2024 Acura MDX vs 2023 Volkswagen ID.4

Volkswagen made subtle styling changes to the 2023 ID.4, including a gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper design aimed at improving aerodynamics. New wheel designs and colors were introduced, and the rear VW logo now lights up. Despite these updates, the ID.4 didn't look particularly SUV-like, lacking the upright profile and ground clearance typical of traditional SUVs. This could be a drawback for buyers attracted to the rugged look of conventional SUVs. However, the ID.4's minimalist interior design and quality materials, including leatherette upholstery with recycled fibers, carried over the best qualities from VW's gasoline models.

The 2024 Acura MDX, on the other hand, nailed its look with a large shield grille flanked by rakish headlights and a modern lower bumper design. Inside, the MDX was high-tech but busy, with a bevy of controls in the center console that could be overwhelming. The MDX was offered in several trims, including the Technology, A-Spec, and Advance Packages, as well as the high-performance Type-S and Type-S Advance. Standard features included tri-zone automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, and a panoramic sunroof. Higher trims added features like ambient cabin lighting, a premium stereo system, and massaging front seats.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two battery pack options: a new 62-kWh pack for the base Standard and S models with RWD, and an 82-kWh pack for the Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus models available with RWD or AWD. Single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while dual-motor AWD models upped the output to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 240 pounds, improving acceleration and handling. However, the ID.4's handling was not as sharp as its acceleration, allowing too much body roll on twisty roads. Regenerative braking was present but did not support one-pedal driving, which might disappoint some EV enthusiasts.

The 2024 Acura MDX came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type-S model featured a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Type-S Advance we drove offered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, thanks to its adaptive air suspension and Brembo performance brakes. The Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) allowed drivers to select from various drive modes, including Sport, Comfort, and Snow, with the Sport+ mode requiring a longer hold to activate. The MDX's natural habitat was the boulevard and highway, where it provided a refined and comfortable ride, although some might find it on the firm side. The MDX's towing capacity maxed out at 5,000 pounds with AWD and 3,500 pounds with FWD.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more interior space than other affordable EVs, with more front-seat and rear-seat legroom than the Chevrolet Bolt EV or Nissan Leaf, and more headroom than the 2023 Kia Niro EV. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The ID.4 also had a towing capacity of 2,200 pounds for RWD models and 2,700 pounds for AWD models. Small interior changes for 2023 included a conventional lid for the center console and a better spot for a phone, as well as three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats.

The 2024 Acura MDX came standard with three rows of seating, with the first two rows being comfortable and supportive, while the third row was best suited for children. It offered 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 39.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and a maximum of 71.4 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The MDX also featured a power liftgate, with a hands-free option available on higher trims. The second-row bench in the Type-S Advance model had a fold-down center console with integrated cupholders and a fold-out center for easier access to the third row. The center console provided ample storage space, but the center stack of controls was cluttered and unintuitive.

For 2023, the Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous 10.0-inch screen on lower trims. The infotainment system received software updates for improved responsiveness, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remained standard. The ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster and natural-language voice recognition were also standard. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were distracting and lacked physical feedback. The ID.Light feature, which changed color based on drive mode and provided navigation cues, was clever but easily overlooked.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its Achilles Heel. The 12.3-inch display atop the dash was not a touchscreen; instead, it was controlled by a touchpad below the shifter, which was unintuitive and frustrating to use. Despite this, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. It also came with multiple USB ports, a fully digital instrument panel, and wireless device charging. The clever placement of charging ports and a leather handrest for the touchpad were thoughtful touches, but the overall infotainment experience was lacking compared to competitors like the Genesis GV80.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with five stars in frontal and side crash tests, and four stars in rollover crash tests. The 2022 model, similar to the 2023 version, earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating. Standard driver-assist features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear park distance control, automatic high beams, traffic-sign recognition, and VW's Travel Assist 2.0. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus automated parking, an automated lane-change feature for Travel Assist, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2024 Acura MDX came with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-departure warning, driver attention monitoring, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Technology Package added front and rear parking sensors, reverse automatic emergency braking, and rain-sensing windshield wipers, while the Advance package included a 360-degree parking camera system and a head-up display. The 2022 MDX, which the 2024 model carried over from, earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from IIHS, with top scores in all crash tests and crash-prevention technology.