2024 Acura MDX vs 2023 Subaru Forester

The 2023 Subaru Forester, despite its familiar and somewhat plain exterior, offered a practical and functional design. Its Cascade Green Silica paint was reminiscent of many Foresters from the past, contributing to its unassuming appearance. The Touring trim, however, added a touch of elegance with its 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim. Inside, the Forester Touring featured Saddle Brown leather, exposed stitching, and metallic accents, creating a traditional Subaru interior with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. While the interior was busy with a mix of materials and controls, it was user-friendly and easy to clean, emphasizing practicality over luxury.

In contrast, the 2024 Acura MDX boasted a modern and refined exterior with a large shield grille, rakish headlights, and a sleek lower bumper. Inside, the MDX was high-tech but busy, with a plethora of controls on the center console. The MDX was available in several trims, including the Type-S Advance, which we tested. This trim featured luxurious amenities like massaging front seats and a 26-speaker ELS sound system. The MDX's interior was comfortable and well-appointed, though the center console controls were somewhat overwhelming. Overall, the MDX exuded a sense of luxury and sophistication, appealing to those seeking a more upscale SUV experience.

The 2023 Subaru Forester was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT had eight programmed ratios, and the Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) system offered a Sport mode for enhanced responsiveness. The Forester's X-Mode off-road traction management system, available on all trims except the Base, provided various driving modes for different terrains. During testing, the Forester handled challenging weather conditions with ease, showcasing its capability in adverse environments. While the engine was adequate, it lacked the excitement of a turbocharged option, and the fuel economy fell short of expectations at 25.9 mpg.

The 2024 Acura MDX, particularly the Type-S Advance, featured a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine delivering 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System. The MDX Type-S offered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, with adaptive air suspension and Brembo performance brakes enhancing its performance. The Integrated Dynamics System provided various driving modes, including Sport and Sport+, allowing for a customizable driving experience. The MDX's towing capacity reached up to 5,000 pounds, making it a versatile choice for those needing both power and luxury.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, offering a practical and user-friendly interior. The Premium trim included features like a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats. Higher trims added luxury touches such as leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control. The Forester's standout feature was its excellent outward visibility, thanks to tall glass and thin windshield pillars. However, the panoramic sunroof's lack of tinting could lead to excessive solar heating. The Forester provided ample cargo space, with 26.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 69.1 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2024 Acura MDX came standard with three rows of seating, offering comfort and support in the first two rows, while the third row was more suitable for children. Cargo space was generous, with 16.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The MDX featured a power liftgate and additional storage under the cargo floor. The Type-S Advance trim included a fold-down center console in the second row, enhancing convenience. While the center console provided ample storage, the control layout was cluttered, with a touchpad interface that was less intuitive than traditional controls.

The 2023 Subaru Forester's technology appeared outdated at first glance, but it offered practical features. The Base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services. An 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system was available. The Forester's user interface was straightforward, with separate climate controls and easy-to-use volume and tuning knobs. However, the voice-recognition system was unreliable, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable for navigation and other tasks.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its weak point, with a 12.3-inch display controlled by a touchpad that was unintuitive and cumbersome. Despite this, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The center console featured cleverly placed charging ports and a wireless charging pad. While the MDX's tech features were impressive, the interface detracted from the overall experience. Acura's newer models, like the Integra, offered more intuitive touchscreen setups, highlighting the need for improvement in the MDX's system.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured the next-generation EyeSight system, offering improved driving assistance and collision avoidance technologies. Models with blind-spot monitoring included Automatic Emergency Steering, while higher trims added Rear Automatic Braking. The Touring trim featured a DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System. The Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with some areas for improvement in side-impact and frontal-impact tests. The NHTSA awarded the Forester five-star crash-test ratings, with a four-star rollover resistance rating.

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 system. The 2022 MDX, which the 2024 model mirrored, received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. Despite its strong safety scores, the MDX's infotainment system posed a potential distraction for drivers.