Acura MDX vs Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid arrived with a bold new design that set it apart from its predecessors. It featured sharp, angular cues across the fascia and down its sides, making it longer and wider than before. The grille, shared with the Santa Cruz, blended seamlessly with the LED headlights, running lights, and turn signals, creating a dramatic, futuristic look. The interior was spacious and airy, with heated front seats, cloth upholstery, and an eight-way power driver seat on the base Blue trim. Higher trims added more luxurious features like a 10.25-inch digital driver information display, wireless device charging, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX Type S Advance trim showcased a more subtle yet luxurious design. It featured chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and 21-inch wheels. The interior boasted perforated Milano leather, aluminum interior trim, and a Sport Appearance package with a black headliner and stainless steel pedal covers. The Type S Advance added open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made it challenging to use some controls.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid impressed with its 1.6-liter turbo-four engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission managed everything admirably, and the responsive steering and outstanding suspension provided a balanced and smooth ride. The Tucson Hybrid's fuel economy was commendable, with an EPA rating of 37 mpg city, 36 highway, and 37 combined. The upcoming plug-in hybrid version promised even better efficiency with an 80 MPGe rating and 33 miles of all-electric range.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters powered all four wheels through Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The MDX Type S featured an Integrated Dynamics System with multiple driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. However, the performance upgrades didn't gel into a cohesive whole, resulting in an indecisive transmission, lack of ride compliance, and poor brake pedal modulation. The MDX Type S averaged 16.9 mpg, falling short of its EPA rating of 19 mpg combined.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offered impressive cargo space, with 38.8 cubic feet in the trunk and 74.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. It also provided excellent front and rear legroom, over 41 inches each, and reclining rear seats. The cargo floor had a dual-level system for added versatility, and the interior featured multiple cupholders and bottle holders.

The 2023 Acura MDX provided three rows of seats with flexible second-row seating options. The Type S Advance trim included 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage, wrapped in quilted leather upholstery. The second-row seats were comfortable and supportive, with heating in the outboard positions. However, the third row was best suited for children due to limited space. The cargo area offered 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded flat. The MDX also featured a hands-free liftgate with a Walk Away Close function.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen in the Limited trim, though it only utilized about 8 inches for Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, requiring a wired connection. The smaller 8-inch screen in lower trims offered wireless connectivity. The touch-capacitive buttons for the infotainment and HVAC controls were frustrating, but the Tucson provided plenty of USB ports and a Bose premium stereo.

The 2023 Acura MDX came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display, operated via a True Touchpad Interface (TTI). The TTI design was not user-friendly, and the touchpad partially blocked the wireless charging pad. However, the MDX featured wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. The Limited trim added a surround-view monitor, highway-driving assist, and unique features like the blind-spot view monitor and remote smart park assist. The Tucson earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.

The 2023 Acura MDX included Acura Watch, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. The MDX also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and additional features in higher trims. However, the MDX experienced some issues with false lane-departure notifications and a collision warning triggered by an overhead exit sign. The MDX earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.