2024 Hyundai Palisade vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX presented a sophisticated yet subtle design, especially in its Type S Ultra trim. This model featured chicane-design LED running lights, taillights, and LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation. The exterior was marked by minor front styling modifications, muted badges, and 21-inch wheels, giving it a poised stance. Inside, the MDX Type S Ultra boasted quilted leather, aluminum interior trim, and a Sport Appearance package, which included a black headliner and stainless steel pedal covers. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made it difficult to use certain controls, and the electronic transmission switchgear was occasionally confusing.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Palisade stood out with its distinctive styling, which set it apart from other family-friendly SUVs. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim, tested in the U.S. equivalent, featured an artificial suede headliner, quality upholstery, metal speaker grilles, and striped dashboard and door trim, lending it a luxurious feel. The Palisade's interior exuded sophistication, making it comparable to a luxury SUV. The exterior design might not have appealed to everyone, but for those who appreciated its looks, the Palisade offered a well-rounded package.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This was a significant increase over the standard 3.5-litre V6, but the Type S also weighed more, which affected its performance. The 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 the engine's output to a single rear wheel. Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience. The transmission was indecisive, the ride lacked compliance, and the brake pedal modulation was poor. The fuel economy was also disappointing, with the test drive averaging 13.9 L/100 km, falling short of the official rating.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade, on the other hand, was equipped with a 3.8-litre V6 engine generating 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission powered the wheels, and all-wheel drive was standard in Canada. The Palisade offered several driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Smart, and Snow. The V6 engine provided ample power and satisfying acceleration, with the transmission always in the right gear. The AWD system distributed power effectively on dirt and gravel roads. The Palisade averaged 15.0 L/100 km during testing, slightly higher than the official rating. The suspension was tuned for a firmer ride, but it remained comfortable, and the brakes performed well under stress.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats, with the option of two or three second-row seating positions. The Type S Ultra trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the seats were firm and didn't hold occupants in place as well as expected. The second-row seat was comfortable and supportive, with heating for the outboard positions. The third row was best suited for children due to limited space. The cargo area provided 461 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 1,107 litres with the third row folded and 2,021 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with artificial leather upholstery in the Urban trim and premium Nappa leather in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. The front seats were heated and ventilated, with memory settings and an adjustable thigh support cushion for the driver. The second row featured a three-person bench seat or optional captain's chairs, with excellent comfort and rear climate control. The third row was more comfortable and roomy than most rivals, with standard heating and air conditioning vents. The Palisade provided 509 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,297 litres with the third row folded and 2,447 litres with the second row down.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment screen wasn't touch-sensitive, requiring the use of a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the centre console. This system was not intuitive and detracted from the overall experience. The MDX offered Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In. The top-tier ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers provided excellent sound quality. A 10.5-inch head-up display was available with the Platinum Elite and Type S Ultra packages.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a rear-seat Quiet Mode. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a cable connection. The Palisade's voice recognition system worked well, though it struggled with specific music requests. Hyundai's Bluelink connected services were included with a three-year subscription. The standard 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system delivered excellent audio quality. Additional technologies included a digital rearview mirror, a semi-autonomous remote parking system, and an available head-up display.

The 2023 Acura MDX was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a collision mitigation braking system, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. It also had rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it earned four stars for frontal-impact protection.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade featured a robust set of driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. Highway Driving Assist was standard, providing a hands-on driving system for highway travel. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though the NHTSA's frontal impact test results were incomplete.