Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2023 Acura MDX
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 →
How It Ranks Among SUVs
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.
$0 — 2 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which MDX Year Should You Buy?
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.
Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
Fuel economy at 21 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
NHTSA Recalls — 2023 Acura MDX (2 on record)
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 with our free VIN recall checker.
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
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2023 Acura MDX that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2023 Acura MDX
Is the 2023 Acura MDX reliable?
We rate the 2023 Acura MDX's reliability 8.1/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2023 Acura MDX have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2023 Acura MDX worth buying?
It scores 7.7/10 overall, ranking #564 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 77% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2023 Acura MDX cost?
The 2023 Acura MDX starts at $54,680 and ranges up to $61,600 across trims (MSRP when new). At 21 MPG, expect roughly $2,500/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which MDX years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest MDX years we've rated are 2015 (7.0/10), 2016 (7.1/10), 2017 (7.2/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.9/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2023 Acura MDX have?
The documented issues for the 2023 Acura MDX are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Service brakes, hydraulic, Air bags (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Acura MDX
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Similar SUV to Consider
Other suvs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Representative photo — may show another model year
