Compare the2023 Acura MDXVS 2023 Chevrolet Traverse

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and second-row seat shoulder belts of the Acura MDX have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Chevrolet Traverse doesn’t offer pretensioners for its second-row seat belts.

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Acura MDX are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The Chevrolet Traverse doesn’t offer height-adjustable front seat belts.

The Acura MDX has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Traverse doesn’t offer knee airbags.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The MDX offers an optional Low-Speed Braking Control that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The Traverse doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The MDX has a standard blind spot warning system which uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. A system to reveal vehicles in the Traverse’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the MDX has standard Rear Cross Traffic Monitor, helping the driver avoid collisions. Chevrolet charges extra for Rear Cross Traffic Alert on the Traverse.

The MDX’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Traverse doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the MDX and the Traverse have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front wheel drive, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Acura MDX is safer than the Chevrolet Traverse:

	MDX	Traverse
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	288	333
Chest Compression	.7 inches	.9 inches
Neck Injury Risk	30%	35.2%
Neck Stress	122 lbs.	128 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Acura MDX is safer than the Chevrolet Traverse:

	MDX	Traverse
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Chest Movement	.6 inches	.9 inches
Abdominal Force	105 lbs.	161 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Hip Force	168 lbs.	716 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	12 inches	14 inches
Hip Force	424 lbs.	554 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Acura MDX is safer than the Traverse:

	MDX	Traverse
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Structure	GOOD	MARGINAL
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	83	141
Neck Tension	134 lbs.	446 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Shoulder Deflection	.71 in	1.3 in
Shoulder Force	156 lbs.	312 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	1.18 in	1.5 in
Pelvis	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Pelvis Force	602 lbs.	1116 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	171	189
Neck Tension	112 lbs.	134 lbs.
Neck Compression	45 lbs.	201 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	GOOD
Shoulder Deflection	.75 in	1.02 in
Torso Deflection Rate	8 MPH	10 MPH
Pelvis	GOOD	GOOD
Pelvis Force	602 lbs.	848 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

For its performance in IIHS driver-side and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, updated side impact, headlight, daytime pedestrian crash prevention, and nighttime pedestrian crash prevention testing, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the MDX its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2023, a rating granted to only 29 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Traverse last would have qualified as only a standard “Top Safety Pick” in 2017.

Warranty

The MDX comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Traverse’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

Acura’s powertrain warranty covers the MDX 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Chevrolet covers the Traverse. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the Traverse ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

The MDX’s corrosion warranty is unlimited miles longer than the Traverse’s (unlimited vs. 100,000 miles).

Acura pays for scheduled maintenance on the MDX for 2 years and 24,000 miles. Acura will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Chevrolet only pays for the first scheduled maintenance visit on the Traverse.

Reliability

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the MDX’s reliability 17 points higher than the Traverse.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2023 Auto Issue reports that Acura vehicles are more reliable than Chevrolet vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Acura 12 places higher in reliability than Chevrolet.

Engine

The MDX Type S’ standard 3.0 turbo V6 produces 45 more horsepower (355 vs. 310) and 88 lbs.-ft. more torque (354 vs. 266) than the Traverse’s 3.6 DOHC V6.

As tested in Car and Driver the Acura MDX is faster than the Chevrolet Traverse:

	MDX V6	MDX Type S	Traverse
Zero to 60 MPH	6.4 sec	5.4 sec	6.8 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	6.6 sec	5.8 sec	7 sec

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the MDX 3.5 SOHC V6 SH-AWD gets better fuel mileage than the Traverse AWD (19 city/25 hwy vs. 17 city/25 hwy).

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the MDX’s fuel efficiency. The Traverse doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

Transmission

A 10-speed automatic is standard on the Acura MDX, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a nine-speed automatic is available for the Traverse.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the MDX’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Traverse:

	MDX	MDX Type S	Traverse
Front Rotors	13.8 inches	14.3 inches	12.6 inches
Rear Rotors	13 inches	13 inches	12.4 inches

The MDX stops much shorter than the Traverse:

	MDX	Traverse
70 to 0 MPH	170 feet	183 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	133 feet	135 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the MDX Type S’ tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Traverse (275/40R21 vs. 255/65R18).

The MDX’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Traverse’s standard 65 series tires. The MDX Type S’ tires have a lower 40 series profile than the Traverse’s optional 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the MDX has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the Traverse. The MDX Type S’ 21-inch wheels are larger than the 20-inch wheels optional on the Traverse.

Having a flat tire is dangerous, inconvenient and expensive. The self-sealing tires available on the MDX can automatically seal most punctures up to 3/16 of an inch, effectively preventing most flat tires. The Traverse doesn’t offer self-sealing tires.

Suspension and Handling

The MDX offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Traverse’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The MDX Type S has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The MDX’s height leveling suspension allows the driver to raise ride height for better off-road clearance and then lower it again for easier entering and exiting and better on-road handling. The Traverse doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

The MDX Type S handles at .87 G’s, while the Traverse RS AWD pulls only .82 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The MDX SH-AWD executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the Traverse Premier AWD (27.2 seconds @ .63 average G’s vs. 27.8 seconds @ .61 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the MDX Type S has a 1.9 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Traverse (9.4 vs. 7.5 inches), allowing the MDX to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

The MDX is 7.5 inches shorter than the Traverse, making the MDX easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the MDX Type S is quieter than the Traverse High Country AWD:

	MDX	Traverse
At idle	36 dB	41 dB
Full-Throttle	76 dB	76 dB

Passenger Space

The MDX has .6 inches more front legroom, 1.2 inches more front hip room, .1 inches more rear legroom and .9 inches more rear hip room than the Traverse.

Cargo Capacity

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the MDX. The Traverse doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

Towing

The MDX’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Traverse’s (3500 vs. 1500 pounds).

Standard Trailer Stability Assist on the MDX uses the Vehicle Stability Assist sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Traverse doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Servicing Ease

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Acura service is better than Chevrolet. J.D. Power ranks Acura 6th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 19% lower rating, Chevrolet is ranked 16th.

Ergonomics

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the Traverse Premier/High Country, the MDX offers an optional passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The MDX Advance has a standard heads-up display that projects speed, warning, navigation instruction and incoming text message readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Traverse doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The MDX’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Traverse’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open them fully. Only its driver’s window closes automatically.

If the windows are left open on the MDX the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Traverse can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The MDX has a standard locking fuel door with a remote release located convenient to the driver. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank. The Traverse doesn’t offer a locking fuel door.

The MDX’s standard speed-sensitive wipers speed up when the vehicle does, so that the driver doesn’t have to continually adjust the speed of the wipers. The Traverse’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted. The MDX’s optional wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically according to the amount of rainfall on the windshield.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The MDX’s headlights were rated “Good” by the IIHS, while the Traverse’s headlights are rated “Poor.”

The MDX has a standard center folding armrest for the middle row passengers. A center armrest helps make middle row passengers more comfortable and it can provide a boundary between children. The Traverse doesn’t offer a middle row seat center armrest.

The MDX Type S Advance has standard massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the Traverse.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Acura MDX has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Only the Traverse LT/RS/Premier/High Country offers wireless charging.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Acura MDX and the Chevrolet Traverse, based on reliability, safety and performance.

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