2023 Acura MDX Trims: Want, Buy, Pass
Acura’s new luxury midsize SUV is among the most affordable SUVs in its vehicle segment. It comes in several trim levels that offer different degrees of luxury and performance. Which 2023 Acura MDX trims should you want, buy, and pass on?
The 2023 Acura MDX Type S: Want
The 2023 Acura MDX Type S is the trim to want because of that sweet horsepower and torque boost that comes with the turbocharged engine option. This engine option is only available on the Type S and Type S Advance. The Type S wins the “want” rating over the S Advance because the MDX’s final trim’s price is steep even for a luxury vehicle.
The 2023 MDX Type S starts at $67,350. It’s significantly more expensive than the base model, but its specs justify its price. The Acura MDX Type S’ 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 makes a mighty 355 horsepower. That’s 65 more horses than lower trim levels. It makes a massive 354 lb-ft of torque (87 more lb-ft of torque than the base engine).
The Type S comes standard with sport A-Spec seats, a leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel, and the Type S interior sport appearance package. It also includes geometric patterned brush aluminum trim, a stainless steel footrest/pedals, and heated/ventilated front seats.
The 2023 Acura MDX Technology Package: Buy
The 2023 Acura MDX Technology Package starts at $53,750. The Technology Package is the trim to buy because it’s affordable and still offers great standard features despite being cheaper than rivals. If you can forego the Type S’ turbocharged engine, the Technology Package makes the most sense for the money.
The 2023 MDX Technology package comes standard with sport seats with a perforated Milano premium leather-trimmed interior, power-folding heated side mirrors, and ambient LED cabin lighting. It also includes low-speed baking control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and front/rear parking sensors.
The Technology package is a better buy over the base model because of features like an Acura navigation system with a 3D view and a 12-speaker audio system. Sometimes it’s the little things that remind you that you’re in a luxury vehicle.
Pass on the Acura MDX Base, A-Spec, Advance, and Type S Advance Package
How does Acura compete with automakers like Mercedes-Benz and BMW in the luxury midsize SUV segment? The Japanese automaker’s midsize SUV may not be as snazzy as its German competitors, but it has rivals beat from an affordability standpoint with the MDX Technology Package model.
The MDX Type S is for drivers who desire a performance-oriented luxury midsize SUV. Skip the base because it’s a little too barebones for its vehicle segment. The A-Spec, Advance, and Type S all offer great value for the money, but the Technology Package and Type S are better options.
Acura’s midsize SUV has managed to battle it out with more expensive luxury midsize SUVs on multiple ranking lists. Edmunds praises the MDX’s handling, comfy cabin, and great features. Will the 2023 Acura MDX be able to retain its good position among critics and consumers, or will it be easily overshadowed by the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class and BMW X5?
