2023 Acura MDX with a handsome façade and three rows of seats, the Acura MDX 2023 offers family-friendly transportation in a premium package. To add to its appeal, Acura has also provided its flagship SUV with sharp handling especially the performance-oriented Type S. It accelerates quickly for an SUV of this size, even with the base 290-hp V-6 under the hood.
Upgrade to the Type S, however, and the Acura swaps in a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 that makes 355 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive. The MDX cabin is undeniably premium but not inferior to the luxurious interiors found on rivals such as the Genesis GV80, the Mercedes-Benz GLE class, and the Volvo XC90.
But if you can live with it, you’ll find the MDX cheaper than the others and more rewarding to ride.
The MDX saw no physical changes this year, but Acura has added a two-year/24,000-mile free scheduled maintenance plan and free access to a three-year AcuraLink connectivity plan for every 2023 model.
2023 Acura MDX Review
The 2023 Acura MDX is a mid-range luxury SUV that offers three rows in a spacious, well-appointed cabin. That’s not something to be taken for granted in a category where the third row can be, at best, an afterthought and, at worst, a place adults dread, let alone sit.
Acura completely redesigned the MDX for the 2022 model year, giving it sharper styling and better-quality interior materials. It also introduced the sport-oriented Type S trim, which had a powerful turbocharged V6 engine. It is a pleasant complement to the MDX’s all-wheel-drive system which, in addition to increasing traction in snow or cold conditions, helps the 2023 Acura MDX feel more agile in turns on dry pavement.
Overall, there’s a lot to like about the 2023 MDX, especially when you factor in its value compared to European SUVs like the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. See our Expert Rating below for our test team’s full report on convenience, 2023 Acura MDX utility, and more.
- Comfortable cabin and ample cargo space
- Balancing sporty handling with a relaxed ride
- Various features and driver assistance for money
- No major changes for 2023
- AcuraLink service is included for three years
- Maintenance is now free for two years/24,000 miles
- Part of the fourth MDX generation introduced in 2022
What’s New
AcuraLink standard service for three years
The Acura Maintenance plan is free for the first two years or 24,000 miles
2023 Acura MDX Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The 2023 Acura MDX cab has a premium look and feels, especially in the higher-end trims, which feature French stitch leather on the dashboard and open grain wood accented with metal and piano black accents. Acura also equipped the 2023 Acura MDX with many comforts, 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 conveniences such as 16-way power adjustment and massage. The first and second rows offer plenty of passenger space, but the MDX’s third row is still reserved for children. While the interior is nicely designed and offers plenty of comfort options, it doesn’t feel as luxurious as the cabins of rivals such as the Genesis GV80 or Volvo XC90.
The 2023 Acura MDX has perhaps the most comfortable front seats in its class. They are highly customizable and very supportive. The second row of seats lacks comfort in the front but reclines and slides. Ride comfort is excellent as the suspension really gets rid of most of the bumps in the road.
We found the climate control system easy to adjust, and it kept us quite comfortable for hours behind the wheel. However, there is a lack of ventilation for the rear cabin, with only center console ventilation for the second row and no ventilation for the third row.
The seat heating worked fine, but the seat ventilation was only marginally effective. While we didn’t find the cabin overly noisy, our rated noise level was higher than most other vehicles in the class, especially at highway speeds and at full speed.
While we admire innovation when it comes to vehicles, sometimes you strike out. Acura’s new True Touchpad interface for its infotainment system is a complete mess and could be a deal breaker for many buyers. The interface has a steep learning curve and, at least in our tests, was prone to glitches. It’s a shame because the layout of the system is actually quite ergonomic and looks pretty sleek.
The 2023 Acura MDX does have some nice interior aspects. The cabin has ample space in front and in the second row. The third row is a little cramped for adults but enough for kids. Getting in and out of the cab requires minimal effort, and the Acura’s second-row seat release buttons are very easy to use.
The second-row center seat can be removed for a captain’s seat arrangement and a center pass-through makes third-row access even easier. Visibility is good thanks to the large surrounding windows, and an optional all-around camera system provides enhanced 360-degree bumper-level visibility. Limiting wheels or scraping fenders should be a thing of the past.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The 2023 Acura MDX features a large 12.3-inch infotainment display with a touchpad controller mounted on the center console, which we’re sorry to report is a bit frustrating to use. A reconfigurable 12.3-inch digital meter display is also standard, as is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, in-dash navigation, Wi-Fi hotspots, and a wireless smartphone charging pad.
An ELS Studio stereo system is included on the Technology trim while the A-Spec and Advanced models get a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D setup.
Tech
The 2023 Acura MDX infotainment system interface is buggy, but otherwise, there’s a lot of useful technology here. The wide center screen is attractive and easy to read, and the integrated navigation system works well. The available 16-speaker ELS sound system is impressive and can push plenty of volume through the cabin without overpowering the sound.
Our top Advance test vehicle is equipped with USB ports for all three lines. Each 2023 Acura MDX has wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which means you can activate this smartphone integration system without the need for a USB cable. You also get a full suite of advanced driving aids, and they all work pretty well. Adaptive cruise control that works seamlessly, for example, really eases the task of driving in rush hour traffic.
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Storage
Cargo space and storage capacity are the hallmarks. The 2023 Acura MDX offers 18.1 cubic feet of space behind the third row, which is slightly larger than the area in many other three-row midsize luxury crossovers. The second and third-row seats fold flat, and there’s bonus storage under the rear load floor. There are 39.1 cubic feet of space behind the second row and a maximum of 71.4 cubic feet.
Up front, the 2023 Acura MDX has a large door bin and a nice-sized center armrest but no longer has the configurable compartments of the old MDX. The middle seat has three sets of car seat anchors, making it possible to fit three child safety seats.
The maximum towing capacity for an all-wheel-drive MDX is 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. It’s suitable for small trailers but be aware that some rival European SUVs, such as the Audi Q7, can have a towing rating of over 7,000 pounds.
2023 Acura MDX Exterior
LED headlights/daytime running lights/taillights and a panoramic moonroof are part of the package for every 2023 MDX mid-size luxury SUV. Even the smallest alloy wheels are 19-inch wheels, while the Type S comes with 21-inch rims. Roof rails are optional or standard depending on which version you choose.
The A-Spec and Type S variants each have their own individual display packages. The A-Spec goes big with black exterior elements, plus 20-inch alloy wheels finished in Stark Gray. Apex Blue Pearl is an exclusive color for A-Spec. The Type S has larger front air intakes, plus red painted brake calipers and an active quad exhaust system.
Whatever one may think of the styling of the new MDX, key pieces include high-strength steel in the frame and floor, plus weight-saving aluminum parts like the hood and front fenders.
Feature: Six Cool Features
1. Apple Carplay/Android Auto wireless smartphone integration
Cable is standard in every new 2023 Acura MDX luxury SUV. It’s part of an infotainment system that also includes wireless charging, Wi-Fi, and Amazon Alexa compatibility.
2. AcuraLink
Now free for three years, AcuraLink delivers features such as maintenance scheduling, automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle location, and remote lock/unlock — to name just a few.
3. Powered Back Door with Walk-Away Close
Every 2023 MDX has a powerful tailgate, which befits a luxury SUV. But the Advance package for the regular and Type S models adds hands-free access and self-closing functionality when the driver (or whoever has the keys) moves away.
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4. ELS Audio System
Acura developed this amazing system with input from Elliott Scheiner, a Grammy award-winning studio engineer who handles controls for some of the biggest names in the business — like Beyoncé, Sting, and Foo Fighters. A 12-speaker setup is available with the Technology package (the first upgrade from the base model). Other versions have 16 or 25 speakers.
5. CabinTalk
This allows people seated in the front to transmit their voices through the sound system, automatically muting regular audio so that rear passengers can hear it. It is available in the 2023 MDX SUV with the A-Spec package.
6. Head-Up Display
This is the first time Acura has offered a head-up display in the 2023 Acura MDX luxury SUV. It’s part of the Advance package for the regular and Type S versions. It’s a relatively large 10.5-inch display, which projects useful information onto the windshield directly in front of the driver.
2023 Acura MDX Engine & Transmission
Most versions of the 2023 Acura MDX SUV are driven by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. It is connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard with the first two trim levels, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available as an option. Once we got to the 2023 Acura MDX with the A-Spec package, the all-wheel drive came as standard.
The 2023 Acura MDX Type S has a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that produces 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard, along with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Acura recommends premium petrol for both engines:
- 3.5-liter V6
- 290 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
- Torque 267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
- EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/26 mpg (FWD), 19/25 mpg (AWD)
- 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 (Type S)
- 355 horsepower @ 5500 rpm
- Torque 354 lb-ft @ 1400-5000 rpm Savings
- EPA city/highway fuel: 17/21 mpg
2023 Acura MDX Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The regular 2023 Acura MDX is powered by a 290 hp 3.5-liter V-6 mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The sporty Type S model is powered by a 355 hp 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 engine and comes standard with all-wheel drive.
Our test drive of the all-wheel-drive Advance model with the standard powertrain revealed exceptionally agile handling and outstanding acceleration. When we sampled the Type S, we praised it for the same agility on the road and appreciated the extra power, but wondered if the model was worthy of its Type S badge.
The Type S is measurably faster than the standard model, however, and on our test track, it took just 5.5 seconds to reach 60 mph while the less powerful variant took 6.4 seconds.
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Driving
The 2023 Acura MDX steering and handling are its best dynamic attributes. Acura’s latest version of the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive impressively improves the MDX’s agility and aids in wet weather traction. The MDX has a comfortable ride but can still squeeze through turns like an SUV at half its size. Accurate, natural-feeling steering complements whatever you’re doing on the road, from cornering to long distances on the highway.
The 2023 Acura MDX base V6 engine isn’t that impressive. It has smooth character and spin but is ultimately lacking in punch. On our test track, the MDX Advance accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, which is slower than nearly any other luxury three-row midsize SUV we’ve tested, including the earlier MDX.
The 10-speed automatic transmission isn’t as responsive or smooth as we’d like, either. Fortunately, the 2023 Acura MDX Type S, through its turbocharged engine and sportier tuning, has a livelier character.
2023 Acura MDX MPG
The base 2023 Acura MDX offers an EPA fuel economy rating of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Opting for all-wheel drive reduces the highway rating by 1 mpg. On our fuel-efficient 75 mph highway route, our all-wheel-drive A-Spec test vehicle produced a disappointing 22 MPG. The Type S model did a little better and returned 23 mpg. For more information on MDX fuel economy, visit the EPA website.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Acura has added more standard driver assistance technology to its cars, and the new MDX provides some of the desired features. For more information on MDX crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key security features include:
- Standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane departure alerts with lane maintenance assistance
- Standard adaptive cruise control
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2023 Acura MDX Price
As driving enthusiasts, we are most interested in the Type S because of its performance aspirations. But for buyers looking for a luxury crossover that’s well-equipped without being sporty, we recommend the Technology trim, which features comforts such as leather upholstery with contrast stitching, adjustable interior ambient lighting, an ELS Studio stereo system with 12 speakers, and low-speed braking. front and rear automatic emergency.
- Base $50,745
- Technology $54,945
- A-Spec $60,645
- Advanced $64,195
- Type S $68,545
- Type S Advanced $73,895
People also ask Acura MDX 2023
Q: Will there be a 2023 Acura MDX?
A: The 2023 MDX has a 290-HP 81 V-6 engine paired with a double-wishbone front suspension for precision cornering. For even more excitement, the MDX Type S features an available 355-HP 126 Turbo V-6 engine and available air suspension that thrills every ride.
Q: What is the difference between the 2022 and 2023 Acura MDX?
A: Compared to the 2022 model, the 2023 Acura MDX includes very few changes — limited changes to the exterior and interior result in a minimal price increase, while the engine, transmission, and drivetrain options remain the same from 2022 through the 2023 model year.
Q: Is Acura coming out with a new MDX?
A: With a handsome façade and three rows of seats, the Acura MDX 2023 offers family-friendly transportation in a premium package. To add to its appeal, Acura has also provided its flagship SUV with sharp handling—especially the performance-oriented Type S.
Q: Does the 2023 Acura MDX A spec have a remote start?
A: It’s all about comfort and convenience. With the Remote Engine Start System, you can start your car from up to 328 feet before going outside in cold or hot weather.