2023 Acura MDX

　　

Acura MDX Video Shorts

by zzdcar Test Team

　　

2023 Acura MDX Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　The 2023 Acura MDX is a top-tier midsize luxury SUV that offers three rows in a well-appointed, spacious cabin. That's not something to take for granted in a category where the third row can be, at best, an afterthought and, at worst, a place adults fear to tread, let alone sit.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Acura MDX 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 10A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$213/mo  for MDX Base

　　MDX Base

　　4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 10A) - $49,550 MSRP4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 10A) - $51,750 MSRP4dr SUV w/Technology Package (3.5L 6cyl 10A) - $54,250 MSRP4dr SUV AWD w/Technology Package (3.5L 6cyl 10A) - $56,450 MSRP4dr SUV AWD w/A-Spec Package (3.5L 6cyl 10A) - $59,950 MSRP4dr SUV AWD w/Advance Package (3.5L 6cyl 10A) (Most Popular) - $63,500 MSRPType S 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $67,850 MSRPType S 4dr SUV AWD w/Advance Package (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $73,200 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　Acura fully 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 has a strong turbocharged V6 engine. It's a pleasing complement to the MDX's all-wheel-drive system that, besides enhancing traction in snowy or icy conditions, helps the MDX feel more agile around turns on dry pavement.

　　Overall, there's a lot to like about the 2023 MDX, especially when you factor in value compared to European SUVs such as the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. Check out our Expert Rating below to get our test team's full report on the MDX's comfort, utility and more.

　　

What's it like to live with?

We tested an Acura MDX SH-AWD Advance as part of zzdcar' long-term test fleet. We like this generation's more spacious interior, though operating the touchscreen interface is pretty controversial with our editors. Check out our MDX 20,000-mile long-term test to learn more about what it's like to own and live with.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　8.0

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the MDX drive? The MDX's steering and handling are its best dynamic attributes. Acura's latest version of Super Handling All-Wheel Drive impressively enhances the MDX's nimbleness and helps with wet-weather traction. The MDX has a comfortable ride but can still rail through turns like an SUV half its size. Accurate and natural-feeling steering complement whatever driving you're doing, from corners to long hauls on the highway.

　　The base MDX's V6 engine isn't as impressive. It has character and revs smoothly but ultimately lacks some punch. At our test track, a MDX Advance accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, which is slower than just about every other luxury three-row midsize SUV we've tested, including the previous MDX. The 10-speed automatic transmission isn't as responsive or smooth-shifting as we'd like either. Thankfully, the MDX Type S, by way of its turbocharged engine and sportier tuning, has a livelier character.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the MDX? The MDX may just have the most comfortable front seats in the class. They're highly adjustable and incredibly supportive. The second-row seats don't have near the comfort of the fronts, but they can recline and slide. Ride comfort is surprisingly good since the suspension really takes the edge off most bumps in the road.

　　We found the climate control system easy to adjust, and it kept us pretty comfortable over hours behind the wheel. There is, however, a lack of vents for the rear cabin, with only middle console vents for the second row and nothing for the third. The seat heaters work well, but the seat ventilation is only mildly effective. Although we didn't find the cabin particularly noisy, our measured sound levels were higher than for most of the other vehicles in the class, particularly at highway cruising and full throttle.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below