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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 7 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $54,680–$61,600 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2023 Acura MDX at 7.7/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.6/10, while Performance at 7.3/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 8.1/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The 8.6/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.
Performance scores 7.3/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. The cabin tech earns 8.1/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $54,680–$61,600, 21 MPG, seating 7, the Acura MDX sits in the premium tier of the suv category. The 7.3/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 3 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2023 Acura MDX is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2023 Acura MDX ranks #564 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 77% of the segment. Its 7.7/10 overall score is 0.3 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $54,680 starting price is about 52% above the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Across the MDX model years we've scored, the 2023 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.9/10 | $57,060 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.9/10 | $57,060 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.8/10 | $55,870 | Read review → |
| 2023 (this review) | 7.7/10 | $54,680 | |
| 2022 | 7.6/10 | $53,490 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.5/10 | $52,300 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.4/10 | $51,110 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.4/10 | $49,920 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.3/10 | $48,730 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.2/10 | $47,540 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.1/10 | $46,350 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.0/10 | $45,160 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Service brakes, hydraulic / Pedals and linkages 12/06/2025 · 25V391000 | Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Acura TLX, 2023-2025 Acura MDX, and 2023-2025 Honda Pilot vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin was not secured properly, which can cause the pedal to shift out of position. As such, these… |
|---|---|
| Air bags / Sensor / Occupant classification / Front passenger 21/05/2026 · 26V332000 | Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V,… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
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