2022 Acura MDX vs 2023 Volkswagen Taos

The 2022 Acura MDX presented a refined and modern exterior, with its design rooted in a dedicated platform distinct from its Honda Pilot predecessor. This new generation boasted a longer wheelbase, wider body, and an increased dash-to-axle distance, enhancing its elegant appearance. The MDX's Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels contributed to its sporty and assertive look. Inside, the MDX's cabin was spacious and luxurious, featuring authentic materials like natural wood and real leather. The dashboard's layered design emphasized the cabin's width, while the unique gear selection and infotainment controls added a touch of sophistication. The MDX's interior was available in various themes, offering a rich and customizable experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Taos was designed for affordability and practicality, appealing to a broad audience. Its exterior featured bold 19-inch alloy wheels and a stylish Cornflower Blue paint, giving it an upscale look. Inside, the Taos Highline trim resembled a budget-friendly Audi, with light grey accents, gloss black trim, and leather seats. The Taos offered ample interior space, nearly matching the larger Tiguan model, making it one of the roomiest subcompact SUVs available. Despite its premium appearance, the Taos maintained a focus on practicality and comfort, with features like heated seats and a panoramic sunroof enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Acura MDX was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. It featured a new 10-speed automatic transmission and Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which enhanced cornering feel and control through torque vectoring. The MDX's suspension was upgraded to a double-wishbone setup in the front and a revised multi-link suspension in the rear, improving ride quality and handling. The vehicle's overall stiffness and rigidity were significantly enhanced, providing a solid and confident driving experience. The MDX offered five drive modes, allowing drivers to tailor the vehicle's performance to their preferences.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos, on the other hand, was equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The Taos offered different transmission options depending on the drivetrain, with an eight-speed automatic for FWD and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic for AWD models. The Taos featured up to five driving modes and additional settings for the 4Motion AWD system. However, the powertrain response was unpredictable, with occasional surges of torque and delays in response. Despite its lack of power compared to competitors, the Taos demonstrated a Germanic driving character, with firm handling and excellent visibility. The vehicle's steering was light yet responsive, making it nimble and enjoyable to drive.

The 2022 Acura MDX excelled in versatility, offering comfortable seating for up to seven passengers across three rows. The second row featured a removable centre section and could slide and recline to optimize legroom for passengers. The third row was best suited for smaller passengers, but the MDX's flexible seating arrangement made it a practical choice for families. The vehicle provided ample cargo space, with up to 2,690 litres available when the second and third rows were folded. The MDX also featured a power tailgate with convenient functions like Hands-Free Access and customizable opening height.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos offered a spacious interior, with the Highline trim featuring real leather seats and a range of comfort features. The Taos provided generous rear-seat room, with plenty of legroom and a panoramic sunroof enhancing the passenger experience. Storage space was abundant, with deep wells in the cargo area and a total of 1,866 litres available with the rear seat folded. The Taos also included cold-weather equipment as standard in Canada, such as heated seats and a heated steering wheel, making it a practical choice for Canadian winters.

The 2022 Acura MDX was equipped with advanced technology, 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 configurable digital instrument panel. Amazon Alexa integration, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot were standard. The vehicle also offered a head-up display and a surround-view camera on higher trims, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos came with standard digital instrumentation, with the Highline trim featuring a 10.25-inch display. The infotainment system varied by trim, with the Highline offering an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone connectivity, and an eight-speaker Beats Audio system. However, the user experience was hindered by hidden virtual controls and a challenging radio tuning process. The Taos also included a native navigation system and Car-Net connected services, but the voice-recognition technology was subpar.

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 for collision protection. The MDX's front end was redesigned for pedestrian safety, and it included a low-speed braking control system. The AcuraWatch suite of safety features was standard, offering a comprehensive range of driver assistance technologies.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos improved its safety features, with standard Front Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Comfortline trim added Lane Assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist, while the Highline included parking sensors and a road-sign recognition system. Travel Assist performed well, maintaining proper distance and navigating curves smoothly. However, the Taos's crash-test ratings were decent but not perfect.