2024 Acura MDX vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, was a standout in the compact crossover SUV segment. It offered a stylish design and high-quality materials, giving it the feel of a small luxury SUV. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and it boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. Mazda's decision to transition the CX-5 to the CX-50 was a strategic move, similar to Infiniti's rebranding of the G37. The CX-5 was available in eight versions, with prices ranging from $26,700 to $39,650, offering a range of options for consumers. The 2.5 Turbo Signature model, with its premium features, was priced at $41,655, including destination charges.

The 2024 Acura MDX impressed with its modern and refined exterior design, featuring a large shield grille and rakish headlights. Inside, it was high-tech but busy, with a bevy of controls that 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 Type-S Advance package added a 26-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats, enhancing comfort and luxury. The MDX's cabin, while not as advanced as the Mercedes-Benz GLS, offered superior massaging seats.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivered 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. It achieved an EPA rating of 26 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 Turbo model, with its turbocharged engine, provided 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel, or 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet on regular gas. It returned 24 mpg in combined driving. The CX-5's updates in 2022 improved its structural rigidity, suspension, and transmission, enhancing its driving dynamics. The turbocharged engine offered a satisfying rush of acceleration, and the CX-5 excelled on winding roads with its firm, connected ride quality.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type-S model 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 the option of Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System. The Type-S Advance model 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 its towing capacity reached 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's interior updates improved front seat comfort and support. It offered a height-adjustable driver's seat across all trims, with power adjustments and heated seats available in higher trims. The Signature trim featured Nappa leather upholstery, adding a touch of luxury. However, the CX-5's technology, storage, and rear-seat space were lacking. The cargo area provided 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with them folded, which was less than some rivals.

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, suitable for children. Cargo space measured 16.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 39.1 cubic feet with them folded, and 71.4 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down. The MDX featured a power liftgate, with a hands-free option on higher trims. The second-row bench had a fold-down center console, and the cabin offered ample cupholders and storage. However, the center stack of controls was cluttered, with a touchpad interface that was unintuitive.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system, with its 10.25-inch display, was visually appealing but frustrating to use. It lacked a voice recognition system, and the physical controls required memorization and focus, making it distracting. The system's control knob often required multiple twists and pushes, detracting from the user experience. Despite these issues, Mazda Connect offered features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bose audio system. The test vehicle included a front-facing camera and a surround-view camera system for easier parking.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its weak point. The 12.3-inch display was controlled by a touchpad, which was unintuitive and required attention away from the road. However, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The center console cleverly housed charging ports and a wireless charging pad. Despite these positives, the infotainment system's complexity made it less appealing compared to competitors like the Genesis GV80.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with its i-Activsense suite offering standard driver assistance features. The 2.5 Turbo Signature trim added a surround-view camera, parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS. However, it lacked a warning for driving without headlights at night, a common issue with its running lights.

The 2024 Acura MDX came with 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 and head-up display. The 2022 MDX, which the 2024 model mirrored, earned a five-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. However, the infotainment system remained a distraction.