There's no shortage of luxury SUVs available to buyers, but how do the 2023 Volvo XC90 and 2023 Acura MDX compare? On the face of it, these three-row SUV both offer an impressive blend of style, technology, and safety features. But according to CarGurus experts there's one clear winner in this content...
2023 Volvo XC90 vs 2023 Acura MDX
Look and Feel
CarGurus experts rate the 2023 Volvo XC90 a perfect 10 out of 10 for its exterior styling and overall quality. Volvo has come a long way from the boxy designs of the past. The XC90 boasts a purposeful yet understated appearance. Its front end exudes strength without being overly flashy, and the trademark "Thor's Hammer" headlights add a contemporary touch. With elegant paint options and a luxurious interior featuring materials like Nappa leather and Orrefors crystal, the XC90 offers a sophisticated aesthetic.
On the style front, the 2023 Acura MDX scores a respectable 7 out of 10. While it may not match the XC90's rating, the MDX has its charm. It features LED lighting, sleek design lines, and a panoramic sunroof as standard. Inside, the MDX impresses with quilted leather seats and various amenities. However, some design elements, like gloss black plastic on the dashboard, might not be to everyone's taste.
Performance
CarGurus experts give the 2023 XC90 a performance rating of 8 out of 10. Volvo has revamped its powertrains, introducing the B5 and B6 mild-hybrid engines. These engines maintain power while improving fuel efficiency courtesy of some light electrified assistance. The XC90 accelerates briskly, handles corners well for its size, and offers a comfortable, quiet ride. It may not have an array of drive modes, but its simplicity appeals to some drivers.
In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX receives a performance rating of 4 out of 10, and faces some challenges in this department. Criticisms in particular can be levelled at the sportier MDX Type S, which boasts a robust turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 355 horsepower, but falls short of expectations thanks to a lack of cohesion in the way it drives. The transmission can feel indecisive, and the handling doesn't inspire confidence. Furthermore, its fuel economy may disappoint, especially considering the engine's size. Our advice is to look elsewhere in the MDX range.
Form and Function
The XC90 excels for front-seat comfort and overall cabin ambiance, but still only earns a rating of 6 out of 10 for form and function. That's because it falls short in terms of storage space and practicality. There's limited cubby space for small items, and accessing the third-row seats can be challenging. Cargo capacity is reasonable, but it lags behind some competitors in its class. To that end, with the third seat in position there's 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space, while with the third-row seats folded down there's 41.8 cubic feet of space.
Acura fights back here, with its MDX focusing on functionality, offering a roomy cabin with versatile seating options. Our experts rate the MDX 7 out of 10 in this category. It provides comfortable second-row seating with multiple configurations, but the third row is better suited for children. Cargo space is good, particularly when all three rows of seats are in use, making the MDX a practical choice for families. Behind the third-row seat the MDX has 18.1 cubic feet of cargo space. This increases to 39.1 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded down.
Technology
CarGurus experts rate the XC90's technology at 7 out of 10. One of its standout features is the 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display, which runs on Google OS. This system integrates Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant as standard features. The natural-language recognition, combined with the ability to issue commands via Google Home devices, enhances user experience. However, some essential functions are buried within the touchscreen interface, which can be frustrating–and dare we say flies in the face of Volvo's drive to build cars that are as safe as possible.
The Acura MDX's technology earns a score of 5 out of 10. It features a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment display, but here's the catch: it relies on the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) instead of a touchscreen. While Acura's intentions with TTI were good, it can be a learning curve for users accustomed to touchscreens. Voice recognition through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a saving grace, but the TTI design sacrifices storage space.
Safety
CarGurus rates the XC90's safety at an impressive 9 out of 10. Volvo has a longstanding reputation for safety, thanks to innovations like the 3-point seat belt. The XC90 holds a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in 2022. It boasts advanced safety tech like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist as standard features.
The Acura MDX scores a 7 out of 10 for safety. It comes equipped with Acura Watch, offering features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are also standard. While the Acura Watch systems are generally accurate, there have been instances of false lane-departure warnings and misinterpretation of road signs.
Cost Effectiveness
CarGurus rates the 2023 XC90's cost-effectiveness at 8 out of 10. Pricing starts at $57,095 for the Core trim and goes up to $70,295 for the Ultimate trim. Adding the B6 powertrain incurs additional costs. The XC90 Recharge, a plug-in hybrid variant, starts at $72,995. While it competes with luxury SUVs like the Audi Q7 and Genesis GV70, the XC90 stands out with its understated luxury.
CarGurus rates the Acura MDX's cost-effectiveness at 7 out of 10. It remains competitively priced in the luxury SUV segment, with the range starting from $49,550, and offering three years of complimentary AcuraLink connected services and free scheduled maintenance for the first two years or 24,000 miles. However, the Type S version, from $67,850, may not be as thrilling to drive as some European competitors, and it has a higher fuel consumption. Our advice would be to look to an MDX trim from lower down the range.
Verdict
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2023 Volvo XC90 is an impressive 8 out of 10, while the 2023 Acura MDX scores 6.2 out of 10. Our recommendation is:
Choose the 2023 Volvo XC90 if:
- You prioritize elegant design and a luxurious interior.
- A balance of power and fuel efficiency is essential to you.
- You prefer a more straightforward driving experience without an overwhelming number of drive modes.
Choose the 2023 Acura MDX if:
- You need a practical family SUV with versatile seating options.
- Cutting-edge technology features are a priority for you.
- You can overlook some performance limitations for the sake of functionality.
As such, while both the 2023 Volvo XC90 and the 2023 Acura MDX have their strengths, is is the XC90 that emerges from this comparison as the preferred choice. Quite simply, Volvo's offering delivers a winning combination of style, performance, and luxury.
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