Source: www.acura.com
A family-friendly luxury midsize SUV that prioritizes practicality
Price From $50,745 – To $73,895
by SUViews Editor | Jun 12, 2023
Overview
The 2023 Acura MDX is a family-friendly SUV that not only offers exceptional versatility and practicality but also manages to impress us with its handsome styling. In this article, we will delve into the various aspects of the Acura MDX, highlighting its standout features, performance capabilities, and overall value.
As a midsize luxury vehicle, the Acura MDX distinguishes itself by being less expensive than its competitors while still delivering a premium driving experience. Whether you’re a growing family in need of a roomy vehicle or an individual seeking a sophisticated yet affordable option, the Acura MDX might just be the perfect fit for your lifestyle. Read on to find out more on what sets it apart in the ever-competitive automotive market, and whether you should go for it or not.
Performance, Engine, and Comfort
Engine & Performance
Now let’s take a look at the engine options MDX offers and the different aspects that determine their performance.
Engine
The base offering is a 3.5-liter V6 engine with an output of 290 hp. There’s also another 3-liter V6 engine with standard AWD which generates 355 hp.
Transmission
The engines are paired with 10-speed automatic transmission.
Suspension
It’s equipped with front control arms and multi-link rear suspension.
Steering
With this lineup, you can expect responsive steering that’s neither too heavy nor too light. The electric-powered tilt and telescopic steering wheel comes with transmission, cruise, and audio controls located on it, offering the driver easy access.
Safety & Reliability
This year’s iteration of Acura MDX received a reliability score of 77/100 from JD Power. The vehicle is part of IIHS’ Top Safety Pick+ list.
Brakes
Equipped with 14.3-inch vented discs for the front brakes and 13.0-inch discs for the rear brakes, the MDX ensures reliable and responsive braking performance. The larger size of the front discs compared to the rear discs provides enhanced braking force and improved balance, contributing to the overall stability and control of the vehicle.
Airbags
The dual front side-mounted airbags deploy from the sides of the vehicle’s front seats, providing protection to the driver and front passenger in the event of a side impact. The front and rear head airbags are strategically positioned to safeguard the heads of all occupants, reducing the risk of head injuries during a collision. And the passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation system detects the presence of a passenger in the front seat and adjusts the airbag deployment accordingly to optimize safety.
Electronics
MDX has made safety a top priority, and it’s evident from its list of standard features. Some notable ones are blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, adjustable headrests, and engine immobilizer, to mention a few.
Lights
MDX’s safety suite includes advanced lighting features, including dusk sensing headlamps, LED headlamps, daytime running lights, and front fog lights. Dusk sensing headlamps get automatically activated when ambient light levels decrease, offering optimal visibility during nighttime driving, whereas front fog/driving lights help enhance visibility in foggy or adverse weather conditions, minimizing the risk of accidents.
Traction control
Traction control is a crucial feature that helps enhance the vehicle’s stability and control in various driving conditions. It improves overall handling and maneuverability, and at the same time, enhances the vehicle’s ability to navigate challenging road surfaces, such as slippery or uneven terrains. It’s available as a standard safety feature in this lineup.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is quite average. If you look at the base model, the highway number is impressive but it disappoints big time for city cruising. At a time when the market is full of new and efficient midsize SUVs, Acura needs to up its game to attract new customers.
Engine size
There are two engine sizes available—one has a capacity of 3.5 liters and the other is of 3 liters.
Gas per mileage consumption
According to EPA, the entry-level Acura MDX is good for 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, while the more powerful engine delivers 17 mpg city and 21 mpg highway.
Interior
At first glance, the interior of the MDX is well-crafted with features like heated seats and climate control. The upholstery is of premium leather, there is enough legroom and headroom (except the third row), and the seats are cozy for long rides. However, the infotainment system is somewhat mediocre. Even if it manages to impress you at first, after stepping inside and experiencing it for yourself, you’ll know that it lacks the kind of luxury Volvo or Genesis midsize SUVs offer.
Seats
The front seats have a massive 42-inch legroom, 12-way power adjusted and height adjusted seats with lumbar support, thigh extension for passenger seat, multi-level heating, and ventilated seats. As for the rear seats, you get 38 inches of legroom and multi-level heating. Overall, the interior looks and feels good, but fails to keep up the elements of luxury. And when Acura does unlock attractive things like French-stitched leather or premium wood trimmings, they make it available only on the top trims.
Design
The brilliant exterior design oozes luxury and quite naturally, it raises your hopes from the interior. But the interior design isn’t even half as impressive—it’s rather bland, lacking the luxury element that Mercedes or Genesis typically offer.
Infotainment
The infotainment system comes with a 12.3-inch display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging pad, in-dash navigation, and WiFi hotspot. The touchpad controller makes it difficult to navigate the infotainment system.
Overall height and space
This midsize SUV is 187.4 inches long, 74.8 inches wide, 65.7 inches in height, and the wheelbase is 108.3 inches.
Trunk space
When all seats are in place, the base cargo area is 31.1 cubic feet. You can max it out up to 79.8 cubic feet.
Price and Extras
Whether you’re looking for a practical and well-equipped option or a top-of-the-line model packed with advanced features, the MDX has something for everyone. From the entry-level and middle trims that offer a great value for budget-conscious buyers to the fully-loaded top variant that provides the ultimate luxury experience, Acura has built each trim level to meet different preferences and needs.
Market Price
This lineup comes in 6 trim levels—Base, Technology, A-Spec, Advance, Type S, and Type S Advance. Among these, the middle trim Technology is the most value-for-money option.
| Trim Level | Base Price |
| Base | $50,745 |
| Technology | $54,945 |
| A-Spec | $60,645 |
| Advance | $64,195 |
| Type S | $68,545 |
| Type S Advance | $73,895 |
AWD/FWD
Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive setups are available, depending on the trim level you choose. FWD is standard in the base model, with AWD available as an option.
Warranty
The new MDX Acura is covered by a basic 4-year or 50,000 miles warranty, 6-year or 70,000 miles drivetrain warranty, 5 years of rust warranty, and 4-year or 50,000 miles of roadside assistance. The automaker also offers complimentary maintenance for the first 2 years or up to 24,000 miles.
Extras
When equipped with the right trailing equipment, the 2023 Acura MDX can tow up to 5000 pounds.
Verdict
To conclude, the 2023 Acura MDX is a practical and versatile SUV that offers ample space for both passengers and cargo. Its superior exterior styling is sure to turn heads on the road. However, while it promises a luxurious experience, the interior falls short of meeting those standards.
Despite a few shortcomings, the Acura MDX remains a good vehicle overall, delivering a combination of functionality, versatility, and an attractive design. Whether you’re looking for a reliable family vehicle or a stylish SUV for your daily commute, the Acura MDX is a solid choice that offers a well-rounded package of features and performance.
