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2023 Acura MDX – First Drive

The MDX Wraps Luxury, Sportiness and Practicality into a single Package

The MDX is considered to be one of the upper echelons that achieves a trifecta of sportiness, practicality and luxury within the full-size crossover segment. Especially when wearing an Acura badge, the MDC delivers sharp handling and quick acceleration with its naturally aspirated V-6. On your shopping list, you might also add the Genesis GV80, Volvo XC90 and the Mercedes GLE-Class, but none will beat the valued price-point the MDX has to offer.

No changes makes its way into model year 2023. Base models come in at $50,745 with our A-Spec trim priced in at $60,645. The upper Type S and Type S Advance adds a more powerful turbocharged 3.0 V6 boosting the horsepower up from 290 to 355.

Powertrain

Regular MDX models are powered by a 290 horsepower 3.5L V6 with a unique 10 speed automatic transmission. North American buyers are limited to AWD models – you’d want it anyways as it features Acura’s in-house SHAWD secret sauce that improves cornering performance. More demanding drivers can opt for the upgraded Type-S trim that comes equipped with a turbocharged 3.0 V6 that adds an additional 65 horsepower of performance. But that comes at an expense.

Regular engine models get an EPA rating of 19 / 26 mpg in city and highway driving. Opt for the Type-S trim will drop those numbers slightly at 17 / 26. Our regular engine model received an average of 23 mpg in both mixed city and highway driving.

Interior and Comfort

While Acura isn’t renowned for its interior, the MDX cabin is premium and rightfully classifies itself in the luxury category. High-end materials such as suede leather seats, unique contrast colored stitching and piano black center console finish are all pleasurable eye candy. Interior ambient LED lighting also soothed our eyes as we drove quietly into the night.

Both front seats offer plenty of room and comfort especially with its 16-way power-adjustable front seats. The same can be said for its second row, but just like all cross-overs, third-row seating space is limited and most suitable for kids.

Tech Features

All trims receive a large 12.3′ infotainment center console with a touchpad controller for menu navigation. We loved the unique graphics design and the menu navigation with its touchpad wasn’t too shabby either. The infotainment display also features a 12.3″ all digital screen following a similar dark and contemporary graphics UI layout.

Both Android Auto and Apple Carplay will be supported and a 16-Speaker ELS Studio 3D sound system also makes its way into our A-Spec trim under test in which we really enjoyed the overall sound quality.

Test Drive and Final Thoughts

Despite its large form factor, there weren’t much, if at all, flaws we could point out. The MDX was smooth, quiet and very capable thanks to the naturally aspirated V-6 working harmoniously with its 10-speed gearbox. Steering also felt smooth, nimble and crisp.

Ride quality was also very smooth, quiet and comfortable. Yes, there are some things the MDX could have to make an even smoother ride like dynamic damping suspensions on the GV80 and Volvo VC90, but we still liked the natural and organic feel of the MDX with no complaints.

The Acura MDX comes with a limited four year warranty or 50,000 miles. Powertrain also comes generously with a six-year warranty, or 70,000 miles.

All in all, we enjoyed every aspect the MDX has to offer. It might not wear the latest fashion, or have the highest tech, but for those who value reliability will absolutely love it.

Specifications

  • Vehicle : 2023 Acura MDX
  • Model : A-Spec
  • Vehicle Type : 7-Passenger Full-Size Crossover
  • Seating Capacity :2+2+3
  • Engine : 3.5L V6 (290 Horsepower)
  • Transmission : 10-Speed Automatic
  • Price as tested: $60,645

Pros

  • Exquisite and luxurious styling inside out
  • Smooth ride quality and quiet cabin
  • Excellent tech features and ease of use
  • Full-Size cabin space practicality

Cons

  • Other competitors have higher tech and innovation, but the MDX still feels nice and more organic / natural