2023 Acura MDX Type S — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2023 Acura MDX Type S

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $60,911–$79,339
Fuel Economy 21 MPG
Seating 7 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $2,500/yr

Key Specifications — 2023 Acura MDX Type S

Seating Capacity7 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$60,911–$79,339

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2023 Acura MDX Type S

Our scoring places the 2023 Acura MDX Type S at 8.4/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.9/10, while Value at 7.8/10 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. At 8.5/10, reliability is one of this suv's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. The 8.9/10 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 is a genuine highlight at 8.3/10. The Acura MDX Type S delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. The cabin tech earns 8.6/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.

Priced from $60,911–$79,339, 21 MPG, seating 7, the Acura MDX Type S sits in the premium tier of the suv category. The 7.8/10 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 Type S 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 Type S ranks #5 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 100% of the segment. Its 8.4/10 overall score is 1.0 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $60,911 starting price is about 69% above the segment's median of $36,079.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →

Which MDX Type S Year Should You Buy?

Across the MDX Type S 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.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2025 8.6/10$64,678 Read review →
2024 8.5/10$62,795 Read review →
2023 (this review) 8.4/10$60,911
2022 8.3/10$59,027 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2023 Acura MDX Type S

✓ What it does well

  • Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
  • Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
  • Best-in-class infotainment, driver assistance, and connectivity features

✗ Where it falls short

  • Fuel economy at 21 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
  • Premium price bracket — make sure the score justifies the outlay vs. segment alternatives

NHTSA Recalls — 2023 Acura MDX Type S (1 on record)

The following recall campaign has 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.

Fuel system, gasoline / Fuel injection system
23/01/2025 · 25V031000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Acura MDX Type-S, 2023-2025 Honda Pilot, and 2021-2025 Acura TLX Type-S vehicles. A software error in the fuel injection electronic control unit (FI-ECU) may cause an engine stall or a loss…

Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.

Common Questions — 2023 Acura MDX Type S

Is the 2023 Acura MDX Type S reliable?

We rate the 2023 Acura MDX Type S's reliability 8.5/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 1 NHTSA recall campaign 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 Type S have?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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 Type S worth buying?

It scores 8.4/10 overall, ranking #5 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 100% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.

How much does the 2023 Acura MDX Type S cost?

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S starts at $60,911 and ranges up to $79,339 across trims (MSRP when new). At 21 MPG, expect roughly $2,500/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

More Acura Reviews

Explore the full lineup of Acura models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.