2023 Toyota 4Runner vs 2024 Acura MDX

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner, particularly the 40th Anniversary Special Edition (4 ASE), paid homage to its rugged roots with a heavy dose of retro aesthetics. Based on the SR5 Premium trim, the 4 ASE added $4,505 to its price, with $1,875 covering the standard four-wheel-drive system. For the remaining $2,630, buyers got retro body stripes, a heritage grille design, 17-inch bronze wheels, and various bronze badges and stitching. This edition was a nostalgic nod to the 1970s, complete with groovy yellow, orange, and red stripes that evoked comparisons to SoCal surfing culture. The design was consistent with the fifth-generation 4Runner, keeping its rugged, truck-based appearance which, despite plenty of plastic, felt solid and functional. Large, easy-to-use controls were a particularly welcome feature, especially in less-than-ideal weather conditions. The 2024 Acura MDX, on the other hand, exuded modern luxury with a refined exterior and high-tech but busy interior. The large shield grille was flanked by sleek headlights and emphasized by intake vents below. The bumper’s curvaceous design added to its contemporary elegance. Inside, the MDX was packed with features, though the busy center console could be overwhelming. Standard features included tri-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and power-adjustable heated front seats. Upgrading to the Technology, A-Spec, or Advance Packages added more luxurious touches like ambient lighting, a premium stereo system, and genuine leather upholstery. The Type-S Advance model, which we reviewed, included standout features like a 26-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats, making it a comfortable and tech-rich ride.

Every 2023 Toyota 4Runner came equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine that delivered 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. This setup provided a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. There were two available four-wheel-drive systems, with the Limited trim offering a full-time 4WD option. Regardless of drivetrain, the 4Runner’s fuel economy was 17 mpg combined, although our test with the 40 ASE clocked in at 16.9 mpg. With at least nine inches of ground clearance, various off-roading technologies, and a body-on-frame construction, the 4Runner excelled off-road. However, its road manners left much to be desired, with slow acceleration, heavy steering, and less precise brake response. It still performed admirably in challenging conditions like the “Pineapple Express” storms in California but revealed limitations in routine urban settings. The 2024 Acura MDX featured a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. The Type-S model, which we drove, had a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System, the MDX Type-S offered robust acceleration and smooth power delivery. Brembo performance brakes and an adaptive air suspension contributed to its dynamic handling, allowing adjustments in ride height and comfort levels across various driving modes, including a Lift mode for increased ground clearance. With a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, the MDX was well-suited for both daily commutes and long-distance journeys, delivering a comfortable yet sporty driving experience that outshined the 4Runner’s rugged but less refined performance.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner impressed with its versatile use of space. One unique feature was its back window, which powered down into the tailgate for excellent flow-through ventilation. However, the high step-in height could be challenging for shorter individuals. Inside, the seats were generally comfortable, with the 40 ASE offering heated front seats in SofTex artificial leather. The second row provided ample legroom, headroom, and amenities like air vents and USB ports. The optional third row, while providing additional seating, compromised cargo space and comfort. Without the third row, the 4Runner offered 46.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 89.7 cubic feet by folding the second-row seats. This space made it a practical choice for outdoor adventures, complete with handy storage cubbies, a sliding cargo floor option, and a 120-volt AC outlet. Conversely, the 2024 Acura MDX came standard with three rows of seating. The first two rows were comfortable and supportive, while the third row was more suitable for children. Cargo capacity started at 16.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expanded to 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded. With both the second and third rows folded, the MDX offered up to 71.4 cubic feet of cargo space. Additional storage under the cargo floor and a standard power liftgate enhanced its practicality. The second-row bench seat in the Type-S Advance model featured a fold-down center console, adding flexibility and ease of access to the third row. The MDX's cabin also provided numerous cupholders and ample storage space, though the busy center stack of controls detracted from its convenience.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner was somewhat sparse on modern technology, featuring traditional analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen, the largest available. Yet, this simplicity had its appeal, as the large knobs and buttons were user-friendly even while wearing gloves. Despite its dated graphics, the infotainment system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, and could be transformed into a Wi-Fi hotspot. Connected services, including a JBL premium sound system and navigation, were available as upgrades. The system's home screen displayed multiple functions simultaneously, enhancing usability. Voice recognition was mostly accurate, navigating well through standard commands, but it fell short in more complex tasks such as genre-specific music searches. The 2024 Acura MDX’s infotainment system was its Achilles heel. Despite sporting a 12.3-inch display, it was controlled by a cumbersome touchpad located below the shifter, which proved unintuitive. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The MDX’s digital instrument panel and wireless device charging were practical additions, but the poorly designed infotainment interface overshadowed these features. The clever placement of charging ports and integrated handrest highlighted thoughtful design, yet the overall experience was hindered by the touchpad's lack of user-friendliness. This was a glaring contrast to competitors that offered more intuitive touchscreen setups.

Safety was a strong suit for both vehicles, though each had unique strengths and weaknesses. The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and a rear-seat reminder system. The inclusion of blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard was a welcome update. Adaptive cruise control performed smoothly, but lane-departure warning could be overly sensitive. The 4Runner’s age showed in crash-test ratings: it received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with three-star ratings for front passenger protection and rollover resistance. IIHS ratings were less complete, but it received a Marginal rating for driver protection in the small overlap frontal-impact test. The 2024 Acura MDX offered an impressive suite of high-tech driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-departure warning, and more. The Technology Package added front and rear parking sensors and reverse automatic emergency braking, while the Advance package included a 360-degree camera system and head-up display. Though not yet tested for 2024, the 2022 MDX, which shares the same structure, earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, with top scores in crash-prevention technology. However, the unintuitive infotainment system could distract drivers, detracting slightly from its otherwise strong safety profile.