2023 Nissan Ariya vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Nissan Ariya showcased a modern and striking design, standing out among top-tier electric vehicles. Nissan avoided creases and angles, opting for an oval shape that gave the crossover a smooth, flowing appearance. The front featured thin LED headlights and a black space mimicking a traditional grille, while the rear had a thin taillight spanning its width. Inside, the Ariya boasted beautiful craftsmanship with minimal hard plastic, dual 12-inch monitors, and illuminated haptic buttons, creating a modern and airy cabin.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX Type S Advance trim arrived with a more subtle yet luxurious design. The MDX featured chicane-design LED running lights, 21-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets. Inside, it offered perforated Milano leather, aluminum interior trim, and a Sport Appearance package. The MDX's interior was comfortable but had some design flaws, such as gloss black plastic that made controls challenging to use and electronic transmission switchgear that could be confusing.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya offered a range of trims with varying battery capacities and power outputs. The base Engage FWD trim had a 63-kWh battery and a 160-kW motor producing 214 horsepower. The AWD trims added an extra motor, while the Engage+ AWD and higher trims featured an 87-kWh battery. The FWD models were quick and efficient, with the AWD Ariya Platinum+ delivering 389 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds. The Ariya's steering was quick and direct, and its suspension provided a comfortable ride. The FWD model averaged 3.5 miles per kWh, translating to over 300 miles of range, while the AWD model averaged 3.0 miles per kWh, equating to around 260 miles of range.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. It used a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The MDX Type S featured various driving modes, including Sport+ and Lift mode, which increased ground clearance. However, the performance upgrades didn't gel cohesively, resulting in an indecisive transmission, lack of ride compliance, and poor brake pedal modulation. The MDX Type S averaged 16.9 mpg, falling short of its EPA rating of 19 mpg.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya benefited from its ground-up EV architecture, providing a spacious and airy interior. Both front and rear passengers had ample legroom, although headroom in the back was slightly tight due to the sunroof. The Ariya offered 59 cubic feet of cargo space, comparable to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ford Mustang Mach-E. It featured a powered bin under the center stack, adjustable center console, and various control buttons, enhancing its functionality.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats with flexible second-row seating options. The Type S Advance trim included 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row seats were comfortable and supportive, with heating in the outboard positions. The third row was best suited for children due to limited space. The MDX provided decent cargo space, with 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. However, the interior design prioritized style over storage space, limiting some practical features.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya featured dual 12-inch displays for driver information and infotainment. The screens were crisp and bright, with a seamless physical connection. Wireless Apple CarPlay was standard, while Android Auto required a wired connection. The Ariya also included a head-up display on all but the Engage trim and offered Alexa compatibility for smart home integration. The infotainment system was user-friendly and modern, enhancing the overall tech-forward experience.

The 2023 Acura MDX came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment screen wasn't touch-sensitive, requiring the use of a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the center console. The TTI design had flaws, including a learning curve, reduced storage space, and partial obstruction of the wireless charging pad. The MDX featured wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display, but the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya expanded its tech-focused approach to safety with ProPilot Assist 2.0, offering hands-free driving capabilities and lane-change assist. All Ariya models included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, a driver-attention monitor, and traffic-sign recognition. However, the Ariya hadn't been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured Acura Watch, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and additional safety features in higher trims. The MDX had good crash-test ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA, although it received four stars for frontal-impact protection.