2024 Acura MDX vs 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan maintained its design from the previous year, offering a blend of conservative yet graceful styling. It was available in several trims, with the SEL R-Line standing out for its sporty appearance and 20-inch wheels. Despite a variety of color and upholstery options, choices were limited by trim level, which could be frustrating for buyers seeking specific combinations. The interior, while upscale with quality materials and digital instrumentation, had some ergonomic issues, particularly with touch-sensing controls that were not user-friendly.

In contrast, the 2024 Acura MDX boasted a modern and refined exterior with a large shield grille and sleek headlights. Inside, it was high-tech but cluttered, with a center console full of controls that could be overwhelming. The MDX was available in several trims, each adding more luxury and tech features. The Type-S Advance package, which we tested, included premium features like a 26-speaker sound system and massaging front seats. However, the interior's busy design and the clumsy infotainment system detracted from its overall appeal.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. The SEL R-Line trim included AWD as standard, with various driving modes to suit different conditions. While the Tiguan's powertrain was adequate for most situations, it struggled with delayed downshifts and turbo lag. The ride quality was comfortable, with good road feel and stability, but the brake pedal required more effort than expected.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine with 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type-S variant, which we tested, had 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 brakes enhancing its performance. It handled well for its size, with a tight turning radius and a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a spacious interior, especially in AWD models without the third-row seat. The SEL R-Line trim featured comfortable front seats with power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. However, the dashboard's touch-sensing controls were poorly designed, making them difficult to use. The Tiguan excelled in passenger and cargo space, with generous legroom and a large cargo area. With AWD, it provided 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 73.4 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2024 Acura MDX came standard with three rows of seating, though the third row was best suited for children. It offered 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Type-S Advance trim included a second-row bench with a fold-down center console and plenty of storage options. However, the center stack of controls was cluttered, with a touchpad interface that was not intuitive. Despite these issues, the MDX provided a comfortable and versatile interior.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan featured digital instrumentation, with the SEL R-Line trim offering a 10.25-inch display. The infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a nine-speaker Fender sound system, and Car-Net connected services. However, the interface was complex, with multi-layer processes for simple tasks and a voice-recognition system that underperformed.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its weak point, with a 12.3-inch display controlled by a touchpad that was difficult to use. Despite this, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. It also included multiple USB ports, a digital instrument panel, and wireless charging. The clever placement of charging ports and thoughtful design details were overshadowed by the cumbersome infotainment interface.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Front Assist, Side Assist, and an Automatic Post Collision Braking System. The IQ.Drive package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and other advanced safety technologies. While the Tiguan's safety tech performed well, its crash-test ratings were incomplete, with concerns about the driver's door unlatching during a side-impact test.

The 2024 Acura MDX offered a robust set of driver assistance features, such as 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 received high safety ratings, which carried over to the 2024 model. However, the infotainment system remained a distraction, potentially affecting driver focus.