AutoBidMaster

· 09 Mar 2023

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Acura MDX Review

With a handsome front and three rows of seats, the 2023 Acura MDX offers family transportation in a premium package. To boost its appeal, Acura also imbued its flagship SUV with sharp handling, especially in the performance-oriented Type S. Acceleration is brisk for an SUV this size, even with the base 290-horsepower V-6 under the hood. Step up to the Type S, however, and Acura swaps in a 355-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 with standard all-wheel drive. The MDX's interior is undeniably premium, but it's not inferior to the luxurious interiors of rivals like the Genesis GV80, Mercedes-Benz GLE-class and Volvo XC90. But if you can accept that, you'll find the MDX to be both cheaper and more rewarding to drive than either.

What's new in 2023?

The MDX doesn't get any physical changes this year, but Acura has added a two-year/24,000-mile free scheduled maintenance plan and free access to the AcuraLink connectivity plan for three years to every 2023 model.
As driving enthusiasts, we're most intrigued by the Type S for its commitment to performance. But for buyers looking for a well-equipped luxury crossover without the sporty styling, we'd recommend the Technology trim, which adds benefits like leather upholstery with contrast stitching, adjustable interior lighting, a 12-speaker ELS Studio stereo and low-speed front and rear automatic emergency braking.

Engine, transmission and performance

The regular MDX is powered by a 290-hp 3.5-liter V-6., which is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive is available as an option. The sporty Type S is powered by a 355-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6. and equipped with four-wheel drive as standard. Our test drive of the all-wheel-drive Advance model with the standard powerplant revealed surprisingly nimble handling and brisk acceleration. When we tested the Type S, we praised it for the same on-road agility and appreciated the extra power, but wondered if this model was worthy of its Type S badge. However, the Type S is noticeably quicker than the standard model, and on our test track it only took 5.5 seconds to reach 60 mph, while the less powerful variant needed 6.4 seconds.

Fuel economy and actual miles per gallon

The base MDX boasts EPA fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway; The Type S is rated at 17 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, our all-wheel-drive A-Spec test car returned a disappointing 22 mpg. The Type S fared slightly better, returning 23mpg. For more information on MDX fuel economy, visit the AutoBidMaster website.

Interior, comfort and cargo

The MDX's cabin has a premium look and feel, especially on higher-end trims, which feature French-stitched leather on the dash and open-pore wood mixed with metallic and grand piano black accents. Acura also equipped the MDX with plenty of amenities, such as dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and leather upholstery. The front seats are supportive and comfortable, and can be equipped with niceties like 16-way power adjustment and massage. The first and second rows offer plenty of room for passengers, but the MDX's third row is still only for kids. While the interior is nicely designed and offers plenty of convenience options, it doesn't feel as plush as the cabins of rivals like the Genesis GV80 or Volvo XC90.

Infotainment and connectivity

The 2023 MDX features a large 12.3-inch infotainment display with a touchpad controller mounted on the center console, which is unfortunately a bit of a pain to use. A 12.3-inch digital reconfigurable instrument display is also standard, as are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, in-dash navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot and a wireless smartphone charging pad. An ELS Studio stereo system is included on the Technology trim, while A-Spec and Advanced models get a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D setup.
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