2023 Mazda CX-5 vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX presented itself as a luxury SUV with a range of standard and Type S versions, each offering various trim packages to enhance equipment levels. The standard MDX came with base specifications and optional Technology, A-Spec, and Advance packages, while the Type S was available in standard or Advance trim. Prices ranged from $49,550 to $73,200, excluding a destination charge. The test vehicle, a Type S Advance, featured Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid interior, with an MSRP of $74,995. Despite its high price, the MDX Type S aimed to deliver quality, luxury, and driving dynamism, though it occasionally fell short of expectations. The fourth-generation MDX, the first Acura SUV to bear the Type S badge, maintained a subtle appearance with chicane-design LED lights, 21-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets. Inside, it offered perforated Milano leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package, with the Type S Advance adding open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard. While the MDX Type S was visually appealing, some design elements, like the body tapering and gloss black plastic, detracted from its overall usability.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, remained a strong contender in the compact crossover SUV segment, offering a stylish design and high-quality materials that gave it a luxury feel. The CX-5 was available with a standard 187-horsepower four-cylinder engine or a more powerful 256-hp turbocharged variant. The lineup included eight versions, with prices ranging from $26,700 to $39,650. The test vehicle, a 2.5 Turbo Signature, featured Rhodium White metallic paint and Caturra Brown Nappa leather, with an MSRP of $41,655. The CX-5's turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the vehicle boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. While the CX-5's back seat and cargo area were somewhat cramped, its overall quality, refinement, and sophistication made it a compelling choice. The transition from the CX-5 to the CX-50 was part of Mazda's broader marketing strategy, aiming to direct loyal customers to the new model.

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, surpassing the standard 3.5-liter V6. Despite weighing 285 pounds more than the lightest standard MDX with AWD, the Type S featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). This system could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel, enhancing cornering performance. The MDX Type S offered various driving modes, including Snow, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, along with an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. However, the performance upgrades didn't fully integrate, leading to issues like an indecisive transmission, lack of ride compliance, and poor brake pedal modulation. The MDX Type S averaged 16.9 mpg on the evaluation route, falling short of the EPA's 19 mpg combined rating. While the turbocharged V6 delivered quick acceleration, it consumed fuel at a high rate. The MDX Type S struggled as a driver's SUV, with transmission and brake issues detracting from the overall experience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered a choice between a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. The turbocharged engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, provided a rewarding driving experience. The CX-5's structural rigidity, improved suspension dampening, and reduced interior noise contributed to its refined performance. The turbocharged engine delivered torque at 2,000 rpm with regular gas and 2,500 rpm with premium fuel, offering quick acceleration. The CX-5 averaged 21.4 mpg on a mountainous testing loop, slightly below the expected 24 mpg combined rating. The vehicle excelled on twisting roads, with reduced body roll and a firm, connected ride quality. The CX-5's driving dynamics, combined with its generous torque, responsive brakes, and well-tuned steering, made it a joy to drive.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats, accommodating seven passengers, with the option to remove the second-row center section for easier access to the third row. The Type S Advance trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, though the seats didn't provide the expected support for enthusiastic driving. The second-row seats were comfortable and supportive, with heating in the outboard positions. The third row was best suited for children due to limited space. The MDX's interior design prioritized style over storage, with limited space in the center console. The cargo area provided 18.1 cubic feet of space behind the third row, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The Type S Advance included a hands-free liftgate with a Walk Away Close function, enhancing convenience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 featured improved front seats for enhanced comfort and support, with power adjustment available for both front seats in higher trims. The Signature trim included Nappa leather upholstery, adding a touch of luxury. However, the CX-5's interior had limitations, including small storage areas, cramped rear-seat space, and a modest cargo area. The CX-5 offered 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the back seat folded. While the CX-5's materials were top-notch, its technology and storage space fell short compared to some competitors.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display, though the latter wasn't touch-sensitive. Instead, it relied on a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the center console, which could be distracting to use. The TTI design also limited storage space in the center console. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, providing familiar voice recognition functions. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs. The MDX's top-tier audio system, the Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D, delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics but was frustrating to use. The system lacked a helpful voice recognition system, and its physical controls required memorization and focus, detracting from the driving experience. The control knob often required multiple twists and pushes to execute commands, making it less intuitive than a touchscreen. Despite these challenges, Mazda Connect offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. The CX-5's upper trims included a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system, and the test vehicle featured a front-facing camera and surround-view camera system for easier parking.

The 2023 Acura MDX came equipped with Acura Watch, a suite of driving assistance and collision avoidance systems. These included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. The MDX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and optional front and rear parking sensors. While the Acura Watch systems were generally accurate, the lane-departure warning's steering wheel wobble was less preferred. 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 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety with its i-Activsense driver assistance technology. Most features were standard, with the 2.5 Turbo Signature offering additional features like a surround-view camera system and Traffic Jam Assist. The i-Activsense tech operated smoothly and accurately, with a head-up display showing alerts and system status. The lane-departure warning system provided tactile alerts, and the adaptive cruise control offered smooth braking. The CX-5's E911 system provided automatic collision notification, though it lacked a warning for driving without headlights at night. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.