The 2023 Acura MDX luxury midsize SUV is getting pretty pricey. The MDX’s MSRP has increased by over 10% in the last five model years. It isn’t part of the luxury segment for nothin’. Is the 2023 Acura MDX worth over $49,000, or is the luxury midsize SUV overpriced?

The 2023 Acura MDX costs a pretty penny

Acura’s midsize SUV model is a hair away from 50 grand. That’s a lot of moola for a midsize SUV, especially considering the current state of the economy. There’s no denying that the MDX is expensive, but the question remains: is it worth it?

Let’s break it down starting with its performance specs. The new MDX comes standard with a mighty V6 that pumps out 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. Pretty sweet, but not significantly more impressive than the popular Kia Telluride’s 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.

The midsize luxury SUV achieves 19 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the highway. That’s average in its vehicle segment by today’s standards. So thus far, $49,050 seems steep for the base model. What about its standard tech and creature comforts?

The new MDX comes with a leatherette-trimmed interior, heated front seats, and a keyless access system. It also includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel, ambient cabin lighting, and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow. Now we’re getting somewhere. Edmunds praises the midsize SUV’s comfy cabin and smooth ride quality.

Is the Acura MDX worth the money?

There are a few things to consider when gauging the Acura MDX’s affordability. Every MDX since the 2018 model year has started over $45K (with the destination charge). The MDX competes with the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, BMW X5, and Genesis GV80.

All the aforementioned luxury midsize SUVs have higher starting prices than the MDX. Even the American-made Lincoln Aviator has a higher starting price than the MDX. So, with proper context, the 2023 Acura MDX isn’t as expensive as it initially seems.

Its got enough torque, great standard safety and driver assistance features, and creature comforts to be worth its starting price. The best 2023 MDX for the money has a much higher starting price.

The 2023 Acura MDX’s best trims use a turbocharged engine

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S comes standard with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine to make 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. If you’re looking for performance, the Type S and Type S Advance are the only models that come standard with the turbocharged V6.

The MDX Type S starts at $67,350. It comes with a perforated Milano premium leather and Ultrasuede-trimmed interior, heated and ventilated front seats, and a leather-wrapped flat-bottom sport steering wheel. The 2023 Type S proves that Acura’s midsize SUV is worth the big bucks.