2024 Acura MDX vs 2024 Volvo XC90

In 2024, Acura had truly mastered the aesthetic design of the MDX. The large shield grille was paired with rakish headlights and a sleek set of intake vents below, culminating in a modern, refined appearance with the lower bumper area subtly bending for added sophistication. Inside, the MDX was decidedly high-tech, though critics noted the central console’s numerous controls could be overwhelming and cumbersome to operate.

The Acura MDX was available in various trims, referred to as packages, which included the Technology Package, A-Spec Package, and Advance Package. Additionally, the sportier Type-S and Type-S Advance models were available, offering features like tri-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, synthetic leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable front seats, and heated front seats as standard.

The Technology Package added enhancements like ambient cabin lighting, navigation, a 12-speaker ELS premium stereo, and genuine leather upholstery. The A-Spec trim featured unique styling touches, a 16-speaker ELS audio system, perforated leather seats, and ventilated front seats. It also included an in-cabin intercom system for easier communication with the third row. The Advance Package offered additional features such as a heated steering wheel, more USB ports, remote start, and heated second-row seats.

The 2024 Type-S boasted all features from the Technology and A-Spec Packages. The Type-S Advance variant, which was reviewed, had the impressive 26-speaker ELS sound system and luxurious massaging front seats. The massaging seats, firmer and more invigorating compared to other luxury crossovers, were particularly appreciated. While the Mercedes-Benz GLS might have had a superior cabin, the massaging capabilities of the MDX stood out.

Volvo, meanwhile, presented the 2024 XC90 in the B5, B6, and Recharge T8 model series. The XC90 B5 had a turbocharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, while the B6 included a supercharger for enhanced performance. The Recharge T8, a plug-in hybrid, provided the highest performance and efficiency, with an electric-only range of 32 miles—all models featuring standard all-wheel drive (AWD).

Volvo’s trim levels ranged from Core to Plus and Ultimate, with prices starting from $56,000 up to $79,600, excluding the $1,195 destination charge. The Ultimate trim in the Recharge T8 test vehicle included extras such as massaging front seats from the Lounge Package, an active air suspension, a premium headliner, a high-end Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and a trailer hitch for its 5,000-pound towing capacity, marking an MSRP of $89,145.

The XC90’s exterior paint palette was earthy and subdued, consistent with a practical and sustainable luxury SUV. Wheel designs varied, reaching up to 21 inches in diameter, and the Bright theme provided polished metal accents contrasting with the current blacked-out trend.

Inside, the XC90’s interior design was noted as slightly dated but rich in materials, especially in Ultimate trim. Upholstery options ranged from Volvo’s wool-blend to ventilated Nappa leather in various hues. Adding to the cabin’s charm were natural wood trim and the Orrefors crystal shift knob. Volvo also offered customization in mixing and matching paint, wheels, and upholstery.

The 2024 Acura MDX came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine standard, producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type S sported a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with a remarkable 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission. Power was directed to the front wheels or via the available Super-Handling AWD system.

The Type-S Advance driven in the review showcased strong acceleration without harshness. The turbo system provided sufficient power for various driving conditions, from city driving to highway speeds and passing maneuvers. The 10-speed transmission ensured smooth power delivery, and the adaptive air suspension added to its comfort on uneven roads.

The Type-S’s Brembo performance brakes and adaptive air suspension with auto-leveling added agility, and the ride height could be adjusted in the Integrated Dynamics System, offering modes like Sport, Sport+, Snow, Comfort, Normal, Individual, and Lift. The system made the MDX feel agile, with notable suspension control making it firm yet capable of absorbing road imperfections well. The MDX Type-S’s towing capacity topped out at 5,000 pounds with AWD, and 3,500 pounds for FWD models.

Volvo's 2024 XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery with a 107-kilowatt electric motor and the B6’s supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, yielding a substantial 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. The power was delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels.

The Recharge T8 offered 32 miles of electric-only driving with a combined hybrid efficiency of 27 mpg. Recharging took about 12 hours via a standard outlet, which could be cut to around 5.5 hours using a 240-volt, 16-amp outlet. The XC90 included various driving modes: Pure for electric-only driving, Power for performance, and Hybrid for automatic switching. The AWD mode ensured balanced power, and the Off-Road mode offered up to 9.9 inches of ground clearance with the air suspension.

During a hot evaluation day, the XC90 struggled to meet its rated range and efficiency, providing 28 miles on electric power and 24.5 mpg combined. Still, the vehicle demonstrated decent electric performance for daily suburban use, though electric efficiency waned near the battery’s minimum state of charge. When the gas engine engaged, the XC90 exhibited strong, confident acceleration, despite not providing thrilling handling for spirited driving.

The XC90 Recharge’s drawback was the less agile handling compared to its rivals. The heavy steering, firm ride on poor pavement, and noticeable cabin movement detracted from its luxury aspirations. Pilot Assist, Volvo's semi-autonomous driving feature, showed limitations in accuracy and reliability, which was a cause for concern.

The 2024 Acura MDX came with three rows of seating, where the first two offered comfort and support, while the third row was compact, fitting better for children. Cargo space was rated at 16.3 cubic feet with all seats up, expanding to 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded. Maximum cargo capacity reached 71.4 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down. An added storage area was located beneath the cargo floor. The MDX featured a standard power liftgate, with a hands-free option standard on Advance Package models.

In the Type-S Advance model, the second-row bench included a fold-down middle portion with integrated cupholders, though it did not offer an option for second-row captain’s chairs. However, the fold-out armrest in the bench provided individual seating domestically if needed. The cabin had cupholders and storage areas throughout, but the center stack of controls, including the unorthodox touchpad-based shifter, was described as inconvenient and overly complicated.

For 2024, the Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, even at the base Core trim, was well-appointed with power-adjustable heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system with PM2.5 air purification. A panoramic glass roof opened with a one-touch swipe control. Upgrades to Plus and Ultimate trims included a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, ventilated and massaging front seats, enhanced interior lighting, and an integrated booster child seat for added practicality.

The XC90’s front seats featured adjustable lower leg supports, but these might catch on clothing when entering. The seating was comfortable once adjusted, offering a high driving position with good visibility. However, on particularly hot days, the climate control system struggled to cool the cabin efficiently on electric power alone.

The XC90 seated seven or six with optional second-row captain’s chairs. Our test vehicle had a bench seat offering individual climate zones and heating. Access to the third row was tight for adults, but seats were relatively accommodating. Cargo space was not particularly generous with the third-row up, but folding this row offered 65.5 cubic feet of cargo area, and with the second-row down, cargo capacity extended to 85.7 cubic feet.

The 2024 Acura MDX’s infotainment system was, unfortunately, its Achilles heel. While the 12.3-inch display atop the dash appeared to be a touchscreen, it was controlled by a touchpad placed near the shifter. This system was described as unintuitive and frustrating to use.

Despite this drawback, the MDX's technology suite included positive attributes. Standard features encompassed wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Multiple USB ports, a fully digital instrument panel, and wireless device charging were also included. These features were complemented by thoughtful design aspects such as well-placed charging ports and a leather handrest for the touchpad, but the overall infotainment experience needed improvement to compete with rivals like the Genesis GV80.

Contrastingly, the 2024 Volvo XC90 showcased a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system using Google Built-in technology, offering navigation via Google Maps, Google Play access, and a Google Assistant voice recognition system—all available for four years before requiring a subscription. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio, which came with a three-month trial, were also standard. The audio systems ranged from a 14-speaker Harman Kardon setup to a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system.

The addition of Google Built-in from 2023 significantly enhanced the infotainment experience. Although the touchscreen might seem small by modern standards, its proximity to the driver enhanced usability. Volvo’s intuitive interface, combined with old-school control knobs for volume and tuning, made for a satisfying user experience. The voice assistant responded well to commands, though sometimes required varying prompts for optimal functionality.

The XC90 also included a 12-inch digital instrument panel, though it was not always user-friendly. Optional features included a head-up display and a surround-view camera to aid parking, making the technology suite comprehensive, albeit with a few usability quirks.

The 2024 Acura MDX was equipped with a myriad of advanced safety features, standardizing automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, lane departure warning, driver attention monitoring, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Enhanced safety features on the Technology Package included front and rear parking sensors, reverse automatic emergency braking, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The Advance Package offered a 360-degree parking camera system and a head-up display.

The Acura MDX had strong safety scores, reflecting its 2022 predecessor: a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a “Good” rating in all IIHS evaluations, culminating in a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation. Additionally, it received a “Superior” rating for crash prevention technology. However, the less intuitive infotainment system posed a distraction, potentially reducing overall safety.

In 2024, Volvo remained synonymous with safety. The XC90 showcased this reputation with high safety scores, rated five stars in all but rollover resistance (a typical four-star rating) by NHTSA, and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS in 2023, with 2024 data not yet available.

Despite this, the XC90 did not keep pace with the latest in advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). While it included the expected safety features—such as large-animal detection and a driver alert system for moving traffic—the innovative edge seemed missing. The Pilot Assist package, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, demonstrated some inaccuracies and limitations during tests, reinforcing the need for a more advanced semi-autonomous driving system.

Handling errors by Pilot Assist during freeway exit maneuvers undermined confidence in the system. Nevertheless, the suite of ADAS functions generally operated smoothly, aligning with Volvo’s commitment to safety.