2024 Acura MDX vs 2023 Land Rover Defender

The 2023 Land Rover Defender was a standout in the SUV market, outselling its sibling, the Land Rover Discovery, by a significant margin. Despite sharing similar size and price points, the Defender's boxy, classic Land Rover design appealed to customers who favored the nostalgic look reminiscent of the old LR4. The Defender's design was characterized by its square-jawed face, rectangular hood, and doors, all set parallel to the ground, with a sharply chopped tail that defined its classic truck aesthetic. Tasteful nods to the original 1980s Defender, such as the dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood, skylights along the roof, and the body-color square separating the side glass, added to its charm. The Defender was available in three body styles—90, 110, and 130—offering a range of choices unmatched by other SUVs.

Inside, the Defender maintained a focus on function and durability, with an interior that was basic yet unique. Despite its high price, the interior was coated in rubbers and plastics designed to resist moisture and stains, with exposed screws and plain air vents contributing to its utilitarian feel. While the build quality was excellent, the interior lacked the opulence of a Range Rover, making the Defender's high price tag seem excessive to some. However, its hardcore character and excellent build quality made it a popular choice, with around 20,000 units sold annually.

The 2024 Acura MDX, on the other hand, was praised for its modern and refined presence. The large shield grille, flanked by rakish headlights and accented by intake vents, gave it a sleek look. Inside, the MDX was high-tech but busy, with a center console filled with controls that could be overwhelming at first. 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, which we tested. Standard features included tri-zone automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, and a panoramic sunroof, with higher trims adding features like ambient lighting, navigation, and premium audio systems.

The Type-S Advance package, which we drove, offered a top-end 26-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats, providing a luxurious experience. The massaging seats were particularly noteworthy for their firm and refreshing feel, making long drives more comfortable. While the MDX's cabin might not have matched the luxury of a Mercedes-Benz GLS, its features and comfort made it a strong contender in the luxury SUV market.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender was a formidable off-road vehicle, with impressive grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. Its air suspension allowed it to tackle almost any path, though most owners would not use its full off-road capabilities. On the road, the Defender's performance was less impressive, with excessive body roll, slow steering, and noticeable wind noise. The turbocharged inline-six and supercharged V8 engines provided strong performance, with the V8 delivering 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. The six-cylinder engine, part of a 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain, offered 395 hp and 406 lb-ft, while the four-cylinder engine was less powerful at 296 hp and 295 lb-ft. Fuel economy varied, with the V8 returning 14/19/16 mpg, while the six-cylinder achieved 18/23/20 mpg.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine with 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type-S model, which we tested, 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 available Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System provided strong acceleration and smooth power delivery. The MDX Type-S was equipped with Brembo performance brakes and an adaptive air suspension, allowing for a comfortable and responsive ride. The Integrated Dynamics System offered multiple drive modes, including Sport and Comfort, while the MDX's natural habitat was the boulevard and highway, where it excelled in comfort and refinement.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered exceptional versatility with its seating configurations. The Defender 90 could seat six with an optional jump seat, while the 110 and 130 models offered additional seating options, including a third row. The Defender 130 provided up to eight seats, with features like a separate moonroof, air vents, and USB ports for third-row passengers. Cargo space varied by model, with the 130 offering 77 cubic feet with the third row folded, while the 90 and 110 provided 58 and 79 cubic feet, respectively. The Defender also offered a range of features, including a metal roof rack, console refrigerator, and power-deployable side steps.

The 2024 Acura MDX came standard with three rows of seating, with the first two rows offering comfort and support. The third row was smaller and best suited for children. Cargo space was 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 folded. 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, providing a comfortable experience for passengers.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender featured two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software. The standard 10-inch screen and optional 11.4-inch screen were quick and easy to operate, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a voice assistant, and navigation as standard features. The Defender S trim added heated power seats and a Meridian stereo, while higher trims offered additional features like air suspension, adaptive cruise control, and a head-up display.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was less intuitive, with a 12.3-inch display controlled by a touchpad. Despite this, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The MDX also featured multiple USB ports, a digital instrument panel, and wireless device charging. The touchpad's placement and design were well thought out, but the system's overall usability was lacking compared to competitors.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. safety organizations but received a five-star rating from Euro NCAP. It came with six airbags and standard safety features like lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included a digital instrument panel, head-up display, and 360-degree camera system.

The 2024 Acura MDX offered a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including 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 and head-up display. The 2022 MDX, which the 2024 model carried over from, received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+.