Topic: 2023 Acura MDX Prestige Elite

[Blueprint]

My last tango with an MDX was on the open road during a trip to Cape Cod. It did the job over 2,500 km but I never warmed up to it. This time, I'm staying local on familiar roads. Will I warm up this time?

https://www.autohebdo.net/editorial/20230602/acura-mdx-elite-2023-essai-routier/

[Blueprint]

There's a hodge-podge of trims available: Base, Tech, A-Spec, Prestige Elite (my tester), Type S and Type S Ultra, ranging from $59,300 to a vertigo-inducing $84,400. That's quite the spread. Tech is the value option, and it shows as Acura released full 2024 specs on the public website, making my tester a bit redundant, and Tech is now the starting point. The non-Ultra Type S is gone too.

Non-S variants get the very last generation of Honda's venerable 3.5 litre V6, pumping out 290 hp, bolted to a 10-speed auto and Acura's SH-AWD. Despite being the lux option of the MDX range, my tester was quite zippy, to the point of questioning the value of the turbo 3-litre (355 hp) in the S. C/D reports minimal decrease in acceleration metrics.

[Blueprint]

Suspensions were surprisingly sporty too, with the MDX proving adept at attacking curves for something this size. You don't expect so much bucking and rebounding on bad roads either - the Tiguan tester that followed this was better behaved on the same roads.

So my mains beefs with the MDX are already back - poor suspension tuning and high prices. The IP looks nice overall, but is awash in cheap-looking and cheap-feeling piano black trim. TONS of it, and Kia grade at that. This stuff doesn't belong in the $70k version.

[Blueprint]

Other classic MDX beef: kiddie-sized 3rd row. I can't sit in there - nearly not enough headroom. There is less room back there than in the CX-90. At least Acura kept the 3-accross seating in the 2nd row, and thanks to the width that's where you'll fit a 5th adult.

[Blueprint]

At least overall cargo volume is quite good for this category, and all seats fold quite flat. 3rd row up not much space is left, but that's par for the course in this field.

[Blueprint]

The awkward styling of the previous generations is thanfully gone, the MDX is finally a looker. The long hood, flat top and just-righ angle of the backlight, along with proper sculpting up front gives it good proportions - before, the MDX always looked like the bits fitted to it were meant for a larger body. Proportions are finally right.

[Blueprint]

But that's not enough to make it a compelling option. A Telluride feels more "special". And that's always been the big issue between me and the MDX. To my eyes, it doesn't warrant its price tag once you venture past the Tech trim. The rough ride, cheap interior bits and useless 3rd row just don't jig with the $70k+ prices of the upper trims. Sure it will age gracefully, but so will a (roomier) Pilot. To add insult to injury, all I could muster is 14.2 l/100 km on recommended premium gas. I'll end this with the same sentence as with my 2016 review: back in the water you go.

[tortoise]

Ugh, look at all that piano black trim... So horrible.

Is there another option you can choose?

[ktm525]

Length of interior space with all seats folded please.

[PJungnitsch]

We never really 'got' the MDX, or Acura in general. Anything we test drove was fine, but not 'special', more like a Honda with a frustrating control system

Lexus vs Toyota though was totally different, big upgrade

[Blueprint]

We never really 'got' the MDX, or Acura in general. Anything we test drove was fine, but not 'special', more like a Honda with a frustrating control system

Lexus vs Toyota though was totally different, big upgrade

I forgot to mention that here - thanks  Yes, the horrid tactile pad and shifter buttons were kept in the 2022 redesign. The higher-end stereos in upper trim Acuras aren't terrible either.

[Blueprint]

Length of interior space with all seats folded please.

Vehicle handed back 2 weeks ago - sorry! Online specs maybe?

[Fobroader]

Our neighbors kid has one, but in a much better color. Wow does this look bland in white, this to me is one of the best looking mid size SUVs out there, along with the Mazda, just not in fleet white.

[ktm525]

Length of interior space with all seats folded please.

Vehicle handed back 2 weeks ago - sorry! Online specs maybe?

Almost all reviews had regurgitated volumes. I found a video with the info. Answer is 71", Perhaps 72" with seats forward.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNh-5XwSn3g


Now I need to know the max tongue weight.

[Jaeger]

We never really 'got' the MDX, or Acura in general. Anything we test drove was fine, but not 'special', more like a Honda with a frustrating control system

Lexus vs Toyota though was totally different, big upgrade

I feel much the same. For any given Acura, I'd pretty much just rather have the equivalent Honda.