2022 Ford Explorer vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered a wide range of models, from the base version priced at $33,745 to the top-tier King Ranch at $54,495, excluding a $1,495 destination charge. The lineup included the rugged Timberline and luxurious King Ranch trims, with the new ST-Line adding a sporty flair to the XLT. Our test vehicle, the King Ranch, featured 4WD, Rapid Red paint, a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof, bringing the MSRP to $59,880. Despite its high price, the King Ranch's visual differences from other trims were minimal, save for its emblems, 20-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets. The Explorer's rear-drive platform allowed for a long hood and athletic appearance, while the interior boasted exclusive Del Rio leather seating and King Ranch branding. However, the cabin's mix of quality materials and some cheaper elements was noticeable.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX came in standard and Type S versions, with prices ranging from $49,550 to $73,200, plus a $1,195 destination charge. Our test vehicle, a Type S Advance, featured Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid interior, with an MSRP of $74,995. The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to wear the Type S badge, offering subtle yet sporty styling. It included chicane-design LED lights, 21-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets. Inside, the Type S featured perforated Milano leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package, with the Advance trim adding open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made controls difficult to use, and the electronic transmission switchgear was confusing.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims came with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and RWD, with 4WD available. This engine provided up to 24 mpg in combined driving and a towing capacity of 5,300 pounds. The Limited trim also offered a hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.3-liter V6, generating 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs and up to 27 mpg in combined driving. The top-tier ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 5,600 lbs and up to 21 mpg in combined driving. Our King Ranch 4WD test vehicle averaged 20.6 mpg. The Explorer's ride was robust, handling off-road terrain well despite its 7.9 inches of ground clearance. The Timberline model offered even better off-road capabilities with 8.7 inches of ground clearance. For daily driving, the Explorer felt athletic and engaging, with the sport-tuned ST trim offering additional performance features.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). This system could direct up to 70 percent of engine output to a single rear wheel, enhancing cornering performance. The MDX Type S also included an Integrated Dynamics System with Snow, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes, and an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. However, the Type S's performance upgrades, including a solid front stabilizer bar, Electro-Servo brakes, and larger front brake rotors, did not create a cohesive driving experience. The transmission was indecisive, the ride lacked compliance, and the brake pedal response was inconsistent. The MDX Type S averaged 16.9 mpg during testing, falling short of its 19 mpg EPA rating. The turbocharged V6 provided quick acceleration but at the cost of poor fuel economy. The suspension transmitted bumps harshly, and the vehicle struggled with handling in Sport mode. The Electro-Servo brakes were difficult to modulate, and the tires squealed early, indicating a lack of grip. Overall, the MDX Type S did not deliver a satisfying performance experience.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided ample comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. However, the third-row seat was only suitable for children due to the rear-drive platform, low roofline, and tapered tail. The King Ranch trim included triple-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, and the second-row seats were nearly as accommodating. However, the third-row seat was difficult for adults to access and lacked legroom. The Explorer's cabin storage was limited, with missed opportunities for additional storage spaces. The King Ranch had a hands-free power liftgate, providing 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 47.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87.8 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats with the option for two or three second-row seating positions. Our Type S Advance test vehicle included triple-zone automatic climate control, 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage, and a heated steering wheel. The front seats were firm and did not hold the driver in place well during enthusiastic driving. The second-row seat was comfortable and supportive, with heating for the outboard positions in the Advance trim. The third-row seat was best for children, as it was difficult for adults to access. The MDX's cabin prioritized style over storage space, with a small center armrest bin and a touchpad interface that took up valuable space. The cargo area offered 18.1 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The Type S Advance included a hands-free liftgate with a Walk Away Close function.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of its Sync 3 infotainment system, with either an 8-inch or a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The smaller screen was well integrated, while the larger screen looked like an afterthought. Our test vehicle included FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Ford+Alexa functionality, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a navigation system. The King Ranch trim added wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera system, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. However, the Sync 3 system's voice recognition was outdated and struggled with basic commands. The King Ranch also included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0, which could autonomously park the vehicle. An available rear-seat entertainment system included dual rear touchscreen displays.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment screen was not touch-sensitive and required the use of a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the center console. The TTI design took up valuable space and was not as intuitive as a touchscreen. The MDX included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa Built-In, SiriusXM satellite radio, a native navigation system, and AcuraLink connected services with a complimentary three-year subscription. The Type S Advance trim added a 10.5-inch head-up display (HUD) showing navigation instructions, driving assistance status, and current vehicle speed. The MDX also featured a Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers, providing excellent sound quality. However, the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs, leading to incorrect speed limit displays.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and had not yet received complete crash-test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for 2022. The Explorer came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist. The Explorer also featured a post-collision braking system and MyKey programmable vehicle functions. The Co-Pilot360 system operated smoothly and accurately, though it occasionally issued unnecessary warnings.

The 2023 Acura MDX included Acura Watch, a suite of safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. The MDX also had blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with front and rear parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system available in certain trims. The Acura Watch system was generally accurate but occasionally issued false lane-departure warnings. During testing, the MDX mistook an overhead exit sign for an obstacle and momentarily braked, which was concerning. The MDX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four-star ratings for driver and front passenger protection in the frontal-impact test.