2024 Acura MDX vs 2024 Land Rover Defender

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 at first. The MDX was available in several trims, including the Technology, A-Spec, and Advance Packages, as well as the Type-S and Type-S Advance, which we reviewed. Standard features included tri-zone automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, and a panoramic sunroof. The Type-S Advance added a 26-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats, offering a luxurious experience despite the busy interior.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender combined a classic boxy profile with modern features like angular headlights, aligning it visually with other Land Rover models. However, its interior was more rugged and adventure-ready, similar to a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, but with more soft-touch materials. The Defender was available in three body styles: the two-door 90, the four-door 110, and the extended-wheelbase 130, each with various trims. Our test vehicle, the Defender 110 S, featured the County visual package with vintage graphics and white wheels, emphasizing its throwback appeal. Standard features included 19-inch alloy wheels, partial leather upholstery, and a 10-speaker Meridian sound system, with options for premium leather and additional climate control features.

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. Power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission, with options for front-wheel drive or Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System. The Type-S Advance we drove offered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, with Brembo performance brakes and an adaptive air suspension enhancing its handling. The MDX's towing capacity reached up to 5,000 pounds with AWD, while FWD models maxed out at 3,500 pounds.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered several powertrains, starting with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the P300, producing 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Our P400 test model featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, generating 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The Defender also offered two supercharged 5.0-liter V8 options, with the P500 producing 493 horsepower and the P525 delivering 518 horsepower. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time active four-wheel drive. The Defender's towing capacity reached up to 7,716 pounds with the six-cylinder and eight-cylinder engines. The P400 model provided ample power for highway driving, while the Defender's off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like the Terrain Response 2 system and adaptive air suspension.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured three rows of seating, with the first two rows offering comfort and support, while the third row was more suitable 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 included a power liftgate, with a hands-free option available on higher trims. Our Type-S Advance model had a second-row bench with a fold-down center console and integrated cupholders, though no option for captain's chairs. The center console provided ample storage, but the center stack of controls was cluttered and unintuitive.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered a blend of luxury and functionality, with soft-touch materials, grip handles, and rubberized floors. Seating capacity varied from five to eight passengers, depending on the configuration. The Defender 110 had an optional third row, while the Defender 130 offered three seats in the third row, though space was limited. Cargo capacity varied by model, with the Defender 130 providing up to 76.1 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The Defender 110 offered 78.8 cubic feet in the two-row version, while the two-door Defender 90 provided up to 58.3 cubic feet. The cargo area featured practical hard plastic surfaces, making it easy to clean.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its Achilles Heel, with a clumsy interface controlled by a touchpad rather than a touchscreen. Despite this, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The MDX also included multiple USB ports, a digital instrument panel, and wireless device charging. The touchpad's placement was clever, with a leather handrest above the wireless charging pad, but the system's unintuitive nature detracted from the overall experience.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an 11.4-inch touchscreen, which, while smaller than some competitors, suited the Defender's utilitarian nature. The system included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, HD radio, and a 10-speaker Meridian stereo system. The straightforward setup and home buttons on the touchscreen's rails made it easy to navigate, providing a balance of refinement and utility.

The 2024 Acura MDX came with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and more. The Technology Package added parking sensors and reverse automatic emergency braking, while the Advance package included a 360-degree camera system and a head-up display. The 2022 MDX, which the 2024 model carried over from, earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, with a Superior score for crash-prevention technology.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered a wide range of standard driver assistance features, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. The Defender's lane-departure and lane-keeping assist systems were somewhat intrusive but could be deactivated. As of this writing, the Defender had not been crash-tested by IIHS or NHTSA, which is common for high-end vehicles.