2024 Acura MDX vs 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was characterized by its modernist and reductive design, which translated to a clean and simple aesthetic. This approach might not have appealed to those seeking a flashy luxury SUV, as the factory options for making the Range Rover Sport stand out were limited to a few bold paint colors and large wheels. The test vehicle, finished in Eiger Gray with silver 23-inch wheels and a Black Exterior Pack, exuded understated luxury. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme, complemented by aluminum and shiny black trim, created a sophisticated atmosphere. The Range Rover Sport was available in SE P360, SE Dynamic P400, and Autobiography P440e specifications, with the SE Dynamic P400 test vehicle priced at $98,420, including destination charges. Notable design features included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED technology in the taillights, contributing to its excellent aerodynamics.

In contrast, the 2024 Acura MDX boasted a striking design with a large shield grille, rakish headlights, and a modern lower bumper area. Inside, the MDX offered a high-tech but busy interior, with a plethora of controls on the center console. 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 automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, and a panoramic sunroof. The Type-S Advance, which was tested, featured a 26-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats. The MDX's interior was comfortable, with perforated leather upholstery and a firm yet refreshing massage function. While the MDX's cabin might not have matched the opulence of some competitors, it excelled in providing a comfortable and engaging driving experience.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement and driver-focused engagement, though it only partially succeeded. It offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque in the SE Dynamic model. The SE P360 variant delivered 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain was available in the Autobiography P440e, providing 434 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque with an estimated 51 miles of electric range. The Range Rover Sport's 395-hp inline-six allowed it to accelerate to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, and it could tow up to 7,716 pounds. The SUV's adaptive damping air suspension and new vehicle architecture improved ride comfort and handling, but it still felt tall and heavy compared to sport-tuned competitors. Off-road, the Range Rover Sport excelled with its advanced suspension and impressive ground clearance.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type-S variant, tested here, came with a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. Power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission, with Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System available. The Type-S Advance offered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, thanks to its adaptive air suspension and Brembo performance brakes. The MDX's Integrated Dynamics System allowed for various driving modes, including Sport and Comfort, while the Lift mode added ground clearance for off-road adventures. The MDX's steering was responsive, and it could tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport maintained its Command Driving Position, offering a tall and airy feel with a low dashboard and thin roof pillars. The air suspension could kneel for easier entry and exit, and the front seats were comfortable with 20-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. However, the rear seat was less accommodating, with limited legroom and narrow door openings. The cargo area provided 31.9 cubic feet of space, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Storage options included a deep bin under the center armrest and a second bin under the sliding cupholder tray.

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 measured 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 down. The MDX featured a power liftgate, with a hands-free option available on higher trims. The second-row bench had a fold-down center console with cupholders, and the center stack of controls was cluttered, with a touchpad for the infotainment system that was unintuitive.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system was often confusing and frustrating to use, with a digital assistant that struggled to understand commands. The Range Rover Sport offered impressive Meridian audio systems and a next-generation Active Noise Cancellation system. A wireless smartphone charging pad was included, though it was difficult to access.

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 and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The center console featured cleverly placed charging ports and a leather handrest for the touchpad. While the infotainment system was a drawback, the MDX's feature set was otherwise comprehensive, with multiple USB ports and a fully digital instrument panel.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came equipped with advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, and a surround-view camera system. However, the adaptive cruise control and steering assist were not as smooth or reliable as expected, particularly on freeway curves with inconsistent lane markings.

The 2024 Acura MDX offered a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go. The Technology Package added parking sensors and reverse automatic emergency braking, while the Advance package included a 360-degree camera system and a head-up display. The 2022 MDX, which shares its safety scores with the 2024 model, earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+.