2024 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX presented a sophisticated yet understated design, especially in its Type S Advance trim. This model featured a striking Apex Blue Pearl paint and a refined Orchid interior, setting a high bar for luxury and performance. The MDX Type S was the first Acura SUV to sport the Type S badge, with subtle design cues like chicane-design LED lights and quad exhaust outlets. Inside, the MDX boasted perforated Milano leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package, enhancing its luxurious appeal. However, some design choices, such as the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made controls less intuitive, and the electronic transmission switchgear was occasionally confusing.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser embraced its iconic heritage with a boxy design and a flat roof, reminiscent of its predecessors. Each of the three trims featured unique elements, such as the heritage grille and round or rectangular headlights, paying homage to past models. The Land Cruiser's design was both classic and modern, with LED lighting and color-selectable fog lights. Inside, the focus was on comfort and functionality, with features like heated front seats and a Premium Package offering a moonroof and ventilated seats. The cabin was designed for off-road adventures, with easy access to key controls and a center console cool box for added convenience.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. The MDX Type S featured an Integrated Dynamics System with multiple driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive performance experience. The transmission was often indecisive, and the ride lacked compliance, with squealing tires and poor brake pedal modulation. Fuel economy was also a concern, with the MDX Type S averaging 16.9 mpg, falling short of its EPA rating.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, on the other hand, was equipped with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 1.87-kWh battery and a 48-hp electric motor. This setup delivered 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive. The Land Cruiser featured Toyota's Multi-Terrain Select system, allowing for high and low range operation, and an automatic limited-slip differential. The vehicle excelled in off-road conditions, with features like a push-button disconnect for the front sway bar and an updated CRAWL control function. The Land Cruiser's performance was smooth and unobtrusive, with the transmission and braking systems working seamlessly together.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a spacious interior with three rows of seats, accommodating up to seven passengers. The Type S Advance trim included 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the seats were firm and didn't provide the expected support during spirited driving. The second-row seats were adjustable, but the third row was best suited for children due to limited space. The MDX's cargo area was practical, with a hands-free liftgate and a maximum capacity of 71.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, being a two-row SUV, provided ample space for five passengers. Headroom and legroom were adequate, with easy access to off-road controls on the center console. The cargo area offered 37.5 cubic feet of space, with a raised load floor and a rubber mat for easy cleaning. The Land Cruiser also featured a 120-volt AC outlet and USB-C ports, enhancing its practicality for outdoor adventures.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment system relied on a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) instead of a touchscreen, which was less intuitive and occupied valuable console space. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, along with a premium ELS Studio 3D audio system. A head-up display was also available, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser came with a 12.3-inch center touchscreen display, standard on higher trims, and a Multi-Terrain Monitor system for off-road navigation. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with USB-C ports for connectivity. The middle trim offered a 10-speaker sound system, with an optional upgrade to a 14-speaker JBL system. The Premium Package added a head-up display and a digital rear-view mirror, enhancing the Land Cruiser's tech offerings.

The 2023 Acura MDX was equipped with Acura Watch, a suite of driver assistance and collision avoidance systems. This included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX also featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it had some issues with false lane-departure notifications and collision warnings.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. This included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and lane-tracing assist, along with automatic high beams and road-sign assist. The Premium Package added lane-keep assist and front cross-traffic alert. While the Land Cruiser's safety ratings were not available, Toyota's reputation for safety provided some assurance.