2023 Acura MDX VS 2023 Acura RDX - An In-Depth Comparision

[@carlosdr83]

I have a ‘23 MDX ASpec and it’s an excellent vehicle but there’s a few things Acura needs to address. For example, the 3rd row lacks air vents which renders it practically unusable for my family; I didn’t notice the lack of air vents when we test drove it so that’s on me. Secondly, the turn signal/wiper blade levers do NOT light up at night when the headlights are turned on. This is a terrible oversight from Acura. I have to turn on the interior lights to play with the wiper/headlight lever settings which is very distracting while driving. Also, the backup camera is not the highest definition for a “luxury” vehicle. It’s adequate but nothing like a German competitor. Lastly, the trackpad is cumbersome and takes some time to get used to it. I’d rather have a touch screen and no trackpad. What I love the most abt the car is: the headlights are elite, the ELS Studio sound system is absolutely amazing, and the styling is very sleek. The power is also more than enough for me.

[@richardmyles8237]

I agree it’s everything you said. I have the 2023 MDX…and absolutely love it. You def know it’s a luxury SUV….if feels substantial.

[@aang6421]

Can you remove the third row? I like the bigger interior of the mdx, but being I'm just a soon to be married guy with no kids who goes camping and hauls stuff in a car, I'd like to give myself more cargo room

[@martins.5880]

German competitor? The ultimate engineer technology designed to fail 😂 I rather have any japanese vehicle before buying again a German failure.

[@incognito5109]

Rdx for the wife, Mdx for myself, nsx for both of us 🥰

[@fredsmith6324]

I favor the MDX due to it's size. They seem like the same car, just different sizes.

[@shieka20]

I own the MDX and I like the trackpad. I see the practicality in it bc you don’t have to reach for it while you’re driving however it should be both touchscreen and trackpad capable. As far as the gloss black I don’t mind it one bit. I think it’s pretty. It’s gets dirty and dusty just like anything else you just have to keep it clean. The way it’s placed in the MDX its likely to not get scratched bc it’s far enough away from you.

[@Bnizzofashizzo]

Thank you for this comment ! How’s the ride? How’s the power?

[@s.patterson5698]

Totally agree with you. The touchpad and the wrist brace is functionally perfectly placed. I don't get people's aversion to it. Acura should have made it ALSO a touchscreen for those with coordination issues because folks tend to follow the direction of the stream, gravitating to the what is considered the "in-thought". Glad I tried it for myself.

[@brydgeo007]

Yup. I completely agree as well with you on the trackpad and the gloss black. These are not high touchpoint so the fingerprint anxiety is out of the window. Less cleaning of the screen.

[@cristinaward8344]

Agree about the trackpad. I love it. Very intuitive. I had a touchscreen and it was always dirty and difficult to work while driving. It’s one of the many factors that made me choose the RDX actually. The other is that standard panoramic roof. Love it!

[@Chiroman527]

I have a 22 MDX Advance. After 19 months of using the TTIP, I still don't "love" it. Acura should have included both a Touch pad and a Touch Screen or even good "ol buttons for certain aspects of the regular functions like radio selections. I have the HUD and of course steering wheel controls to ease My Pain of dealing with the TTIP. I also have enrolled to AT&T's WiFi account [really don't need it as I drove mostly locally - 71 yo retired]. I will use Alexa to quickly and easily find an address and send it to the Navi sustem - which I find to be very Good. When connected to AA or Car Play - the touch pad is downright AWFUL. It is the opposite of an intuitive Touchpad - more like a slow Mouse. What were they Thinking?? BTW, Acura's NAVI system is all Android based software. AA should work much better than this.

[@sv655]

I have the 23 MDX Aspec and I love it! Best suv on the market hands down!!

[@Ty420]

That black mdx looks so good

[@randsipe224]

I’m used to the track pad on my RDX and to me the positive is the up high mount of the screen positioned more in line with the drivers line of sight relative to the view of the road. Plus of course , no fingerprints until that guest uses your car and mucks it all up with fingerprints not realizing it’s not a touch pad. I also like the split screen which lets you have the media in the small screen and the nav in the bigger one at the Same time.

[@johnnybyup]

thanks for the great review and comparison video. I purchased the '22 RDX apec and I love it. Best vehicle that I've owned and makes a lot of my friend jealous when we compare audi, BMW, Lexus to the Acura RDX. I wish it had: (1) standard 2-prung port for power. use case camping accessories. (2) increase tow capacity to at least 2200lbs (3) gauge cluster to be customizable provide more rich data (4) touchscreen for the infotainment (5) more power. A type-S model would be perfect. (6) the rear camera spray, should have its own button Things I hate: (1) the trackpad. it works well if you do not use androidauto/apple carplay. but all we use is andriod auto. (2) gauge cluster displays way to many safety features. it is really annoying with all the beeps and on-screen flashing. (3) the wireless charger is good, but it needs a cooling system to help keep the phone cool or it overheats and stops charging.

[@pethcir]

Have had the new RDX since January. It's amazing. Look forward to driving it every day.

[@TazCid303]

Would have been nice to hear differences in size length/width. Maybe should have done a review of the sound system also, informing who does the the sound system i.e. B & O, Bose, JBL etc. Also, the number of speakers and their locations. Other than that, great presentation of info here.

[@joed4753]

Got a 2023 RDX. Didn’t need a 3rd row already have a explorer ST.

[@aggreygaime2079]

I want a RDX 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@sunnymoondog]

This was very helpful! Thank you. I would love to see them without the a spec.

[@davidm4099]

I love our MDX

[@MikeyFFA500]

Canada has really hot summers where ventilated seats are very useful btw 😉

[@mccraejoey82]

Both looks great I would like to get an mdx type s but its a lil out of my range so I might have to do a 2020 rdx

[@jimquantic]

smart to avoid brand new, let someone else take the hit. get one Grandma drove and not too many miles, no downside as far as I can see.

[@firefly9838]

@@jimquantic the only problem is knowing if the first owner was a grandma or a NASCAR driver.

[@luisfermin608]

Aren’t they supposed to have ambient light?

[@adamjones8241]

I have a 22 RDX Aspec Advance and I love it. I hope they make an MDX Aspec Advance because the MDX is my next vehicle but I don't want to jump to the Type S Advance.

[@brydgeo007]

I have a '22 MDX and I found the RDX's front facelift a lot better specially those front air dam. RDX's front look more properly scaled. Acura mentioned on press that MDX's closed air dam is more efficient than if they open it... I am not sure of that... most likely on the refresh (probably 2025) they will change the front fascia a bit more aggressive. On the rear side, I prefer MDX's than RDX's... the lobster claw tailights should never be on any Acura lineups and it reminds me of Subaru's, and civics.

[@philipemekaorjiako5342]

I have a 2021 RDX i wish I had a 2024 MDX the size is just so practical for me

[@Gi_Lovely]

I love my RDX, I just STRONGLY dislike that bridge in the front where the buttons are. I prefer a less crowded look. Thinking of trading probably for the MDX. It’s also very sporty, I prefer a quieter ride.

[@davidm4099]

Mdx is super nice inside compare tot he RD!! Also the drive is smoother

[@mustafahusseinmakarov]

Why the price tag on those cars are so high? Too many competitors have the same features with less prices. I am trying to get the best options/price for midsize suv.

[@alexandermaliy3515]

Kind of strange solution with MDX 2nd row removable middle seat. It would make sense if left & right seats had personal hand rests in the middle, like Honda Odyssey has

[@pkr619]

love your reviews

[@VehicleVisionary]

Thank you!

[@CliffordBarbic-ry7iz]

Will the 2024 mdx aspec have a touch screen and will the steering wheel remain the same as the 2023?

[@VehicleVisionary]

'll ask about that next time I am at the dealership.

[@rpgvag]

I can't wait for a Type S version of the RDX. I'm a sedan guy but I'm 6ft4 and getting older with lower back and knee pain struggling to get in and out of my TLX so I guess my next car is gonna have to be a crossover. Do not disappoint me Acura...

[@williammaddox3339]

If there was a Type S version of the RDX, it would have been out at least 2 years ago.

[@mccraejoey82]

​@William maddox the next generation will have one

[@williammaddox3339]

@@mccraejoey82 I don't doubt that.

[@rpgvag]

Yes definitely next gen will have one but I've heard rumors that it will be an EV or Hybrid which I'm not a fan of

[@mrgold3591]

@@rpgvag Acura Sport Hybrid system isn't a mpg hybrid system like you find with Honda or Toyota vehicles. Acura Sport Hybrid powertrain is a performance hybrid system for improved power, handling, and it happens to get great city/combined/hwy mpgs. Pretty much maintenance free, same city/hwy/combined mpgs, sh-awd active all the time, and the same gas tank range in city or hwy driving. You just put in 87-93 gas and drive as normal.

[@comeconcon569]

Both of them are good-looking, and of course, they're Honda.

[@Chiroman527]

THX for doing this comparative review. I have a 22 MDX Advance. I point out a shameful ommission by Acura. The 22 MDX Advance does not have the AutoDampeneing Suspension - the RDX does in every model except the base model. Yet in Canada it's different - the MDX does have the Auto Dampeneing / Adjustable suspension. Only the TYPE S has it?? Shame on you Acura! Another ommission in the RDX is that there is No Power Steering Wheel adjustment ?? I have it my MDX and I have had it in the last 5 vehicles (2019 MDX and 4 previous Infinitis). That feauture works so well with the Auto Entry and Auto Exit systems in the MDX! There are numerous opinions about Acura's TTIP InfoT. system. Many reviewers hate it! I am after 19 months of ownership just acclimnating to it. It shoud be pointed out that there is a Shortut Icon that you can select to activate most used features which helps as does the HUD & steering wheel controls. In AA or Car Play the TopuchPad is Terrible. It operates as a very SLOW mouse and once you connect to either system , the center console USB port will not play a Flash Drive Stick?? That should have ben pointed out in the review. All In All, I truly enjoy my 22 MDX - I really LIKE {I reserve the word Love for people }, the resdesign, the handling, the 10spd AT, ride, and the fantastic ELS Studio Sound system. On the minus side: poor MPGs, probably about 80% of the proclaimed EPA numbers.

[@CliffordBarbic-ry7iz]

And do you know if the stereo will remain the same?

[@VehicleVisionary]

I'll ask about that next time I am at the dealership.

[@Wakeup-Workhard]

thank you for the detailed information! :)

[@VehicleVisionary]

Glad it was helpful!

[@williammaddox3339]

How perception is different from person to person. To me the grill flows into the center not outward.

[@jimquantic]

what is the bottom line, which should one pick, at the end of the day?

[@VehicleVisionary]

Based on the information presented in the video, it is up to you to make that decision for yourself

[@CliffordBarbic-ry7iz]

I plan to get the 2024 mdx. I’m hoping it will be coming out soon…

[@westcoastkhmer]

I want both

[@peterbutter2083]

I was thinking Tlx, but kind of sold on the rdx

[@randsipe224]

You won’t regret buying the RDX. So much more room and practicality without any compromise on sportiness. Today I stepped on the gas a bit to hard off the light and to my surprise smoked the tires big time… on dry pavement yet. 🎉The 272 hp turbo 4 is a beast. Not a mustang gt or Tesla but it will put you back in your seat in sport mode. Really happy with my RDX. BTW, CUNSUMER REPORTS ranks it above av In reliability in all categories.

[@oviss5946]

I have 2020 RDX excelent car.

[@Kenny-bj2zq]

I am a Lexus guy but can't stand the new Lexus RX how is Acura as far as Customer Service and Reliability? I might be having to make a jump to something else...........:(

[@romonebuchanan8707]

Acura is basically Honda so yeah. Proud MDX owner...3rd one to be honest. 🤟🏽

[@vadaboy]

Six years with an RDX advanced package, I replaced the tires at 40,000 miles plus oil changes. That's it and I live on a dirt road.

[@davidm4099]

Reliability is amazing and this MDX has a way more luxurious feel than the 2023 RX

[@alphabeta8403]

Laughable how a $50k+ vehicle does NOT offer touchscreen infotainment. Honda offers it across the board LOL. RDX >> MDX if you don't need the 3rd row. Better efficiency, lighter, more fun!

[@richardmyles8237]

Neither does the Lexus…it’s not a cost cutting…maybe they want less finger prints on the screen. Either way, it is not a deal breaker because the MDX has the highest sales volume for any luxury 3 seater SUV. What do you have ti say about that ? I wait

[@Dan-fj5zp]

Its no comparison the mdx is far superior. Bigger full size suv. And looks nicer also. The rdx is too small and looks cheap to me. Its a cross over. The mdx is an actual suv. Big difference in size and space. Mdx hugs the road and drives better. Everytbing about it is better than the Rdx. Worth the extra 10k

[@alexmancini6593]

Rdx way more,sportier sexy looking

[@mrgold3591]

I had an 08 RDX tech and 11 MDX Adv+Ent and those were very nice combo to have at the same time. Loved driving each for different reasons; but, hated the mpgs of both. Since upgraded to a 19 MDX Sport Hybrid and 18 RLX Sport Hybrid. I would have kept the +22 MDX/ +19 RDX combo going if Acura still had the Sport Hybrid powertrain for both.

[@tonyslaughter8954]

That RDX is a sexy car!

[@anchorsanvils]

I'll stick with my 2021 Honda CRV not much outside a few electronic features the infotainment system is better on the CRV than these 2 models

[@dioralcide8490]

The interior looks too messy

[@billyrock8305]

Both suck. Old, dated, crappy fuel economy and dated infotainment system. 🤮 👎🏼

[@firefly9838]

The cope is strong with this one

[@billyrock8305]

@@firefly9838 Exactly. Both models. Difficult to cope with regularly driven. Honda is dealing with the issues and will attempt to overcome these problems and difficulties.🤢 But they can head to the top of the class with a) hybrid engine b) new infotainment system ✅

[@dioralcide8490]

The GV70 is better than both of them

[@mrgold3591]

You might need to figure out why the better GV70 sold around 10,700 vehicle in 2021 and 19,000 in 2022. The MDX sold 60,000 in 2021 and 57,000 for the RDX just in 2021.

[@richardmyles8237]

@@mrgold3591 lmfao…I cannot wait to see his response to what you wrote. I think the cat got his tongue lol😂. The Acura will blow the GV 70 out the window. You cannot even compare the two even though Genesis has made a dent in the auto industry, but still cannot match an Acura

[@bustingyewls154]

Genesis looks nice but I don’t think it has the reliability Acura has