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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

That black mdx looks so good

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.

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.

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.

I want a RDX 🔥🔥🔥🔥

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.

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

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

I love our MDX

love your reviews

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

thank you for the detailed information! :)

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.

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

Aren’t they supposed to have ambient light?

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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...

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

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

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

I have 2020 RDX excelent car.

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.

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...........:(

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

The interior looks too messy

That RDX is a sexy car!

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!

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

The GV70 is better than both of them

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