2023 Subaru Outback vs 2023 Acura MDX

For 2023, Subaru gave the Outback a facelift, featuring a new front end with redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray vertical cladding. This design made it appear as though the Outback had large air intakes at each corner. The addition of a jutting simulated skid plate, fog lights nestled into oversized housings, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim reminiscent of the Wilderness model gave the 2023 Outback a more aggressive appearance.

The Onyx Edition, one of six trim designations for the Outback, became more accessible in 2023 with the base powertrain option, starting at $33,495. Outbacks equipped with the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine ranged from $28,395 to $39,845, while the turbocharged XT models ranged from $38,445 to $42,295. Our test vehicle, a Touring trim with the standard powertrain, featured Cosmic Blue paint and Java Brown premium Nappa leather upholstery, with an MSRP of $41,070. The interior of the Touring trim was upscale and cohesive, with Java Brown leather contrasting beautifully with the black interior and light gray contrast stitching on the dashboard.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered standard and Type S versions, each with trim packages that increased the amount of equipment. The standard MDX came in a base level with available Technology, A-Spec, and Advance packages, while the MDX Type S was offered in standard spec or with an Advance package. Prices ranged from $49,550 to $73,200.

Our test vehicle, a Type S Advance trim, featured extra-cost Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid (white) interior, with an MSRP of $74,995. The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to wear the Type S badge, featuring chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and 21-inch wheels. The Type S Advance added open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard, creating an appealing interior. However, the gloss black plastic on the dashboard made it challenging to find and use some controls, and the electronic transmission switchgear was confusing.

The 2023 Subaru Outback used horizontally opposed engines, known as boxer types, which helped reduce the vehicle’s center of gravity for better handling. The standard engine produced 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. However, our 3,781-pound test vehicle felt underpowered, especially when passing or climbing. Subaru claimed a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, but the engine’s performance and fuel efficiency were disappointing, with an average of 25.6 mpg compared to the EPA’s 28 mpg estimate.

The turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine in the Outback XT models produced 260 hp at 5,600 rpm and 277 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 rpm and 4,800 rpm. These models were less fuel-efficient, with most rated at 25 mpg combined, and the Wilderness trim rated at 23 mpg. The CVT in all Outback models was programmed to mimic an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the Active Torque Split AWD system was standard. The Outback’s X-Mode traction system and hill descent control enhanced its off-road capabilities, while its excellent visibility and high stance made it easy to navigate tight spaces in the city.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine generating 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The Integrated Dynamics System offered various driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. However, the performance upgrades did not create a cohesive driving experience, with issues such as an indecisive transmission, lack of ride compliance, and poor brake pedal modulation. The MDX Type S averaged 16.9 mpg on the evaluation route, falling short of the EPA’s 19 mpg estimate.

The MDX Type S struggled as a driver’s SUV, with the transmission sometimes confused in Sport mode and the paddle shifters being unsatisfying. The Electro-Servo brakes did not provide consistent pedal feel, and the Continental self-sealing performance all-season tires squealed before losing grip. Overall, the MDX Type S lacked the cohesion needed for a performance model, making the standard MDX with the A-Spec package a better choice for driving enthusiasts.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a purposeful roof rack, flat door sill trim, and a dashboard storage shelf. Our Touring test vehicle had a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger’s seat, and heated and ventilated seats wrapped in premium Nappa leather. The rear outboard seats were also heated. The Outback’s interior was comfortable, with ample legroom and storage space, though wind noise was an issue on the highway.

The Outback’s cargo space measured 32.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 75.6 cubic feet with the back seat folded down. The flat, textured plastic door sills served as steps to reach the roof rack, which was robust and ready for accessories. However, the Outback could benefit from more practical storage space in the center console.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats with the option of two or three second-row seating positions. Our Type S Advance test vehicle had 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage, wrapped in quilted leather upholstery. The second-row seat could be configured for a pass-through or a center armrest with cupholders and a storage tray. The third-row seat was best for children, as it was a tight squeeze for adults.

The MDX’s cargo area provided 18.1 cubic feet of space behind the third-row seat, 39.1 cubic feet with the third-row seat folded down, and a maximum of 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded flat. The power liftgate and underfloor storage bin added convenience, while the hands-free liftgate with Walk Away Close function was a thoughtful feature.

Every 2023 Subaru Outback except for the Base trim featured a Starlink 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with physical controls for volume, tuning, and climate control. The base Outback’s 7-inch touchscreen included Bluetooth connectivity, wired Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The 11.6-inch system offered wireless connectivity for Apple and Android platforms, access to Starlink connected services, and an optional Harman Kardon premium audio system. However, the native voice recognition system was unreliable, making wireless smartphone connectivity essential.

Additional technologies included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera. However, a surround-view camera was not available on the Outback.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a Digital Precision Cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. The infotainment system used a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the center console, which was not user-friendly and took up valuable storage space. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, but the native voice recognition system was frustrating to use.

Additional infotainment features included SiriusXM satellite radio, a native navigation system, and AcuraLink connected services with a complimentary three-year subscription. The MDX also offered several sound systems, with the top-shelf Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D audio system providing excellent sound quality. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured new EyeSight cameras and an electronic brake booster, earning top marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Base model included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Higher trims added a blind-spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert, and a new Automatic Emergency Steering system. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist systems felt artificial, and the rear automatic braking system was incompatible with some driveways.

The 2023 Acura MDX included Acura Watch, a collection of driving assistance and collision avoidance systems. These features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. The MDX also had a blind-spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert, and optional front and rear parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The MDX earned good crash-test ratings from the IIHS and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.