A Head-to-Head Evaluation of the 2024 Mazda CX-90 and Acura MDX: The Superior Choice
June 16 2023,
The luxury SUV market teems with diverse options, posing a considerable challenge for prospective buyers. Among the abundance of choices, the 2024 Mazda CX-90 and Acura MDX stand out. They both boast robust powertrain choices, superior interiors, and great value. This article will delve deeper into these two contenders and determine the superior choice.
Powertrain Offering:
The Acura MDX presents admirable powertrain alternatives, but they fail to measure up to those of the Mazda CX-90. The 2024 Mazda CX-90 is equipped with a standard turbocharged mild-hybrid 3.3-litre six-cylinder engine, generating 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. If you're seeking more power, there's an enhanced version of the 3.3-litre producing 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. For those prioritizing fuel efficiency, the CX-90 offers a plug-in hybrid option. The 2.5-litre e-Skyactiv PHEV can achieve 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque while enabling up to 42 km of fuel-free driving.
In contrast, the Acura MDX features a 3.5-litre V6 engine generating 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged V6 variant of the MDX Type S delivers 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. However, the Mazda engines not only yield a significantly higher torque but also demonstrate superior fuel efficiency. The CX-90's engines are decidedly more sophisticated and by a sizable margin.
Lavish Interiors and Features:
While both the Mazda CX-90 and Acura MDX boast plush interiors, the CX-90’s setting exudes a higher degree of luxury. CX-90 offers Nappa leather seats, an amenity not found in the Acura MDX, further attesting to Mazda's commitment to luxury. The craftsmanship and quality of materials within the cabin are exceptional, creating an illusion of a far more expensive SUV.
Comfort and luxury are inseparable, with comfort often equated with space. The Mazda CX-90 provides additional headroom and expands cargo space when the third row is folded down.
Value Proposition:
Although the Mazda CX-90 and Acura MDX belong to the same luxury SUV class, the CX-90 emerges as a better value proposition. Even with similar price points, the CX-90 offers more bang for your buck. A base CX-90 delivers a suite of interior features on par with the Acura MDX, yet it is more affordably priced. Cumulatively, these factors crown the Mazda CX-90 as the superior value option.
In a comparative analysis between the 2024 Mazda CX-90 and Acura MDX, the CX-90 takes the lead in terms of powertrain offering, luxurious interior and features, and overall value. The CX-90's engines deliver a greater performance punch, and the interior exhibits a superior sense of luxury. Thus, if a luxury SUV is on your shopping list, the Mazda CX-90 is undoubtedly a strong contender.
