2022 Mazda CX-5 vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 underwent subtle yet impactful exterior updates, including new LED headlights and taillights, redesigned bumpers, a revised grille, and a fresh rear liftgate. These changes aimed to enhance the vehicle's premium appeal, especially in the top-tier Signature trim, which featured body-colour lower exterior trim. Inside, the CX-5 maintained its luxurious feel with premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats provided improved comfort, addressing previous complaints about the seating. The CX-5 offered a range of trims, with prices starting at $30,500 and reaching $43,650 for the Signature trim, which included a turbocharged engine as standard.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX presented a more substantial and luxurious appearance, especially in the Type S Ultra trim. The MDX featured chicane-design LED running lights, LED headlights, and 21-inch wheels, contributing to its sophisticated look. Inside, the MDX Type S Ultra boasted quilted leather, aluminum interior trim, and a leather-wrapped dashboard. However, some design choices, such as the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, posed usability challenges. The MDX's exterior design, while appealing, had some angles that made it appear less cohesive. Despite these minor drawbacks, the MDX Type S Ultra aimed to deliver a premium experience, albeit with some areas for improvement.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 offered a choice between two engines. The base engine was a Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder, producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a revised six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). Fuel consumption for this powertrain was rated at 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. For those seeking more power, the turbocharged 2.5-litre engine delivered 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium gas. The turbo engine also featured the revised transmission and AWD, with a fuel consumption rating of 9.8 L/100 km. The CX-5's driving dynamics were enhanced with increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning, providing a quieter and smoother ride.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, generating 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. The MDX Type S featured an Integrated Dynamics System with multiple driving modes, including a Lift mode for increased ground clearance. However, the performance upgrades didn't fully harmonize, resulting in an inconsistent driving experience. The MDX Type S struggled with transmission indecisiveness, lack of ride compliance, and poor brake pedal modulation. Fuel economy was also a concern, with the MDX Type S averaging 13.9 L/100 km in combined driving, falling short of its official rating.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and seating with new furnishings. The updated seats provided better support and a sportier driving position. The CX-5 offered a height-adjustable front passenger seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated and ventilated front seats. However, the back seat remained snug, and the control layout of the Mazda Connect infotainment system was a source of frustration. Cargo space was adequate, with 871 litres behind the rear seats and 1,680 litres with the seats folded down.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats with flexible second-row configurations. The Type S Ultra trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the seats didn't provide the expected level of support for spirited driving. The MDX's second-row seats were comfortable but lacked sufficient legroom in their rearmost position. The third row was best suited for children. The MDX's interior design prioritized style over storage space, with limited storage options in the centre console. Cargo space was generous, with 461 litres behind the third row and 2,021 litres with both rear rows folded flat.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display and Bluetooth connectivity. However, the lack of a touchscreen and natural voice recognition made the system less user-friendly. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, providing access to smartphone features. The CX-5 offered a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system on higher trims, delivering satisfactory audio quality.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a Digital Precision Cockpit with 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 posed usability challenges. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In for voice commands. The top-tier ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers provided impressive sound quality. The MDX also included a head-up display (HUD) with navigation instructions and driving assistance information.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came equipped with the i-Activsense package, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added features like adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including collision mitigation braking, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. The MDX also included rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.