2024 Acura MDX vs 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2024 Acura MDX boasted an impressive exterior design. Acura nailed the look with its large shield grille flanked by rakish headlights and accented by intake vents below. The lower bumper area below the grille almost bent, giving it a modern and refined presence. Inside, it was high-tech yet busy, with a plethora of controls that could be overwhelming at first, and a pain to operate effectively.

The MDX was offered in several trims, known as packages. These included the Technology Package, A-Spec Package, and Advance Package, along with the Acura MDX Type-S and Type-S Advance. Standard features encompassed tri-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, synthetic leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable front seats, and heated front seats.

Gradually moving up to the Technology Package added ambient cabin lighting, navigation, a 12-speaker ELS premium stereo system, and genuine leather upholstery. The A-Spec trim embodied a sportier personality with unique styling touches, an upgraded 16-speaker ELS audio system, perforated leather seats, and ventilated front seats. Additionally, it included an in-cabin intercom system for easy communication with passengers in the third row. The Advance package provided conveniences like a heated steering wheel, additional USB ports, remote start, and heated second-row seats.

The new-for-2024 Type-S included all features from the Technology and A-Spec packages. The Type-S Advance package added exclusive features such as a top-end 26-speaker ELS sound system and gorgeous massaging front seats, making long drives extremely comfortable. The massaging seats were firmer than those in other luxury SUVs, making them more refreshing. Despite the Mercedes-Benz GLS having a more luxurious cabin, the MDX’s massagers were indeed superior.

Meanwhile, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe introduced a radically different aesthetic from its predecessors. Its design, while different, was not unattractive and represented a significant departure from the sleek, futuristic hatchback-styled crossovers of the Hyundai Ioniq lineup.

The Santa Fe adopted a boxy shape that optimized storage capacity, elegantly designed to appear upscale. The aerodynamic efficiency of this boxy design drew attention, turning heads wherever it went, including rural locales like a hole-in-the-wall general store in Tennessee.

Its sophisticated exterior colors included several matte options and new anodized-finish badging introduced on the Ioniq 6. The XRT trim level added a mix of dark chrome and black cladding and trim. Standard 18-inch alloy wheels adorned most trims, while the Limited and Hybrid Calligraphy versions received 20-inch wheels, and the gas-only Calligraphy got 21-inch wheels.

Inside, the Santa Fe offered premium styling. Our test included the all-terrain XRT and fully loaded Calligraphy trims, both impressively decadent. Certain harder materials, like door panels in the Calligraphy trim, were seamlessly integrated to first present plenty of softly padded surfaces. This thoughtful design extended to features like a cocooning fabric covering the headliner, which added to the interior's luxuriousness.

The 2024 Acura MDX’s standard engine was a 3.5-liter V6, producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type-S, however, came with a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, outputting an impressive 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with power sent to the front wheels or Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system.

Driving the MDX Type-S Advance proved its strong acceleration capabilities, courtesy of the turbocharged engine. While it didn’t offer a head-whipping drive (appropriate for a luxury SUV), it never lacked power when needed—whether pulling away from a stop, reaching highway speeds, or overtaking. The 10-speed automatic transmission managed power seamlessly, and throttle response was sharp.

The Type-S trims boasted Brembo performance brakes and an adaptive air suspension that could automatically level. This system allowed the MDX to feel surprisingly agile despite its roughly 4,500-pound weight and even lower the ride height in Sport mode—one of several drive modes available via the Integrated Dynamics System (IDS), which included Sport+, Snow, Comfort, Normal, and Individual modes. The Lift mode added extra ground clearance for off-road trails, although the MDX was primarily at home on the boulevard and highways, where its refined and comfortable ride excelled despite slight firmness.

With a towing capacity that maxed out at 5,000 pounds (or 3,500 pounds for front-wheel-drive models), the MDX was versatile in its utility.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe’s base powertrain was a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, delivering 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive was standard, with an all-wheel-drive option available on all but the off-road-oriented XRT trim, which featured standard AWD.

The Santa Fe included Normal, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with Sport enhancing throttle response and steering for a more dynamic feel. The XRT trim added off-road modes and extra settings. Later in the year, a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid engine would be introduced, offering an estimated combined 231 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque.

Fuel economy for FWD base versions of the Santa Fe was EPA-rated at 20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. AWD versions dropped slightly, with the XRT model seeing 19/26/22 due to its extra ground clearance and 30-inch all-terrain tires. The Santa Fe Hybrid was more efficient with ratings of 36 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined for FWD, with AWD versions slightly less efficient.

Road performance in the Santa Fe Calligraphy was smooth, stable, and mostly devoid of flaws in acceleration, throttle response, and shifting—leading to a comfortable driving experience, despite notable body roll in turns. The XRT trim's off-road capability was equivalent to competitors like the Kia Telluride X-Pro, Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek, and Subaru Forester and Outback Wilderness trims, making it more than suitable for trips to remote campsites.

The 2024 Acura MDX came standard with three rows of seating, offering comfort and support in the first two rows but a smaller third row 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 maxing out at 71.4 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The MDX also provided an additional storage area underneath the cargo load floor. A power liftgate was standard, while a hands-free power liftgate was optional on the base model and standard on Advance Package models.

The Type-S Advance test vehicle featured a second-row bench with a fold-down center console and integrated cupholders. Although second-row captain’s chairs were not an option, the fold-out armrest offered a similar individual-seat experience. The center of the bench folded out for easier access to the third row.

The cabin was equipped with numerous cupholders and ample space for personal items in the center console. However, the center stack of controls was somewhat cluttered. The shifter consisted of a row of buttons that took time to get used to, and the large IDS dial occupied valuable space in the center control area, which could have been better utilized.

On the other hand, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe offered plenty of space, thanks to its boxy design inspired by “chabak” (a combination of “cha” for car and “sak” for stay). The wheelbase was about two inches longer, while the body was two inches longer and taller compared to its predecessor. Hyundai dedicated almost all of this additional space to the cargo area, making it perfect for car camping and tailgating, with an extra-wide tailgate and ample storage.

Though the third row was snug, the first and second rows were spacious and inviting. Hyundai ensured the Santa Fe wouldn’t cannibalize the market with the larger Palisade, making it shorter and narrower. For fully functional third-row usage, the Palisade is recommended. If the second row was to bear most passenger duty, the Santa Fe excelled with options for a bench or reclining captain’s chairs. Upholstery ranged from stain-resistant cloth in the base SE to plush quilted Nappa leather in the Calligraphy trim.

Cargo capacity in the Santa Fe was impressive at 14.6 cubic feet, expanding to 40.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and maxing out at 79.6 cubic feet with the second row folded. Roof rails could support up to 220 pounds, and a new grab handle behind the rear door made loading cargo easier. The Limited and Calligraphy models offered a UV sanitization compartment for small objects, conceived during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The 2024 Acura MDX’s technology features were both impressive and frustrating. The central infotainment system with its 12.3-inch display screen led to disappointment, as the screen wasn’t a touchscreen. Instead, a touchpad below the shifter required dragging and tapping to select items, which was unintuitive.

Despite the clumsy interface, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Multiple USB ports, a fully digital instrument panel, and wireless device charging were also standard. Clever placement of charging ports in the center console included a leather handrest above the touchpad, showcasing thoughtful design elements, even though overall control usability lagged.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe’s technology was a delight. The curved panoramic display in the XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy trims extended from behind the steering wheel to above the center console, blending elegance with functionality. The touchscreen was user-friendly, with intuitive menus and crisp graphics. Pairing a smartphone to wireless Apple CarPlay took seconds, and this feature, along with wireless Android Auto, was standard across the lineup.

The Santa Fe offered a 12-speaker Bose stereo, dynamic voice recognition, and a Wi-Fi hotspot standard in higher trims. Lower trims, like the SE and SEL, had a simpler 12.3-inch touchscreen with essential features, including four USB ports. Most trims included wireless charging, with the Calligraphy earning an extra pair of chargers.

Hyundai’s BlueLink system allowed access via smartphones, with advanced functionality available in SEL and above trims. The Hyundai Pay system facilitated secure, automatic payments at certain vendors, enhancing convenience and security. A first for Hyundai, the Santa Fe integrated a biometric fingerprint scanner for valet mode control and other features.

The 2024 Acura MDX came well-equipped with a suite of high-tech driver-assistance features, including standard 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.

As the 2024 MDX carried over from the 2022 model, its strong safety ratings translated to the current model. The 2022 MDX earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a top score of Good in all IIHS evaluations, making it a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ with Superior crash-prevention technology. However, the infotainment system’s distracting nature presented a potential safety concern.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe had not yet been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but Hyundai’s vehicles typically performed well in these evaluations. Advanced safety and driver-assistance features came standard, including a reversing camera, stop-and-go adaptive cruise control, forward collision-avoidance assist, intersection assist, pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, safe-exit assist, lane-keep assist, lane-following assist, driver-attention monitoring, and a rear-occupant reminder system.

The SEL trim added an upgraded rear-occupant reminder, forward-attention warning, and turn signal side-view mirrors. The XRT trim included Hyundai’s highway limited hands-free driving system. The Limited trim offered a 360-degree camera system, blind-spot view monitor, rain-sensing windshield wipers, comprehensive parking sensors, reverse parking collision assist, remote automatic parking, and a sanitizing glovebox compartment.

The Calligraphy trim featured an expansive head-up display and upgraded collision avoidance systems. The Santa Fe’s innovative driver monitoring system combined infrared camera and steering wheel sensors to track driver alertness, issuing warnings if necessary and stopping the vehicle if needed.