capabilities were mixed, and the system struggled with certain commands. The Santa Fe also featured a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system in the Limited and Calligraphy trims.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its Achilles Heel, with a 12.3-inch display controlled by a touchpad that was unintuitive. Despite this, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The center console cleverly housed charging ports, and the touchpad was paired with a leather handrest. However, the system's complexity detracted from the overall experience, making it less appealing compared to competitors with more intuitive setups.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Highway Driving Assist system added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Santa Fe received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS, earning high marks for its crashworthiness and crash-prevention technology.

The 2024 Acura MDX also offered a robust set of driver assistance features, such as 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 MDX earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS, with high scores for its crash-prevention technology. However, the infotainment system's complexity posed a potential distraction for drivers.