2024 Acura MDX vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

Mazda undoubtedly hit a high note with the 2023 CX-50’s design. The styling featured a blunt nose, a long hood, and a rakish windshield, with the cabin pushed toward the rear wheels. This provided the subtle, seductive beauty Mazda cars and SUVs have displayed over the past decade. But the CX-50 also conveyed a newfound ruggedness with its blistered and boxed fender swells, lower body cladding, and the ubiquitous fake front and rear skid plates commonly seen on crossovers mimicking an SUV. Oversized air intakes and vent designs suggested performance chops and somehow avoided being an eyesore. The combination of these elements, especially when paired with a standard black grille, mirror caps, and optional 20-inch wheels, proved aesthetically appealing. The upcoming CX-50 Meridian Edition expected to join later in the model year promised exclusive wheels, all-terrain tires, splash guards, and a roof-mounted load platform capable of holding a rooftop tent.

The 2023 CX-50 was offered in two versions. The 2.5 S model lineup had a 187-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while the 2.5 Turbo variants featured a more robust 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque with 93-octane fuel. Prices started at $26,800, excluding a $1,225 destination charge. The top-tier model, CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, cost $43,170 with optional Zircon Sand Metallic paint.

Inside, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased black leather with caramel-colored accent stitching on seats, dashboard, and door panels. The driver-focused design, round analog and digital gauges, quality materials, polished metallic trim, and a smattering of controls mirrored Mazda’s traditional styling. However, the lone off-center air vent in the middle of the dash seemed conspicuously small and likely an afterthought. Still, the Mazda CX-50 showcased impressive looks, both inside and out.

Performance-wise, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered practical options geared to versatility. The base 2.5 S with a 187-hp engine and 186 lb-ft of torque, combined with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, promised 27 mpg in combined driving. Those desiring stronger acceleration and a higher towing capacity of 3,500 pounds would prefer the 2.5 Turbo, with variations between 227 hp and 256 hp contingent on fuel type, along with 310 lb-ft to 320 lb-ft of torque. Over a full day of driving on different roads, the turbocharged engine delivered smooth acceleration without noticeable turbo lag. Drive modes such as Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing worked with the SUV’s G-Vectoring Control technology to ensure natural vehicle behavior across various terrains. The CX-50 did suggest a firmer ride quality compared to the CX-5 but could handle off-road terrains reasonably well, nearly matching Subaru’s ground clearance metrics.

The 2024 Acura MDX, on the other hand, featured a 290-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine with 267 lb-ft of torque as a standard powerplant, whereas the Type-S packed a 355-hp twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with 354 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the MDX’s power was transferred to the front wheels or Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System. Our test of the MDX Type-S Advance emphasized its strong acceleration and overall power readiness. Adaptive air suspension offered leveling features and the IDS (Integrated Dynamics System) provided multiple driving modes, including Sport+, Snow, Comfort, and Normal, with Lift Mode adding two inches of ground clearance for off-road ventures. The MDX excelled at offering a luxury driving experience with a sportier, responsive feel, capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

When discussing interior space, comfort, and functionality, both vehicles provided an array of features. The 2023 Mazda CX-50, particularly the 2.5 Turbo model, offered numerous heated amenities such as seats, steering wheel, side mirrors, and windshield wipers. During our warm test conditions, the ventilated front seats proved efficient and comfortable. The driver's and front passenger’s seats were supportive for long durations, though they could benefit from additional side bolstering. Rear-seat comfort was adequate for adults, and nearly all trims provided rear air vents and charging ports, with rear doors opening to nearly 90 degrees for easier access. With 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row expanding to 56.3 cubic feet with seats folded, the CX-50 sacrificed some cargo capacity for its sleek design compared to the Mazda CX-5.

Acura’s 2024 MDX, with standard three-row seating and a focus on second-row comfort, offered spacious first and second rows, while the third row remained useful primarily for children. The MDX provided 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expanded to 39.1 cubic feet with those seats folded, and up to 71.4 cubic feet with both second and third rows down. The additional storage under the cargo floor and the standard power liftgate (hands-free on Advance Package models) added to its utility. The second-row bench included a fold-down center console with cupholders and configurable access to the third row. However, the center stack controls presentation, especially the row of shifting buttons and IDS dial, were areas where the MDX fell short due to clutter and non-intuitive design.

In terms of technology, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mazda Connected Services. Base models came with an 8.8-inch display, while higher trims enjoyed a larger 10.25-inch display. Historically lacking touch functionality, Mazda’s CX-50 introduced touchscreen control for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the display’s distant placement remained a challenge. The available Bose 12-speaker Centerpoint surround sound system appeased non-audiophiles, and the addition of an Active Driving Display or HUD provided important data and blind-spot warnings within the driver’s line of sight.

Contrarily, the 2024 Acura MDX struggled with its technological interface. Though equipped with a 12.3-inch display, the non-touchscreen functionality required users to utilize an unintuitive touchpad. On the bright side, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite and HD radio, Wi-Fi hotspot, and a fully digital instrument panel. The placement of charging ports behind a retractable pad and the leather handrest above the wireless charging pad demonstrated thoughtful design, yet involving the touchpad for feature control detracted from user experience.