2023 Acura RDX vs 2023 Acura MDX

When shopping for a new 2023 Acura MDX, buyers found both standard and Type S versions, each with trim packages that increased the amount of equipment. The standard MDX came in a base level with available Technology, A-Spec, and Advance packages, while the MDX Type S was offered in standard spec or with an Advance package. Prices ranged from $49,550 to $73,200, plus a destination charge of $1,195. The test vehicle arrived in Type S Advance trim with extra-cost Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid (white) interior, bringing the MSRP to $74,995. Despite the high price, the MDX Type S set different expectations for quality, luxury, and driving dynamism, but in some respects, it missed the mark.

The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to wear the Type S badge, and the S stood for subtlety. The Type S featured chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and minor front styling modifications. The 21-inch wheels gave the Type S a proper stance, while quad exhaust outlets framed a rear diffuser panel. Inside, the Type S featured perforated Milano leather, aluminum interior trim, and a Sport Appearance package. The Type S Advance added open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard. However, the body tapering at the doors could make it look like the MDX had a massive dent, and the gloss black plastic on the dashboard made it challenging to find and use some controls.

The 2023 Acura RDX stood out in its class for its sharp, angular style, but remained conventional enough to blend in. The signature Acura grille, flanked by sleek wraparound headlights and deep creases in the bodywork and hood, gave the nose a sporty and aggressive look. The side was accentuated by a distinctive character line suggesting forward movement, even when parked. The rear of the RDX was more conventional, resembling many other small SUVs.

Inside, the RDX took a different route with a vertical dashboard layout. The center stack of controls flowed into the center console, dominated by gear-selector buttons and a drive-mode dial. Above that were physical climate controls and a 10.2-inch infotainment display. The instrument panel featured a digital center display with analog gauges on either side. The interior wasn't as modern as some rivals, but those averse to new glass cockpits found the RDX more familiar and easier to get acquainted with.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S was unique for its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, generating 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This was an increase of 65 hp and 87 lb-ft over the standard 3.5-liter V6. However, the Type S also weighed 285 pounds more than the lightest standard MDX with all-wheel drive (AWD). The twin-scroll turbo V6 engine used a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters to power all four wheels through Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). This system could put up to 70 percent of total engine output to a single rear wheel, enhancing cornering performance.

The MDX Type S featured an Integrated Dynamics System with Snow, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes, and an exclusive Lift mode to increase ground clearance. Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S fell short as a cohesive performance vehicle. The transmission was indecisive, the ride lacked compliance, and the brake pedal modulation was poor. The engine's power increase over the standard V6 was not substantial, and fuel economy was dismal, averaging 16.9 mpg on the evaluation route. The MDX Type S struggled as a driver's SUV, with issues in transmission behavior, brake response, and tire performance.

The 2023 Acura RDX was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and came standard with front-wheel drive (FWD), with all-wheel drive (AWD) available on all models. The RDX accelerated to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, which was average for its class. The throttle response was immediate, and the turbo powertrain was more than adequate for most drivers. The transmission selected the correct gear efficiently, and the brake pedal had a reassuring firmness.

The RDX's handling inspired confidence, with well-managed body roll and abundant traction from the advanced AWD system. It cornered with enough prowess to be considered sporty, yet ride comfort remained excellent. Road imperfections were smoothed over, and mid-corner bumps were barely acknowledged. The RDX's broad performance range, easy-to-drive nature, and comfortable ride made it an attractive option for many shoppers.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats with options for two or three second-row seating positions, plus a cargo area with ample floor space. The test vehicle had all available upgrades, including a triple-zone automatic climate control system and 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage. The seats were wrapped in quilted leather upholstery, but the firm driver's seat didn't hold occupants in place as well as expected. Seven-passenger seating was standard, with a removable center section in the second row for a pass-through to the third row. The second-row seat slid forward and back, but the rearmost position didn't provide as much legroom as expected.

The MDX's third row was best for children, as it was a tight squeeze for adults. Storage space within the cabin was limited due to the design focus on style. The cargo area offered 18.1 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded flat. The power liftgate and underfloor storage bin added convenience, and the hands-free liftgate with Walk Away Close function was a thoughtful feature.

The 2023 Acura RDX provided plenty of space in the front seats for taller adults, with additional power adjustments for side bolsters and thigh extension in top trims. The cushioning was generous, and the heated and ventilated seats quickly adjusted to desired temperatures. The rear seats accommodated average-sized adults comfortably, though six-footers might touch the headliner. The large panoramic sunroof enhanced the sense of space.

The RDX offered up to 31.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, with a deep bin under the cargo floor featuring a center drain plug. Folding the rear seats expanded capacity to 79.8 cubic feet, and remote seatback levers made the transformation easy. For smaller items, front passengers had several storage options, including a covered center console bin, a bin under the armrest, and a large tray under the center console. However, the center stack's design took up unnecessary space.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a Digital Precision Cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment screen wasn't touch-sensitive and required the use of a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the center console. The TTI design had several flaws, including the need for hand-eye coordination, loss of center console storage space, and partial obstruction of the wireless charging pad. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In for voice commands.

Additional infotainment features included SiriusXM satellite radio, a native navigation system, and AcuraLink connected services with a complimentary three-year subscription. The top-shelf Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers provided excellent sound quality. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display (HUD) with navigation instructions and driving assistance status. However, the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs, causing concern.

The 2023 Acura RDX also used a touchpad infotainment controller, which was challenging to use. The dashtop display wasn't a touchscreen and was out of reach. The experience improved with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, allowing for easier operation. Despite the sharp graphics and quick responses, the infotainment interface remained one of the worst from any carmaker. The RDX came standard with a Wi-Fi hotspot and remote monitoring via the Acuralink app. The top A-Spec Advanced trim featured a 16-speaker ELS system with potent bass and clear high notes.

The 2023 Acura MDX included Acura Watch, a collection of driving assistance and collision avoidance systems. Standard features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. The MDX also had blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with additional features in certain trims. The MDX earned good crash-test ratings, with the IIHS naming it a Top Safety Pick+ and the NHTSA giving it an overall five-star rating.

The 2023 Acura RDX received five stars from the NHTSA for overall and side crash protection, and four stars for frontal and rollover protection. The IIHS gave the RDX its highest score of "good" across the board and named it a Top Safety Pick+. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. The Technology package added parking sensors, while the Advance package included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display. All systems worked well, with only a few false warnings during aggressive driving.