2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX presented itself as a versatile luxury SUV, available in standard and Type S versions, each with various trim packages. The Type S Advance trim, with its striking Apex Blue Pearl paint and Orchid interior, aimed to deliver a high level of luxury and performance. However, despite its appealing design and features like chicane-design LED lights and a panoramic sunroof, the MDX Type S fell short of expectations in some areas. The interior, while luxurious with perforated Milano leather and open-pore wood, had some design quirks that detracted from its usability, such as the gloss black plastic on the dashboard and the electronic transmission switchgear.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E embraced its electric crossover identity with a bold design that borrowed styling cues from the iconic Mustang. Despite initial skepticism, the Mach-E's unique look, featuring galloping horse emblems and tri-bar taillights, contributed to its popularity. The GT trim, with its Cyber Orange paint and aggressive styling, stood out with distinctive bumpers and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Mach-E GT offered a luxurious experience with artificial leather and synthetic suede seats, a high-tech ambiance, and a spacious cabin. The Mach-E successfully blended style, quality, and technology, making it a compelling choice in the electric vehicle market.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S distinguished itself with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), aimed to deliver a thrilling driving experience. However, the MDX Type S struggled to meet its performance aspirations. The transmission often felt indecisive, and the ride lacked compliance, leading to a less cohesive driving experience. The MDX Type S also suffered from poor fuel economy, averaging 16.9 mpg during testing, falling short of its EPA rating. Despite its performance upgrades, the MDX Type S failed to deliver the expected driving excitement.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT offered a powerful electric performance with its extended-range battery and dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. With 480 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque, the Mach-E GT accelerated to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds. The driving experience was exhilarating, with impressive acceleration and consistent braking performance. However, the steering lacked the sharpness expected from a performance vehicle. The Mach-E GT's ride quality was firm, but it effectively controlled body motions. Overall, the Mach-E GT delivered an exciting and efficient driving experience, achieving 2.7 miles per kilowatt-hour during testing, surpassing its EPA estimate.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a spacious and functional interior with three rows of seats and flexible cargo options. The Type S Advance trim featured luxurious amenities like 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the seats lacked the expected support for spirited driving. The MDX's second-row seats provided flexibility with a removable center section, but the third row was best suited for children. Cargo space was ample, with 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 71.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Despite its stylish design, the MDX's interior sacrificed some storage space for aesthetics.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E excelled in combining form and function with its crossover SUV design. It offered seating for five and 34.1 cubic feet of cargo space, including a front trunk. The Mach-E GT's interior featured comfortable and supportive front seats with eight-way power adjustments and heating. The rear seats provided adequate space for passengers, and the panoramic glass roof added an airy feel. The Mach-E's cargo area offered 29.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 59.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. The front trunk added an additional 4.7 cubic feet of storage, enhancing the Mach-E's practicality.

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 lacked a touchscreen interface, relying on a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) for operation. This approach, while innovative, added complexity and distraction. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, enhancing connectivity. The ELS Studio 3D audio system delivered impressive sound quality. The Advance package included a 10.5-inch head-up display, although the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E boasted a 15.5-inch touchscreen running on Ford's Sync 4A platform. The infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and FordPass Connect services. Sync 4A's intuitive interface and natural voice recognition simplified the user experience. The Mach-E's Bang & Olufsen sound system provided excellent audio quality. The digital instrumentation display presented essential information, and Phone As A Key technology allowed smartphone-based vehicle access. While the touchscreen's integration with the interior design was awkward, the Mach-E's technology package was comprehensive and user-friendly.

The 2023 Acura MDX came equipped with Acura Watch, a suite of driving assistance and collision avoidance systems. It included features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX also offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. The MDX received high safety ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, occasional false alerts and a collision warning during testing raised concerns about the system's reliability.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 and BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system. BlueCruise 1.2 added lane-change and predictive speed assist functions. During testing, BlueCruise performed well but required constant monitoring. The Mach-E received top safety ratings from the IIHS, although NHTSA ratings were incomplete. The Mach-E's safety technology was impressive, but the need for driver supervision limited its convenience.