2023 Acura MDX Type S vs A-Spec. Which one is better?

[@VagabondBuilds]

This video bring you the exact differences between the A-Spec and Type S MDX 2023. Let us know which one you prefer. 😍

[@TheRetiredGuy]

Both of these SUV are great and have great rides but the touch pad for the infotainment system is horrible. Was ready to buy one but touch pad was to much of a negative. If your looking to buy one suggest you spend some time using the touch pad first.

[@mamiefortineaux5297]

Nice SUV Better than Most

[@VagabondBuilds]

@@mamiefortineaux5297 Totally agree. Thanks for watching.

[@marks6325]

I test drove both vehicles and the type S extra power wasn't enough to justify the price difference. I've never had a situation where I had to adjust suspension either. If you were blind folded and sat in both cars it's the same. If you start getting into the $70,000 range there are better in the class like the BMW X5. I bought the A Spec and when I put it in sport mode there is plenty of power.

[@VagabondBuilds]

Good way to look at it! Hopefully it was of help to others.

[@jsfbay1]

Fair enough - the X5 costs a little bit more, and will never have as good a sound system as the Type S, but I certainly much prefer the X5 drivetrain and driving dynamics. Unless you need the extra space that the Type S has. Then if you try to compare a Type S to an X7, the Type S is a bargain. IMHO 🙂

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

like the drive experience of the BMW X5 way better than MDX and infotainment touch screen on BMW X5 better than the MDX. Leather quality way nicer too in BMW X5 with extended Merino leather package@@jsfbay1

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

like the BMW X5 way better and drove both vehicles. Fully loaded MDX almost as much as BMW X5. Really comes down to personal preference as price very close together on fully loaded MDX or nicely equipped BMW X5 vehicle. The Type S costs as much as loaded BMW X5.

[@rockymntdan1]

When the BMW is in the garage the MDX is much better. 😁

[@SandroHondaF1]

appreciate your effort, one correction, The Type S has run flat tires, so NO spare as stated in the video. Other items worthy to note on the Type S has an active air suspension and can be raised and lowered, and detail geeks might care to know that the battery is located in the rear.

[@VagabondBuilds]

Thanks for the info! Means a lot! Thank you for the support and sharing!

[@hongtrinh5569]

As a 2023 TLX TYPE S owner. I am in love with the car. Mainly due to its looks but the MDX model beats it in luxury by a far shot. Acura did good by combing the advance with it.

[@VagabondBuilds]

Glad you like your car, do you see yourself buying mdx?

[@ColorMixingMunsellStyle]

I always wanted to purchase an Acura MDX. Finally, in September 2022, I purchased a 2023 brand new Acura MDX. Sadly within 3 months, the color on the passenger door started bubbling up. So took the car in and Acura repainted it. Then after 7 months of purchase, the backseat leather seat started peeling off. I do not even have passengers in the backseat that often - maybe 4 times since I bought it. So I took it back and am scheduled to replace the seat. My question is what happened to quality of these cars? I called Acura and Honda and asked for extension on my warranty because I plan to keep this car for a long time and that was denied. Acura offered me a $300 gift card!!!!!! The car was over $64,000 and all they offered is $300!! Basically, Acura does not stand behind their product. I asked to return the car but that period has passed. I consider this a joke and needles to say I do not recommend Honda or Acura at this point based on the response I am getting from them.

[@VagabondBuilds]

Wow! That’s crazy! Are you going to follow up with it more?

[@ColorMixingMunsellStyle]

@@VagabondBuilds it definitely is. I expected better quality and products from Acura. But the fact that they do not want to extend my warranty is telling. If they are so sure the quality is there, just extend mine since I am having these issues within the first year. But no, they offered $300! If they stood behind their product then I would like their company even if this were a bad lemon but they do not. So I am letting others know.

[@CaptainChemtrails]

The Aspec is basically a cosmetic package. The Type S actually backs up the looks with the proper hardware. Whole new engine, better transmission, suspension, brakes, ELS studio, etc. That's a lot of serious value for the money.

[@VagabondBuilds]

Yea. But honestly, if I didn’t have the pocket for the type s I would be content with the A spec.

[@nightwolf654]

Best Comment@@VagabondBuilds

[@jsfbay1]

Did I see that right (16:14)? The front passenger seat has 4-way lumbar? What does the driver's side have that the passenger side does not? Is the passenger side missing the massage function?

[@anasousa6044]

Both driver and passenger have the massage function

[@jsfbay1]

@@anasousa6044 Thank you for the reply. All I can say is, W O W !! Well done Acura!

[@VagabondBuilds]

Correct. Thanks for sharing

[@VagabondBuilds]

No. Passenger has massage as well

[@anasousa6044]

Not sure if anyone mentioned this but the type S does have an Advance package option. I know because I have it.

[@VagabondBuilds]

Correct.

[@scj350]

Just a point of clarification: There is an MDX Type S and an MDX Type S Advance. The MDX can be had base, Tech, A-Spec and Advance. Not sure exactly what you meant when you said Acura got “rid of the Advance package” Perhaps you meant that you cannot get a A-Spec with the Advance features unless you move all the way up to the MDX Type S Advance. I do appreciate you showing all the differences between the two. Good job!

[@VagabondBuilds]

Hahahaha exactly what I meant. Totally sorry for the misunderstanding! 😅

[@davidm4099]

16 speaker ELS is incredible!! Can’t imagine how much better it can get in the type s

[@VagabondBuilds]

I know. Very high quality premium sound honestly!

[@Rob_mula52]

The speakers are not that great it’s pretty average

[@samem1055]

Looking to buy the mdx. Love the S Type Advance, but just wondering if it’s worth the extra $$$ from the A-Spec trim

[@VagabondBuilds]

Honestly. It’s literally about how much you want to spend. But the type S is very nice. Both are beautiful cars it’s just the Type S is like the cherry on top.

[@davidm4099]

Both are great cars!!

[@samem1055]

@@gn3ricc thank you for the heads up. I believe I will play it safe and get the regular mdx with a spec trim bc of the reliable v6

[@maliquechante2205]

TypeS has air suspension, more horsepower, slightly more features but not much. I say it’s worth the extra $$$

[@ansysherrell5211]

Can someone tell me what the grey color is called I love it with the red interior??

[@VagabondBuilds]

I believe it is on the msrp sticker in the video

[@beedaissyy4518]

So riddle me this .. was this a type s or type s advance ? Because I was under the impression the massaging seats were only in the advance

[@VagabondBuilds]

Type s

[@beedaissyy4518]

@@VagabondBuildsbut the msrp sheet said adv at the end. & I was under the impression that only the type s advance model had the massage

[@onesimpledad]

The rear heated seats are NOT type S inclusive. Just a MDX Advance has them as well

[@VagabondBuilds]

You are correct! Sorry 😅

[@JeffSpicoli80]

Your reviews are GREAT!!!

[@VagabondBuilds]

Thanks a bunch! We are trying our best! Glad to be of help to you!

[@YasssStitch]

MDX was never meant to be a sport vehicle. 3.5 NA is tried and true and 3.0 turbo is too new to know anything. Not worth it.

[@VagabondBuilds]

Honestly I would say that I’m not a fan of leaning turbo because I simply have never been of turbo charged engines. But the more we go green, the more we see these type of engines coming in.

[@joemacch6284]

I’m buying one. Just trying to figure out the sweet spot in the lineup.

[@VagabondBuilds]

Where you buying at?

[@joemacch6284]

@@VagabondBuilds Valencia Acura or Acura of Sherman Oaks

[@edwardirizarry5458]

I have a 2024 MDX Aspec I like the vehicle a lot very sharp looking and fun to drive. The only thing I do not understand is why if this vehicle is the high end brand for Acura it only comes with only 290 HP that does not make sense to me you figure it would at least come with 325 hp especially for the money you are paying for it.

[@VagabondBuilds]

Yea, interesting way to put it….. was the video helpful at all?

[@rich1958]

Red interior is really red. Some may like it but based on my experience it’s a love or hate for most.

[@VagabondBuilds]

I agree. Depends what car it’s in honestly.

[@gregforse]

So Type S has the Advance package included in the TYPE S name in 2023? and it's now called just simple TYPE S?

[@VagabondBuilds]

Yes!

[@YTEIUTOIY]

Thank you, it's excellent presentation! Honestly I'm coming between with that model S type, and Audi q7. Tell me ,what should I buy??😊

[@VagabondBuilds]

I don’t want to give you a biased opinion hahaha. I know what I would buy though. Lol Both are beautiful cars

[@TheHakimboghni]

Wanted to trade mdx 2022 base model for a new acura rdx aspec . I'm not sure if it worth it I like the car but not sure if I will save gas on the rdx. Any advice

[@VagabondBuilds]

Oh that’s a tough one. It’s all up to you and if you don’t need the extra space.

[@sugistyle]

Has Acura fixed the transmission problem pointed out in the Savage Geese video or was his just a lemon?

[@VagabondBuilds]

I couldn’t answer that one. I wouldn’t know 😅

[@Kaipelana]

I have the same question. Savageese really liked it. Said it almost gave him buyers remorse about his X7. Very high praise. But that transmission problem is worrying.

[@padredave53]

Nice job keeping the commonalities and differences. Lots of data, and you did a great job. I am interested in learning the differences with the engine in each. I drive a 2019 RSX A-Spec and love it! I don’t need the 3rd row but having some extra kick with the bigger engine. Also interested in the suspension setups for spirited driving….that is one of the best things about the RDX. Thanks and God bless you too! I look forward to future offerings.

[@VagabondBuilds]

Awesome! Thanks so much! Thank you for the support here on our channel.

[@jsfbay1]

Love both of these vehicles but good grief, the Type S is so thirsty!! A BMW X5 (admittedly lighter) gets 21 city/25 highway, and it's much faster than Type S. I still would buy the Type S over the BMW, but I'd sure want to take a look at the Mazda CX-90 as well before I buy. My other two dings against the MDX (either one) are 1) piano black plastic, and 2) track pad (vs touchscreen - everyone's favorite complaint I'm sure.) Neither of these would keep me from buying this though. Overall, excellent job Acura!

[@VagabondBuilds]

Agree. Overall I think it’s a really good car

[@christopherjuarez4552]

What color is they type s?

[@VagabondBuilds]

I believe the msrp sticker has the color if you take a look at it in the video.

[@ginoy007]

So Aspec is not turbo?

[@VagabondBuilds]

Aspec is no turbo

[@MsAmazon511]

My husband and I purchased the Aspec 23 it's funny because we have the type s color with the red seats the only difference my seats have black swade down the middle of the seats! I love my car ! I wish we had the heads up but guess you can't have it all we really chose our car because of the red seats ! It was the only one on the lot

[@VagabondBuilds]

Overall I still say you bought a nice car honestly. I’m a fan of the red Acura outs in their interior.

[@tynkrbel201]

I just bought the SAME model and color!!! I absolutely LOVE it and any passengers I welcome are blown away by it. Total luxury!!! ❤️‍🔥♥️🔥

[@romonebuchanan8707]

My 2022 has heated and ventilated front and rear seats, kick to open/close, along with the trunk button that you press to walk away and it closes. Only prob I have with my MDX is the fact that they didn't include 360 camera, welcome lights in the side mirrors Tha dims at night and proper ambient lighting. My 2017 had a 360 cam with welcome lights and side/rear view mirrors that dim at night when the car behind me has their headlights on. Acura cheap ing out to just add those things on where they can further charge for it. Don't know if my current MDX has these missing features from the 2023 model due to location (Canada), or the fact that the 2022 was the refreshed version so they included all bells and whistles...well most. 🙂

[@VagabondBuilds]

Haha! Thanks for the info drop! Greatly appreciate your response!

[@boopotcat]

No mention of the Type S air suspension?!?! I traded in my 2022 Advanced package for the 2023 Type S Advanced package just for that … and the sound system. The air suspension changes the ride like night and day! I have a family member who has physical issues and the air suspension makes it possible to ride without experiencing pain going over the bumps in the road.

[@VagabondBuilds]

Totally sorry for the mistake! But we appreciate the comment letting viewers know that there is air ride suspension.

[@shannonthomass]

Video was just in time. I was wondering the differences in the two. $74 is just outside of my price range. Don’t know about the A spec when I know the diff 😩

[@VagabondBuilds]

Haha haha. I totally feel your pain my man!

[@stevenweinstein2290]

Price is ridiculous. You can get a BMW X5 for that price!

[@jsfbay1]

@@stevenweinstein2290 And I love that vehicle, but if you need the extra space, and/or the 3rd row, then comparing Type S to X7 makes the Type S look like a bargain.

[@2527cordero]

@@stevenweinstein2290 And if you wait yo can buy not 1 but 2 BMW X5 for that price with all de depreciation lost on X5 😅

[@speedisf]

Ok both cars are great .one question do you know if the 2023 mdx type s still does that thing when you turn left or right and step on it will hold it self in 2 gear for a second and then get on third gear,i drove it before the 22 but dont know if they fixed that isue

[@beri232]

No, they haven’t. I am currently fighting with my dealership to get this fixed and their solution is “we’ll be happy to buy the car back and resell it”. And just an fyi…. it doesn’t throw the car into second gear…. it slips it into a neutral or something because there is zero acceleration when it happens. Not good when going into traffic after taking the corner.

[@VagabondBuilds]

Yea, I could not comment here, wouldnt know. But that’s for anyone who responds!

[@speedisf]

@@beri232 danger.i got a 14 acura mdx with tec sence brand new no isue at all in 9 years

[@TheAnonymous916]

This is my concern with the new turbo engines. Debating between the Type-S and Aspec, but longevity wise, more moving parts = more expensive repair cost. Will have to settle with the reliable N/A V-6. Just wish they have a touchscreen instead of the mousepad.

[@speedisf]

@@TheAnonymous916 ok none turbo are great i got a 14 brand new and no problems with it

[@jcruz917]

the mdx type s is an a-spec package with the turbo engine. there is also a type s advance package. There is also a regular engine advance package so you’re completely incorrect with your package explanations

[@VagabondBuilds]

Totally sorry for the misunderstanding and it came out different than what I wanted to say. Haha but no Aspec with advance unless you prop up to a type S. Sorry 😅

[@MercOne]

Type S all the way if you can swing the price.

[@VagabondBuilds]

Yes I hear ya! What’s the best part in your opinion?

[@reyman7131]

Seems like the a spec seats are cheap looking with the suede insert in which Im sure it will look horrible in a few years from wear. They should of did it like the S type

[@VagabondBuilds]

Maintain a clean are and interior, years down the line it can look good.

[@Lennox1492]

So in rdx, the non a spec isn’t fully loaded but in mdx the a spec isn’t fully loaded. So confusing

[@youngpan2102]

Yes both of them don’t have 360 cameras

[@VagabondBuilds]

A spec changes depending on model of car.

[@TheMorenosatKW]

Just a small tip, when reviewing the interiors of two cars of the same make and model. Start with the lesser model first and then do the premium one. Overall good review! 🙂

[@VagabondBuilds]

Thanks for sharing. I’ll definitely try that

[@ranmas2004]

So for 2023 no more type S and Type S advance??? Is that what I hear? Its just a Type S now?

[@VagabondBuilds]

Steve completely made it clear of what I meant! Thanks Steve! Sorry for the misunderstanding!

[@Not_nice718]

Oh pls what eva type s got I will transfer it over to my A-spec don’t see no big deal in this video 😂

[@VagabondBuilds]

Haha let me know how it goes haha

[@anasousa6044]

I traded in my 2020 aspec with technology package for a 2023 type s with advance package, and trust me there’s a huge difference

[@TheMilkman-k7p]

The price difference is possibly worth it if that’s what you like but it hurts the pocket book a bit. I am looking at the ASpec and it’s amazing. Looks fantastic has a sport mode as well. I just can’t justify the 70,000 plus for the horsepower difference. Just my two cents. If you can’t afford it Rick and roll. I like to relax and the ASpec does it perfect s d looks better than the Spec. 😮

[@VagabondBuilds]

Nice! So I take it you’re going for the Aspec and that is the decision?

[@comeconcon569]

They're both very good-looking.

[@VagabondBuilds]

I’m saying. Overall which one would you incline to?

[@nightwolf654]

MASTERPIECES !!

[@VagabondBuilds]

Haha so I take it you’re buying one?

[@Kenny-bj2zq]

Nice SUV need to get rid of that cheap mat black on the dashboard would make a big improvement

[@VagabondBuilds]

What would you put in its place?

[@stevennevins6643]

Man, he is confused. There is a Type S and Type S Advanced model. There are still base, Tech Package, A-spec, and Advanced models with the base engine.

[@VagabondBuilds]

Interesting. Hmmmmm.

[@HNA12615]

They need to do another brand for Acura and call it Acura mini luxury and size of Honda jazz but more luxury and s type

[@VagabondBuilds]

I think that’s a long shot.

[@darrendempsey6184]

Can't believe there no rear heated seats in Aspec

[@romonebuchanan8707]

My 2022 MDX Aspec has both heated and ventilated seats. 🙂

[@VagabondBuilds]

Yup!

[@dadoo985]

​@@romonebuchanan8707 rear seats?

[@romonebuchanan8707]

@@dadoo985 yeah...both front and rear seats are heated and ventilated. Don't know if it's because I'm in Canada or the it's the fact that this was the introduction of the redesigned MDX but those features are all there. For 2023 Acura removed a lot of things that came standard with the 2022. Remote start on key fob, push button in trunk for walk away closing tailgate, heated and ventilated rear seats and a few other perks.

[@dadoo985]

@@romonebuchanan8707 Canada get more features that States. I bought a 17 Crv and Canada had so much more like pano roof, power gold mirrors and more

[@Firstautoshow]

This video brings you the exact differences between the A-spec and type s MDX 2023.

[@VagabondBuilds]

Appreciate the comment and the feedback!

[@Not_nice718]

The maintenance going to be crazy 😜 better get the best packages deal lol

[@VagabondBuilds]

Get the longer warranty is what I’m saying.

[@Not_nice718]

Your vibes is mad funny how u got In the A spec like it’s a boring suv lol

[@VagabondBuilds]

😅 it’s a nice car. Maybe i was just sad because I couldn’t have one haha

[@Rob_mula52]

The prices are crazy $75,000 for a mdx is crazy I had the aspec model and got bored with it so I sold it back to the dealer

[@VagabondBuilds]

What did you get in the place of it?

[@Acura_mechanic]

Wrong info! You can get advance mdx. 😳

[@VagabondBuilds]

Yes! I stand corrected!

[@TypicalGuy84]

The A spec is missing a lot of features you get with American SUVs for the same money. Kind of a miss IMO on Acura

[@TypicalGuy84]

Great review btw.

[@VagabondBuilds]

Appreciate the feedback! So you would take the American SUV over the Acura?

[@beri232]

Yes but North American is garbage.

[@marvinsulzer8258]

But most American and European brands have engine trouble the moment the warranty ends. I can buy a pre-owned Acura that's maybe 5-8 years old and know it will last longer than brand new Domestic or European car. That's the gap in reliability between Lexus, Acura and everyone else.

[@kennynguyen2105]

It's stupid to pay $80k for Acura Type S.

[@VagabondBuilds]

But people are doing it.

[@VagabondBuilds]

People are paying it though.

[@anasousa6044]

I did it 😂

[@tonygale5897]

Touch screen yet?

[@VagabondBuilds]

No

[@gimmeahellyeahH]

Sentences are extremely choppy. Very hard to listen to.

[@VagabondBuilds]

Sorry! 😅

[@chrisa.8175]

Yes over price type s. Wait for used.. but both terrible mg poor ⛽️ gas guzzler

[@VagabondBuilds]

So no in both or would you still buy?

[@tynkrbel201]

@@VagabondBuilds 😂🤣

[@mccraejoey82]

25 speakers damn

[@VagabondBuilds]

To little right?

[@mccraejoey82]

@@VagabondBuilds lol

[@LexxLuther100]

That infotainment system with no touch screen still makes no sense in 2023.

[@VagabondBuilds]

Yea, I kind of thought of that. Great that you pointed that out.

[@Sauceromeogaming]

Type S is turbo 🚩 reliability has left the chat…

[@VagabondBuilds]

Yea, I feel the pain! I’m a naturally aspirated fan.

[@zebekias3]

I have two Nissan GTRs (2011 & 2014) with zero problems for both, so although I too prefer the simplicity of NA engines, having turbos doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to be an unreliable engine.

[@cliffkachina3355]

I see a lot of people here calling Acura a German car. Reall! Guys!. Acura is not a German car go make your research. Acura is Japanese car,Honda Baby

[@VagabondBuilds]

Correct

[@mrvang8077]

The front looks good except for that ginormous acura emblem and the rear tailgate is ugly. It just doesnt look good whatsoever. They need to stop putting license plate in the front. It just ruines the overall look. I just see more zonk then what it couldve been a great suv had they stop putting that ugly rear style.

[@VagabondBuilds]

Depends what state you are it. Certain states require front license plates

[@mwn7521]

Type S is over price . Buy X5, GLE, Q7 is more prestigious

[@Rob_mula52]

I agree

[@VagabondBuilds]

What about reliability?

[@kennynguyen2105]

​​​@@VagabondBuildsMost people who spent money on these German cars don't care about reliability. They trade in after 3 years or lease.😂. The performance and handling count and Acura isn't reliable either. I had 2017 Tech Shawd and I got rid of it due to zf9 issue.

[@nickns23659]

An equally equipped X5 is going to cost a lot more than the Type-S. Value for dollar the Type-S is better in my opinion.

[@vishtux7]

I’m a big Acura fan because I tend to keep my cars longer. However, BMW X5 starts where Acura MDX Type S ends when it comes to power trains and ride quality. New BMWs with B58 power trains are actually fairly reliable and it also comes with 4 years of free maintenance. If I were to spend almost $75k, I would go with Germans even though I love Acura.

[@beri232]

Bad vid bud. I hate it when I walk into a dealership and have 2 salesmen following me around the store like sharks and when asked a question, they know less about the car than I do. Last time I was at Acura, I asked if the MDX had dual laminated glass front and back or if it was just in the front side-glass like Lexus and he had to ask the sales manager🙄. Know what you’re selling!

[@VagabondBuilds]

Haha yea! I totally understand. The only thing is that I’m not trying to sell anything but just bring the car to the viewer. Thanks though. I’m not paid for it. But we appreciate your comment constructive criticism. I’ll try to get better.

[@CalebHerscher]

Gls V8 has better gas mileage

[@VagabondBuilds]

Is it as reliable as an Acura?

[@CalebHerscher]

@@VagabondBuilds MB gls is exceptional reliable suv

[@bchandler81]

Honda & Acura are not what they used to be. Reliability used to be top notch & that is no longer the case.

[@VagabondBuilds]

Why do you say that?

[@volcalstone]

You kept calling the A-spec the tech trim when it's not! Honestly please do more research prior to making your videos to prevent minor mistakes.

[@VagabondBuilds]

Totally sorry for my mistakes. Will continue to grow better at this! Appreciate the patience

[@tynkrbel201]

@@VagabondBuilds you’re very humble! Amazing response in love ❤️‍🔥

[@tynkrbel201]

He did his research and presented it well! He provided me 18 WHOLE mins of very useful information my local Acura dealer could not! 😒 The minor miss was understood as the A Spec (Tech pkge) trim 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@nadton2]

Same Honda 🤮🤮🤮

[@VagabondBuilds]

Why no like?