2024 Acura MDX vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2024 Acura MDX stood apart with its refined and modern presence. Acura had masterfully designed the exterior with a large shield grille flanked by rakish headlights and accented by intake vents. The lower bumper area curved subtly, giving it an effortlessly elegant look. Inside, the cabin was high-tech but somewhat busy. The center console housed a plethora of controls which initially overwhelmed users and proved to be a bit cumbersome to operate.

The MDX was available in multiple trims, referred to as packages: the Technology Package, A-Spec Package, and Advance Package. An additional variant, the MDX Type-S and Type-S Advance, was designed for those seeking better performance and luxury. Each trim offered a host of standard features such as tri-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable front seats, and heated front seats. Higher trims enhanced the luxury experience with upgraded stereo systems, ambient lighting, genuine leather upholstery, and more.

We tested the Type-S Advance, packing in notable luxuries like a 26-speaker ELS sound system and exceptionally lovely massaging front seats, adding to the comfort on long drives. Despite Mercedes-Benz GLS’s superior cabin design, the MDX’s massaging seats were more effective than those of many rivals, providing an invigorating and refreshing ride experience.

Conversely, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 was a rugged, more adventurous alternative to the Mazda CX-5. It had broader, more aggressive dimensions, being 1.4 inches lower, 3 inches wider, and 5.7 inches longer than the CX-5, with a 4.6-inch wheelbase stretch. Its square wheel arches and faux air vents added to its robust appearance.

For 2024, the CX-50 was offered in eight trim levels, including several turbo variants. The design of these trims varied, but the base and higher trims, while diverse, were not easily distinguishable. Our tested model, the 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition, accentuated the active-lifestyle image with all-terrain tires, a black hood graphic, and pronounced rocker-panel trim. Though visually appealing, the lack of suspension changes or additional drive modes limited its off-road capabilities compared to competitors.

Inside, the CX-50 provided a pleasant design imbued with impressive material quality, although it lacked the high-end refinement found in luxury brands. The seating space, although similar to the CX-5, afforded less headroom but slightly more legroom than some of its rivals.

The Acura MDX boasted a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. Its standout variant, the Type S, came equipped with a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that delivered 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission and could be directed to either the front wheels or Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System (AWD).

Driving the 2024 MDX Type-S Advance revealed robust acceleration, handling daily driving demands effortlessly. The vehicle remained comfortable over bumpy roads, and its transmission managed power delivery effectively. The adaptive air suspension provided notable agility, especially when switching to Sport mode, which lowered the ride height for enhanced stability. The MDX's handling was impressive for its class, boasting responsive steering akin to a luxury sedan’s. When properly equipped, the MDX had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

Mazda’s CX-50 offered a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine across all trim levels, with the base version producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged variant provided a substantial power hike, delivering 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel, or 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet on regular fuel. All models featured a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD.

The CX-50’s performance differed from the older CX-5’s sporty driving dynamics, aligning more with standard market expectations. The Meridian Edition’s all-terrain tires added some off-road capability but compromised on-road grip and increased noise levels. The CX-50, though good for daily driving, did not inspire enthusiasm for spirited driving. Its towing capacity maxed out at 3,500 pounds with the turbo engine.

The 2024 Acura MDX came with three rows of seating, providing comfortable accommodations in the first two rows while the third row, being smaller, was more suitable for children. Cargo space was a strong suit, offering 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 all rows down. Additional storage was available under the cargo load floor. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available on higher trims.

The MDX Type-S Advance featured second-row benches with a fold-down center console and integrated cupholders. Although lacking second-row captain’s chairs, the fold-out armrest provided a semblance of individual seating comfort. The extensive array of center console controls was a point of confusion, with features like the IDS dial taking up space without being particularly user-friendly.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered similar passenger space to the Mazda CX-5, slightly compromising headroom for marginally increased legroom. The CX-50 provided 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, expanding to 56.3 cubic feet when folded, making it more spacious than its CX-5 sibling but trailing behind most competitors in cargo capacity.

The CX-50’s cargo area access was slightly enhanced by an available power liftgate. However, functionality fell short, especially for the Meridian Edition, which lacked practical features to accompany its rugged appearance. The interior storage arrangement was sensible but uninspired, featuring a substantial shifter and Mazda’s rotary infotainment controller without altering console space.

The Acura MDX’s technologically advanced but cumbersome infotainment system was a significant shortfall. The 12.3-inch display screen was non-touch, controlled instead by a challenging touchpad. Despite the unintuitive interface, the MDX offered a good feature set, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, satellite radio, HD radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, multiple USB ports, a digital instrument panel, and wireless device charging.

However, the confusing touchpad system detracted from the overall user experience, making it difficult to recommend compared to rivals with more streamlined interfaces, like the Genesis GV80.

Meanwhile, the Mazda CX-50 boasted a 10.25-inch infotainment screen controlled by a rotary dial and complementary buttons on the center console. This non-touchscreen interface required an adjustment period for users familiar with touchscreens. Wireless Apple CarPlay was standard, while Android Auto required a cable connection. Higher trims included wireless phone charging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.

Although not particularly exciting for tech enthusiasts, Mazda’s system offered a straightforward alternative for those averse to excessive technology. Unlike Acura’s touchpad, Mazda's rotary dial provided physical feedback, simplifying use without visual distraction.

The Acura MDX came equipped with an extensive suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, driver attention monitoring, traffic sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional features like parking sensors, reverse automatic emergency braking, rain-sensing wipers, a 360-degree parking camera, and a head-up display were available in higher packages.

The 2024 MDX carried over safety ratings from the 2022 model, which earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS, demonstrating robust crash-prevention capabilities.

Mazda’s CX-50 was awarded the Top Safety Pick by IIHS, achieving top scores in most crash tests and demonstrating superior front-crash prevention, albeit receiving a lower score for nighttime pedestrian detection. NHTSA ratings included a five-star frontal crash-test rating and a four-star rollover rating. Comprehensive safety features were standard, encompassing automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, driver attention monitoring, and emergency lane-keeping.