2023 Volvo XC90 vs 2024 Acura MDX

The 2023 Volvo XC90 presented a grand departure from the boxy silhouettes of Volvo's past, embracing a sleeker, refined design that greatly enhanced its street presence. The vehicle sported a solid, unassuming front end, punctuated with its distinctive "Thor's Hammer" headlights that added a contemporary touch absent in older models. The Platinum Gray exterior brought a subtle depth under sunlight, marking an evolution in Volvo's traditionally understated color palette. Inside, the cabin embodied Scandinavian elegance with its luxurious materials such as Nappa leather, wood inlays, and minimalistic controls that supported a clean aesthetic. In contrast, the 2024 Acura MDX showcased a bold, sporty exterior with a prominent shield grille and dynamic headlight design. Its interior, brimming with technological inputs and busy layouts, featured a high-tech environment that required some adaptation. However, luxuries like the massaging front seats in the Type-S Advance package and a plethora of high-end features across its trims—from the Technology Package to the A-Spec Package—combined comfort with sophistication.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 transitioned to mild-hybrid technology with its B5 and B6 powertrains. The B6 variant, in particular, delivered a commendable 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, ensuring robust acceleration despite its sizable form. The vehicle handled admirably in diverse driving conditions, including a New Hampshire snowstorm, proving its capability beyond mere urban commutes. Meanwhile, the 2024 Acura MDX offered a vigorous standard 3.5-liter V6 engine and an even more potent twin-scroll turbocharged V6 in the Type-S, pushing out 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This setup facilitated responsive handling and swift maneuvers, aptly supported by advanced driving dynamics and a variety of terrain modes in the Integrated Dynamics System. The MDX's performance brakes and adaptive air suspension further accentuated its agility on the road.

Interior space in the 2023 Volvo XC90 felt limited compared to its competitors, with the standard second-row bench complicating access to the modest third row. Despite the elegant interiors, practical challenges persisted, such as inadequate cubby space for personal items. With all seats engaged, cargo capacity stood at 12.5 cubic feet, expanding up to 65.5 cubic feet, which did not quite measure up to industry leaders in this class. The 2024 Acura MDX, alternatively, boasted a more generous interior layout. With 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 71.4 cubic feet with second and third rows folded, it excelled in providing practical storage solutions. The MDX also ensured accessibility with its standard three-row seating and a sensible arrangement of cupholders and storage compartments, despite some criticisms regarding the cluttered center stack of controls.

Volvo's integration of Google OS in the 2023 XC90 brought a sophisticated 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that excelled in user interaction, although reliance on screen-based controls could frustrate some users. Features like Google Assistant and native apps such as Google Maps enriched the tech experience. Conversely, the 2024 Acura MDX suffered from an unintuitive touchpad-operated infotainment system that compromised its otherwise rich technological offerings, including wireless connectivity options and advanced audio systems. This setup posed a significant distraction, potentially detracting from the overall user satisfaction.

Volvo maintained its reputation for safety in the 2023 XC90, which boasted advanced driver assistance systems and a commendable safety rating from both the NHTSA and IIHS. Features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist highlighted Volvo's commitment to driver safety. The Acura MDX also came equipped with an impressive array of safety features, including standard automatic emergency braking and an available 360-degree camera system. While it matched the XC90 in safety ratings, the cumbersome infotainment system did raise concerns about driver distraction.