2024 Acura MDX vs 2024 Subaru Outback

The 2024 Subaru Outback maintained its rugged yet refined appearance, with the Wilderness trim receiving a slight update featuring a new front fascia and LED fog lights. The dark gray cladding contrasted beautifully with the Autumn Green Metallic color of the Touring XT model, offering a unique and appealing aesthetic. The Outback's various trims showcased different levels of black and chrome exterior fittings, with the Touring trim displaying the most chrome, which was tastefully executed. Wheel designs varied across trims, with the Wilderness trim featuring matte black wheels, while the Onyx Edition and higher trims boasted larger, machine-finished wheels. Inside, the top-trim Touring XT impressed with its luxurious Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery, elevating the Outback's interior to a level of sophistication not typically associated with the brand.

The 2024 Acura MDX exuded a modern and refined presence with its large shield grille, rakish headlights, and sleek lower bumper design. The interior was high-tech but somewhat cluttered, with a multitude of controls on the center console that could be overwhelming. The MDX was available in several trims, or "packages," including the Technology, A-Spec, and Advance Packages, as well as the performance-oriented Type-S and Type-S Advance. Standard features included tri-zone climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, and a panoramic sunroof. The Technology Package added ambient lighting and navigation, while the A-Spec trim offered a sportier look and upgraded audio system. The Advance Package provided additional comforts like a heated steering wheel and remote start. The Type-S Advance package, which we tested, included a top-end 26-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats, enhancing the luxury experience.

The 2024 Subaru Outback was powered by a "Boxer" horizontally opposed engine, with the base model featuring a 2.5-liter flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The XT trims, including the Wilderness, were equipped with a more powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, and increasing the towing capacity to 3,500 lbs. Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a Lineartronic CVT were standard across the lineup. The Touring XT model we tested showcased the turbo engine's ability to handle the vehicle's weight effectively, providing a comfortable ride with adequate steering feel and a well-engineered suspension. The Outback's ground clearance was 8.7 inches, with the Wilderness trim offering 9.2 inches and additional off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. The Type-S models were equipped with a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, generating 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The MDX 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 Integrated Dynamics System allowed for various driving modes, including Sport and Comfort, while the Lift mode increased ground clearance for off-road adventures. The MDX's towing capacity reached 5,000 pounds with AWD, while FWD models maxed out at 3,500 pounds.

The 2024 Subaru Outback offered ample interior space despite its sleek design, with more headroom and legroom than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The cargo area measured 32.6 cubic feet with all seats in place and 75.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Outback featured dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat starting with the Premium trim. Higher trims added features like heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel. The hands-free power liftgate was standard on most trims, and the Outback's roof rails with retractable cross bars provided additional utility.

The 2024 Acura MDX came standard with three rows of seating, with the first two rows offering comfort and support, while the third row was best suited 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 71.4 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down. The MDX featured a power liftgate, with a hands-free option available on higher trims. The Type-S Advance model included a second-row bench with a fold-down center console and integrated cupholders, providing a versatile seating arrangement. The center console offered ample storage, though the center stack of controls was somewhat cluttered and unintuitive.

The 2024 Subaru Outback's technology offerings included a mix of old-school and modern features. The Touring trim was the only one to include a CD player, while USB-C and USB-A ports were available on all but the base trim. The top-trim model featured an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen, with the base trim retaining a dual-7-inch-screen system. The Subaru Starlink multimedia platform included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, with wireless capability starting with the Premium trim. The Outback also offered Wi-Fi capability, Bluetooth, HD Radio, and SiriusXM connectivity, with most trims featuring a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

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 a range of standard features, including 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 fully digital instrument panel, and wireless device charging. The center console cleverly housed charging ports and a wireless charging pad, though the overall infotainment experience was less intuitive compared to competitors.

The 2024 Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included the EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technologies, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency steering. The Onyx trim added reverse automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring, while the Touring trim featured a wide-angle camera, digital rearview mirror, and driver-attention monitor.

The 2024 Acura MDX came with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. The Technology Package added parking sensors and reverse automatic emergency braking, while the Advance Package included a 360-degree camera system and head-up display. The 2022 MDX, which shares its safety scores with the 2024 model, earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS.