2024 Acura MDX vs 2024 Nissan Rogue

In 2024, the Acura MDX presented a refined and modern look, which was flaunted by its large shield grille, flanked by rakish headlights, and accented intake vents. The bending lower bumper area beneath the grille accentuated the sophisticated presence of the MDX. Inside, the cabin embraced a high-tech but somewhat busy atmosphere with a myriad of controls on the center console. The initial complexity of these controls might have overwhelmed some drivers.

Acura’s trim levels, or “packages”, offered various features. The standard MDX boasted tri-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, synthetic leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable front seats, and heated front seats. The Technology Package upped the ante with ambient cabin lighting, navigation, a 12-speaker ELS premium stereo system, and genuine leather upholstery. The sportier A-Spec trim included unique styling elements, a 16-speaker ELS audio system, perforated leather seats, and ventilated front seats, along with an in-cabin intercom system. The Advance package provided amenities like a heated steering wheel, additional USB ports, remote start, and heated second-row seats.

Notably, the 2024 Type-S and Type-S Advance incorporated all features from the Technology and A-Spec packages. The Type-S Advance model we drove included a 26-speaker ELS sound system and luxurious massaging front seats, which had a firmer, more active massage function conducive to long drives. The cabin, although not quite on par with the Mercedes-Benz GLS’s level of opulence, offered exceedingly comfortable perforated leather upholstery and pleasant massage functionalities.

Conversely, the 2024 Nissan Rogue underwent its first major styling refresh since the 2021 model year, maintaining trim levels such as S, SV, SL, and Platinum. Among the updates was a larger grille harmoniously blending with the stack headlights and distinctive daytime running lights. The rear fascia also saw minor tweaks to the taillight elements.

The Rogue featured satin-finish exterior badging, new 18-inch wheels for the SV model, and 19-inch machined-finish wheels for the Platinum model, which also sported more black exterior trim and an optional black roof. Interior enhancements included a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, providing a more premium vibe. Rogue SV models benefitted from upgraded interior materials across various surfaces. The top-tier Platinum model featured leather seats with elegant quilted stitching, giving the cabin a distinctly upscale feel, worthy of its highest trim level status.

Under the hood, the 2024 Acura MDX came standard with a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type-S variant was equipped with a more powerful twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, delivering an impressive 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission that could drive either the front wheels or the Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System (AWD).

Our experience driving the 2024 Acura MDX Type-S Advance revealed commendable acceleration in most situations due to its turbocharged engine. While it wasn’t designed for head-snapping speed, it didn’t lack power when accelerating from stops, reaching highway speeds, or during passing maneuvers. The 10-speed transmission efficiently managed power, ensuring a smooth throttle delivery. The MDX’s adaptive air suspension and Brembo performance brakes, standard in the Type-S trims, enhanced ride comfort and handling. Particularly, the Integrated Dynamics System added versatility with multiple driving modes, including Sport+, Comfort, and an impressive two-inch Lift mode for off-road conditions. The Type-S’s towing capacity topped out at 5,000 pounds, or 3,500 pounds for front-wheel-drive models.

In contrast, the 2024 Nissan Rogue featured a unique powertrain with a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, a VC-Turbo unit capable of varying compression ratios to balance power and fuel efficiency. This engine produced 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque, surpassing the output of many competitors’ engines within the segment.

Despite the engine’s prowess, the Rogue's standard continuously variable transmission (CVT) fell short, providing sluggish power transfer. While this crossover was not envisioned as a driver’s vehicle, the firmer suspension in our Rogue Platinum test car compromised ride quality without benefiting handling. Nonetheless, the Rogue maintained a quiet and comfortable cabin, which was positively noted.

The 2024 Acura MDX, with its three rows of seating, offered substantial space. The first two rows provided ample comfort and support, while the third row was notably smaller, suitable for children. Cargo capacity started at 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanded to 39.1 cubic feet with it folded down, and maxed out at 71.4 cubic feet when both the second and third rows were folded. The added utility of an underfloor storage area and standard power liftgate (with a hands-free option on higher trims) made it quite practical.

Our MDX Type-S Advance model offered a second-row bench with integrated cupholders and a fold-out armrest, mimicking the experience of second-row captain’s chairs. The center stack, however, posed usability issues with a cumbersome shifter and a large dial for the drive-mode selector, detracting from the car’s otherwise user-friendly design.

Meanwhile, the 2024 Nissan Rogue provided competitive passenger space, nearly matching rivals like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Cargo capacity in the Rogue reached 36.5 cubic feet with the rear seats upright and 74.1 cubic feet with them folded down, slightly less than the CR-V but more than the Forester.

The Rogue’s Divide-N-Hide cargo system added versatility, allowing drivers to switch between a flat cargo floor with hidden storage or a lower floor to maximize cargo height. Additional features like a grocery bag holder and optional power liftgate (motion-activated on higher trims) enhanced practicality. The center console design also allowed for flexible storage options, although accessing some spaces could be awkward.

A glaring drawback of the 2024 Acura MDX was its infotainment system. Despite featuring a 12.3-inch display, the interface relied on an unintuitive touchpad, requiring users to drag their fingers to navigate and select items, often causing frustration.

However, the MDX did offer modern conveniences such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, satellite and HD radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and multiple USB ports. A clever, albeit slightly nonessential, integration of charging ports and a handrest for the touchpad were noteworthy design elements.

In comparison, the 2024 Nissan Rogue’s technology suite was more straightforward and user-friendly. Lower-level trims came with an 8-inch touchscreen, progressing to a 12.3-inch touchscreen in SL and Platinum trims, which included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Nissan went a step further with Google built-in apps on SL and Platinum models, enabling features like Google Maps and Google Assistant directly within the car’s system.

The Rogue provided ample charging options, including multiple USB-C ports and wireless charging, maintaining convenience for modern drivers. Additionally, the extension of Nissan Connect Services’ free trial period to three years, excluding the base model, allowed drivers to enjoy remote connectivity features over a longer duration.

Acura MDX's approach to safety was thoughtful, encompassing a range of standard driver assistance features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and traffic-sign recognition. The Technology Package added parking sensors and reverse automatic emergency braking, while the Advance package featured a 360-degree parking camera system and head-up display.

While the 2024 MDX hadn’t been tested directly, its carryover design from 2022 had earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS. The only point of distraction was its complex infotainment touchpad, which required drivers to divert their attention from the road.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue also held up well in safety aspects, receiving top “Good” ratings in several crash tests and an “Acceptable” rating in the updated side-impact test from IIHS. NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating, with high scores in side crashes and commendable scores in rollover and frontal crash tests.

Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning. ProPilot Assist, an advanced driver assistance system, built on adaptive cruise control to offer highway lane centering, was standard on the SV trim and more advanced on the SL and Platinum, using navigation data for proactive maneuvers.