2024 Acura MDX vs 2024 Ford Bronco

The 2024 Acura MDX presented a modern and refined exterior with its large shield grille, rakish headlights, and intake vents, creating a sophisticated presence. Inside, the MDX was high-tech but somewhat cluttered, with a center console filled with controls that could be overwhelming and challenging to operate. The MDX offered various trims, known as packages, including the Technology, A-Spec, and Advance Packages, as well as the Type-S and Type-S Advance. Standard features included tri-zone automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, and a panoramic sunroof. The Type-S Advance package, which was tested, added a 26-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats, providing a luxurious experience.

The 2024 Ford Bronco embraced a retro design reminiscent of the 1960s, particularly successful in the two-door model. The Sasquatch Package enhanced its rugged appearance with a suspension lift and 35-inch mud-terrain tires, giving it a wide stance and purposeful look. The Bronco offered nine trim levels, including the Raptor performance model, and a choice between two-door and four-door body styles. Prices ranged from $41,525 to $91,930, with the test vehicle being a four-door Big Bend trim with the Sasquatch Package. The interior featured marine-grade upholstery, an 8-inch digital display, and a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Bronco's design allowed for an open-air experience with removable roof panels and doors, providing versatility and a unique driving experience.

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 variant featured a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine delivering 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and available Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System. The Type-S Advance package offered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, with Brembo performance brakes and an adaptive air suspension. The MDX's Integrated Dynamics System included various driving modes, such as Sport, Comfort, and Snow, enhancing its versatility. The MDX's towing capacity reached up to 5,000 pounds with AWD, while FWD models maxed out at 3,500 pounds.

The 2024 Ford Bronco Big Bend featured a standard turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission. The optional 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine offered 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, while the Raptor's 3.0-liter V6 delivered 418 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. The Bronco's part-time 4WD system and various G.O.A.T. modes provided off-road capability, with technologies like Trail Control and Trail Turn Assist enhancing its performance. The Bronco's fuel efficiency was a concern, with an EPA rating of 18 mpg combined for the Big Bend Sasquatch. Despite its off-road prowess, the Bronco offered a fun and unique driving experience on-road, with its open-air design and rugged capabilities.

The 2024 Acura MDX offered three rows of seating, with the first two rows being comfortable and supportive, while the third row was smaller and best suited for children. Cargo space measured 16.3 cubic feet 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 down. The MDX featured a power liftgate, with a hands-free option available on higher trims. The center console provided ample storage, though the center stack of controls was cluttered and unintuitive, with a touchpad for the infotainment system that required getting used to.

The 2024 Ford Bronco, particularly in the four-door configuration, offered a spacious interior with room for four adults in the two-door model. The marine-grade vinyl upholstery was durable but not breathable, trapping moisture. The Bronco's design allowed for an open-air experience with removable roof panels and doors, and various storage solutions, including MOLLE panels on the seat backs. Cargo space in the two-door model was 22.4 cubic feet, expanding to 53.3 cubic feet with the rear seats down. The four-door model offered 38.3 cubic feet with the soft top and 83 cubic feet with the seats down, though these numbers decreased slightly with the optional hardtop.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was a weak point, with a 12.3-inch display controlled by a touchpad that was unintuitive and frustrating to use. However, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The center console featured cleverly placed charging ports and a leather handrest for the touchpad, though the overall system was not user-friendly.

The 2024 Ford Bronco came standard with a 12-inch touchscreen Sync 4 infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect services, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. Higher trims included a connected navigation system and a Bang & Olufsen sound system. The Bronco's technology had some connectivity issues, with Apple CarPlay dropping connections and voice recognition being inconsistent. The Bronco Trail App provided access to trail maps and information, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added parking sensors, reverse automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera system. The MDX earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+.

The 2024 Ford Bronco Big Bend included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a backup camera. The Mid Package added Ford Co-Pilot360 technologies, including lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Bronco received favorable ratings from IIHS, except for its headlight performance, and had incomplete NHTSA test results, with a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating.