2024 Acura MDX vs 2024 Toyota Sequoia

Acura's 2024 MDX had a striking appearance that resonated well with both critics and consumers. Acura aced the design with a large shield grille flanked by rakish headlights and a pair of intake vents underneath, creating an engaging front fascia. The lower bumper, which bent slightly, added to the vehicle's modern and refined presence. Inside, the MDX exuded a high-tech aura, although the plethora of controls in the center console could be overwhelming at first and proved to be cumbersome to operate in practice. The vehicle came in several trims, called packages—such as the Technology, A-Spec, and Advance Packages. The Type-S and Type-S Advance models, which were particularly noteworthy, included numerous luxury features.

The interior featured tri-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, synthetic leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and power-adjustable heated front seats as standard. The Technology Package added ambient cabin lighting, navigation, a 12-speaker ELS premium stereo system, and genuine leather upholstery. The A-Spec trim was sportier with a unique styling, an upgraded 16-speaker ELS audio system, perforated leather seats, and ventilated front seats. A heated steering wheel, additional USB ports, remote start, and heated second-row seats were part of the Advance package.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia, sharing a platform with the Tundra pickup, also adopted a muscular design language. Featuring hexagonal grilles and strong fender creases, the Sequoia had a stance that evoked strength and robustness. The exterior appearance altered noticeably depending on the color; the Capstone model, with its Celestial Silver paint and chrome accents, struck a subdued "cop car" impression. Conversely, an orange paint job with black accents made the SUV resemble a "Tonka truck."

Inside, the Sequoia echoed the Tundra's blocky geometric dashboard and physical controls for the tri-zone climate system. The top trims boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery. Standard features included fabric seating in the base SR5, SofTex in mid-level trims, and leather in the top-tier Platinum trim. Most trim levels offered a power-tilt and -slide moonroof, with the panoramic version available for higher trims. Both front seats had at least eight-way power adjustment across the lineup, allowing for a tailored seating experience.

The 2024 Acura MDX was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque as standard. The Type S variant came equipped with a more robust twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine delivering 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. Both engines used a 10-speed automatic transmission, with the option for Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System (AWD).

In practice, the MDX Type-S Advance delivered impressive acceleration due to its turbocharged engine, without causing the abrupt jerks typical in performance-focused SUVs. The transmission provided smooth power delivery, and the vehicle felt agile and comfortable over varied terrains. Brembo performance brakes and adaptive air suspension were standard in Type-S trims, enhancing both stopping power and ride comfort. The Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) allowed for multiple drive modes, including Sport+, Snow, Comfort, Normal, and Individual. The MDX had a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, although front-wheel-drive models capped at 3,500 pounds.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was available exclusively as a hybrid, featuring Toyota’s iForce MAX powertrain that combined a twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor. This setup yielded a substantial 437 horsepower and a remarkable 583 pound-feet of torque. Despite the hybrid system, the Sequoia retained a pleasant engine sound and efficiency, boasting an improved fuel economy of 20 mpg combined in 4WD compared to its predecessor's 14 mpg.

The Sequoia's 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly. The TRD Pro model, focused on off-road capabilities, came exclusively with 4WD, while other trims required an additional cost for this option. The off-road package added Bilstein shocks, an electronic locking rear differential, and various driver aids such as Crawl Control and hill-descent control. The Sequoia’s maximum towing capacity reached an impressive 9,520 pounds for the SR5 RWD trim, significantly enhanced from previous models. The optional Tow Technology Package further aided towing maneuvers with a digital rearview mirror and trailer backup guide.

The 2024 Acura MDX offered three rows of seating, with the front two rows providing great comfort and support. The third row was smaller and best suited for children. It provided 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expanded to 39.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The maximum cargo capacity reached 71.4 cubic feet, including an additional compartment under the cargo load floor. All MDX models came with a power liftgate, with the hands-free option standard on the Advance Package.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Sequoia boasted a maximum cargo capacity of 86.9 cubic feet with all seats folded down. The space behind the second row offered 49 cubic feet, while space behind the third row ranged between 11.5 to 22.3 cubic feet, depending on the seat position. Though the second-row seats didn't slide, they were easy to move for accessing the third row. Folding the third-row seats wasn't flat due to the hybrid powertrain’s battery placement, reducing its headroom. The Sequoia also featured a power-deploying running board, useful for shorter occupants. Second-row captain’s chairs were standard in higher trims, and these seats lacked extensive bolstering but were wide enough for comfort.

The 2024 Acura MDX had an advanced yet frustrating infotainment system. Despite the 12.3-inch display screen, the touchpad below the shifter acted as the primary control interface, which proved to be cumbersome. This touchpad required dragging a finger and tapping to select items on the screen. However, the MDX provided numerous high-tech features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, integrated Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. It also boasted multiple USB ports, a fully digital instrument panel, and wireless device charging. Small but thoughtful touches, like the hidden charging ports in the center console, were evident.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia’s tech package felt modern and user-friendly. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across trims, with entry-level models featuring an 8-inch touchscreen and higher trims upgrading to a 14-inch display. While the interface had quite a bit of empty white space, it was easy to navigate and use. A full-color 12.3-inch driver-information display was standard, as was a panoramic view monitor to assist with the Sequoia’s large frame. Higher trims included a 10-inch color head-up display and a 14-speaker JBL premium audio system.

The 2024 Acura MDX was packed with high-tech driver assistance features. Standard safety features included 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. The Technology Package added front and rear parking sensors and reverse automatic emergency braking. The Advance Package featured a 360-degree parking camera system and head-up display. Although crash test ratings for the 2024 model weren't available, the 2022 MDX, with identical specifications, earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a "Good" rating from IIHS, making it a Top Safety Pick+.

Toyota ensured comprehensive safety features across all Sequoia trims with the TSS 2.5 suite. This included pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and Trailer Merge Warning was standard, enhancing safety while towing. The optional Tow Technology Package offered extensions for rear visibility, crucial during towing. Like the MDX, the 2024 Sequoia wasn't rated yet, but the Tundra, its mechanical twin, had earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, suggesting similar safety standards.