2022 Acura MDX vs 2023 Honda HR-V

The 2022 Acura MDX was a pioneer in the three-row luxury crossover SUV category, offering a spacious interior that belied its compact exterior. Built on a new dedicated platform, the MDX featured a longer wheelbase, wider body, and an increased dash-to-axle distance, enhancing its elegant appearance. The vehicle's exterior design was modern and sporty, highlighted by standard Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels. Inside, the MDX boasted a refined cabin with authentic materials like natural wood and real leather, complemented by high-quality plastics. The dashboard's layered design emphasized cabin width, while the unique gear selection and 12.3-inch infotainment screen added a touch of sophistication. The MDX's interior was available in various colour themes, offering a luxurious feel.

The 2023 Honda HR-V underwent a significant styling update, presenting a sleek and modern look with a lowered beltline and simplified detailing. The removal of black moulding strips and hidden rear door handles contributed to its sophisticated appearance. The HR-V's interior featured new seats with black cloth and heated front seats as standard, while the EX-L trim offered perforated leather seats for added comfort. The cabin design followed the refinement trend set by the 2022 Civic, with a metal honeycomb grille and touch-sensitive lights enhancing its premium feel. Despite its fastback design, the HR-V maintained good visibility, and the mirrors were door-mounted for improved vision. The HR-V's interior was thoughtfully designed, offering a comfortable and ergonomic experience.

The 2022 Acura MDX was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which was standard in Canada. The SH-AWD system allowed for torque vectoring, enhancing cornering feel and control. The MDX's suspension was upgraded with a double-wishbone setup in the front and revised rear multi-link suspension, improving ride quality and sporty handling. The vehicle's overall stiffness and rigidity were enhanced, providing a solid ride feel. The MDX offered five drive modes, allowing drivers to tailor performance to their preferences. During test drives, the MDX impressed with its handling and performance, standing out among competitors like the Lexus RX L and Volvo XC90.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) included a Step-Shift function to mimic traditional automatic transmission sounds. The HR-V offered Normal, Snow, and ECON drive modes, with Sport mode available by shifting the gear lever. The vehicle's new front and independent rear suspensions, along with widened tracks, contributed to a fun driving experience, though it lacked power compared to some competitors. The HR-V's cabin was quieter than its predecessor, but still noisy at higher speeds. The HR-V was available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, with the latter standard on higher trims.

The 2022 Acura MDX, as a three-row SUV, offered versatile seating and cargo options. The first two rows provided comfortable seating, with the second row featuring a removable centre section and adjustable legroom. The third row was best suited for smaller passengers. The MDX offered between 461 and 512 litres of luggage space behind the third row, expandable to 2,690 litres with the second and third rows folded. The power tailgate featured a "Walk Away Close" function and hands-free access. Interior lighting was customizable, with 27 themes available to suit different moods.

The 2023 Honda HR-V, a subcompact SUV, offered a well-thought-out interior with a centre console featuring a shelf for storage. The HR-V's fastback design slightly reduced rear-seat headroom, but cargo space remained competitive, with 691 litres available with the rear seats up and 1,559 litres with them folded. The HR-V's rear seats featured a 60/40 split and a hinge for a higher seating position and a nearly flat floor when folded. The vehicle's passenger volume varied slightly between trims, with the EX-L offering more space. Front legroom improved, while rear legroom decreased slightly.

The 2022 Acura MDX offered a range of tech features, including the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System with 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification. The MDX featured a 12.3-inch infotainment system and a digital instrument panel, both configurable for look and content. Amazon Alexa integration, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad were standard. The MDX also included a head-up display, a surround-view camera, and a WiFi hotspot. The CabinTalk feature acted as an interior PA system for rear passengers.

The 2023 Honda HR-V's infotainment system featured a tablet-style touchscreen with physical knobs for power and volume. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all trims, with wireless versions available on the EX-L. The HR-V included a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and a 7-inch or 9-inch infotainment display, depending on the trim. The EX-L trim added a wireless charging pad and Smart Shortcuts feature. Standard tech features included three USB-A ports, Bluetooth connectivity, keyless entry, and remote start. The audio system varied by trim, with the EX-L offering an eight-speaker setup.

The 2022 Acura MDX received a "Top Safety Pick +" rating from the IIHS, with top marks in every category. The vehicle featured a higher percentage of high-strength steel and an advanced safety structure. The front end was redesigned for pedestrian safety, with an impact-absorbing bumper and deformable hood. The MDX included a low-speed braking control system and the AcuraWatch suite of safety features, such as collision mitigation emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist.

The 2023 Honda HR-V included the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assistance systems as standard across all trims. This suite featured adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. New safety features for 2023 included traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and automatic high-beams. The EX-L trim added front and rear parking sensors. The HR-V received a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, though the NHTSA had not yet rated it.