2024 Acura MDX vs 2024 Genesis GV70

The 2024 Acura MDX was a textbook example of how a luxury SUV should look. Acura's design for this model featured a large shield grille flanked by aggressive, angular headlights. Lower bumper accents and intake vents below the grille further enhanced its modern, refined appearance. Inside, the MDX's high-tech interior was busy yet sophisticated with a center console brimming with controls.

Several trim levels were available for the MDX, starting from the base model and moving up through the Technology Package, A-Spec Package, and Advance Package. A standout in the lineup was the Type-S Advance, boasting standard features like tri-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, and a panoramic sunroof. The Technology Package added plush genuine leather upholstery, a 12-speaker ELS premium stereo system, and ambient cabin lighting. For those opting for the A-Spec trim, unique styling touches, a 16-speaker ELS audio system, and ventilated front seats were notable attractions. This trim also introduced an in-cabin intercom for easy communication across the vast cabin.

The top-tier Type-S Advance package enhanced the luxury experience further with a superb 26-speaker ELS sound system and highly comfortable massaging front seats. These massaging seats were widely regarded as being more effective than those found in competitors, providing active and refreshing massages suitable for long drives.

In contrast, the Genesis GV70's design focused on sleekness and elegance, managing to stand out among its siblings and competitors alike. Genesis retained key styling features like split headlights and a large shield-like grille but implemented them in a more streamlined manner for the GV70. It had a hatchback-like rear window profile and standout elements like large round exhaust outlets for its Sport Prestige trim level.

The GV70 managed to balance SUV size and luxury car style adeptly. While competitors such as the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 favored a puffed-up look and the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class relied heavily on its grille’s emblem for prestige, the GV70's refined styling allowed it to shine. The Electrified GV70 retained most of this styling, offering an electric vehicle that subtly differentiated itself through a uniquely styled grille housing the charge port.

Inside, the GV70 boasted a distinctive design unlike any other new vehicle. Details like an elliptical pod for climate controls and a rotary controller for the infotainment system set it apart. A dashboard with a rounded cross-section resembling an airplane wing further added to the uniqueness. This attention to design details ensured that the GV70’s interior was memorable, holding traditional luxury features like quilted Nappa leather and a panoramic sunroof.

Performance-wise, the 2024 Acura MDX could leverage either a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque or a more powerful twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 in the Type-S, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. Power was distributed through a 10-speed automatic transmission to either the front wheels or the optional Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system (AWD).

The MDX Type-S Advance model distinguished itself with strong acceleration and quick throttle response, thanks to the turbo engine. The adaptive air suspension with Brembo performance brakes contributed to a comfortable yet sporty ride. The Integrated Dynamics System offered modes like Sport, Sport+, Comfort, and others, making the MDX adaptable to different driving scenarios. With a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, it was also practical for hauling needs.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 offered a variety of powertrains, starting with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 delivering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque was available. Both engines came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD.

The Electrified GV70 added another layer of performance with front and rear electric motors producing a combined 429 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, boosted to 483 horsepower for short periods. Despite this impressive power, the GV70 didn't quite match sportier rivals in terms of chassis tuning, feeling heavier and less agile in corners.

Comfort was another focus, but the GV70's suspension struggled to absorb road imperfections smoothly. It offered a refined ride but lagged behind in the sporty or graceful handling categories. Importantly, the Electrified GV70 included adjustable regenerative braking with one-pedal driving capability and a modest EPA-estimated range of 236 miles.

The Acura MDX scored high on practicality and utility. It came with three rows of seating, providing accommodations that were comfortable for most passengers except in the third row, which was best suited for children. The cargo space stood at 16.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded and up to a generous 71.4 cubic feet with both second and third rows down. There was also additional storage beneath the cargo floor. A power liftgate was standard, and a hands-free version came with the Advance Package.

In the Type-S Advance model, a second-row bench seat included a fold-down center console with integrated cupholders. Although captain’s chairs were not available, the console allowed for an individualized seating experience in the second row. The rear row folded easily to enhance accessibility further.

The Genesis GV70 offered comparable interior space, even though it had a slightly lower headroom than the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class due to its streamlined roofline. It, however, provided slightly more front-seat legroom compared to the BMW and Mercedes and marginally less than the Audi. Second-row legroom differences were minimal but leaned in favor of the GV70 over the X3.

Cargo space in the GV70 stood at 28.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, exceeding Mercedes-Benz's 21.9 cubic feet, slightly bettering the BMW’s 28.7, but falling short of the Audi’s 29.5 cubic feet. With the rear seats folded, the GV70’s cargo space expanded to 56.9 cubic feet, less than all its German rivals.

Despite housing a battery pack, the Electrified GV70’s interior dimensions were scarcely affected. It offered nearly the same legroom and marginally reduced headroom compared to its gasoline counterpart. However, the stylish interior design, characterized by the orb-like infotainment controller and curvaceous dashboard, compromised small-item storage somewhat.

The 2024 Acura MDX's technology features were a mixed bag. The 12.3-inch display atop the dash initially looked like a touchscreen but had to be controlled with an unintuitive touchpad located below the shifter. Despite this downfall, the MDX came packed with features like wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and a plethora of USB ports. Standard infotainment offerings included satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Interestingly, Acura thought through the ergonomics around the touchpad and charging pad, integrating a helpful leather handrest. However, the overall complexity of the infotainment interface made it difficult to recommend the MDX strongly, especially against competitors like the Genesis GV70 with more user-friendly technology.

The Genesis GV70 benefited from a simpler, more intuitive infotainment system derived from the Hyundai parts bin. It featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While base models had an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, higher trims offered a fancy 12.3-inch unit with a nostalgic 3D effect. A 12-inch head-up display and a 16-speaker Lexicon audio system were also available.

The touchscreen layout was intuitive, and a rotary controller on the center console offered an alternative method of control. Added tech features included a fingerprint scanner for driver profile management and a digital key for using your smartphone in place of the key fob.

Safety was a strong point for the Acura MDX, which came with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features. Standard offerings included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and more. Higher trims added features like a 360-degree parking camera system and a head-up display.

For crash-test ratings, the 2022 MDX, which shares its design with the 2024 model, earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a ‘Good’ rating from IIHS in all tests. The MDX was also a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+.

In safety, the 2024 Genesis GV70 measured up well. Gasoline models had received a Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS and similar accolades for the Electrified GV70 in previous years. NHTSA ratings for 2024 GV70 models included four-star frontal and rollover ratings and a five-star overall rating for the 2023 model.

Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The GV70 also offered more advanced options like Highway Driving Assist 2, adding lane-change capability and blind-spot monitoring. Unique features such as safe exit assist and a rear occupant alert system with radar further elevated its safety credentials.