Overview & Reviews

The Acura MDX is a midsize luxury SUV with a carlike unibody platform and three rows of seats. The original MDX bowed in 2001, at a time when most competitors still featured body-on-frame construction and the term "crossover" was but a glimmer in some marketer's eye. Since then, Acura has maintained the MDX's family-friendly packaging, including standard seven-passenger seating, while spicing up the recipe with various styling, performance and handling enhancements. In typical Acura fashion, every MDX comes well equipped, with options generally limited to a few choice features bundled into packages.

New or used, the Acura MDX stands out for its comfort, versatility and refinement. It's one of our top recommendations for a family-oriented luxury crossover SUV. In reviews, we've found the MDX to be a polished performer, as it remains one of the more engaging luxury crossovers to drive and also provides a commendably supple ride. Weak points include cramped third-row accommodations for adults and less sumptuous interior appointments than in some rivals, though the MDX's strong resale value offers ample compensation.

User Reviews:

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  "CAUTION"---MDX has a driver safety issue! :(( - 2014 Acura MDX
  By flfeds - June 10 - 3:48 pm

  Just bought the MDX two weeks ago and took it on our first trip and was astonished at an interior design flaw. Heading west on a sunny day produced a significant amount of glare off the aluminum trim around the center console and the entertainment center.It was so distracting and bothersome to the driver that we had to cover the trim with articles of clothing.Dealership was notified their solution was to cover with electrical tape. Acura client relations was contacted their response was thx for feedback, no solution because its the design of the interior for the MDX.No other model has that reflective trim!Stay away,there r many other competitive choices.I will solve it with "DUCT TAPE" :(

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  Build quality is poor for a premium SUV - 2014 Acura MDX
  By jedi4knight - April 26 - 9:54 am

  2014 MDX is a huge deal for Acura as over 40% of revenue comes from MDX sales but the overall execution is poor. First issue is not necessarily a bad design, but build quality of SUV that is made in America. If this SUV were built better, there would be a lot less complaint and more appraises but unfortunately, it does not represent a premium SUV class at all. Overall cost cutting also shows how much Acura cut material cost to save money in several areas for loyal Acura owners will realize rather quickly. After first three months and 2400 miles later, the ultimate question remains. Will you buy this SUV again? My answer would be "probably not" I have owned many Acura but this is the worst.

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  Diappointed and mislead - 2014 Acura MDX
  By hhhjjj - February 24 - 7:14 pm

  We purchased a 2014 Acura MDX 2WD. It has a harsh and noisy ride over bumps. This is due to the light suspension and the light rear end. If you accept more bounce and are indifferent to thumping noises you will be OK. Our dealer suggested riding around with a 50lb bag of dog food to help quieten. Also, notice the resistance when the engine downshifts. Our biggest objection is the Dealer, Gary Force Acura in Brentwood Tennessee, mislead us by putting us in an AWD model for our two test drives. We thought we were buying a much smoother and quiet vehicle. Either way, I would not recommend this vehicle. Based on price you can do much better purchasing another vehicle.

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  Acura Venza - 2014 Acura MDX
  By bgf18 - February 8 - 3:30 pm

  Overall, we are seriously disappointed. We made the mistake of trading in our 2011 MDX for a 2014 before we had a chance to live with it. Acura has, unfortunately, transitioned the MDX from being an SUV to a minivan-shaped SUV, much like the Toyota Venza. The vehicle is shorter, fatter, and longer. If you need or want an SUV-shaped minivan, then this is the vehicle for you. Also, if you like navigating touch-screen menus while trying to stay on the road, youll love the new MDX.

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  Not an SUV - 2014 Acura MDX
  By steve526 - January 15 - 1:17 pm

  Nice car! Quiet, comfortable once inside. Decent mpg. Unlike most SUVs, driver is close to the ground, more like a car. Not for certain body types. Short body with long legs will not be able to see over the steering wheel... cannot raise the seat or lower the steering wheel enough to make it work. Larger men under 6 feet will have difficulty getting in because the steering will not go up far enough making for a tough slide-in.

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  Great value and decent features - 2012 Acura MDX
  By sebring95 - December 7 - 8:56 am

  Weve had this for a little over a year and 30k miles. It was really no more expensive than a loaded Honda/Ford/GM SUV. Normally I wouldnt buy a "luxury" brand for our family hauler given the 25k-30k miles per year we drive, but operating costs on an Acura are a fraction of the Euro brands. Depreciation also appears to be significantly more favorable. Transmission is relatively lazy and you have to keep after it to capitalize on the 300hp. Backup camera is terrible at night. Gas mileage is as expected...averaging 19.5 and 21-22 on long trips at 75mph. Unless youre comparing it to something significantly more expensive or smaller, this is a great overall vehicle.

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  Great midsized SUV - 2014 Acura MDX
  By gra_jr - November 24 - 8:58 am

  Had the MDX SH-awd Tech for a little over a month now. Third Acura but first Acura SUV. Coming from the 12 TL SH-awd Advanced it is taking a little getting used to. The TL had much more "spunk" but it was a luxury sports car if you will. Overall it is a great car. Ride is silky smooth. We do get a little noise from the Direct Injection from the outside but cant hear it all in the cab. Strongly considered the RLX but couldnt justify the $6K cost since this is virtually the same interior dash layout, engine, and Tech features as the RLX tech. Also considered resale value. As popular as the MDXs are compared to bad reviews of the RLX it was a no brainer.... Go for the MDX!

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  Great car, lousy Nav/Ent/Voice System - 2014 Acura MDX
  By danrhiggins - November 16 - 9:50 pm

  I have had my 14 MDX (white Advance) since June and now have over 13K miles. I love the way the car drives. But the Nav, voice command and entertainment software is sub-par and of poor quality. Poor support for Apple products. Poor voice command (fewer commands then other vehicles, some commands dont work, etc.), very poor Nav display (not clear, doesnt work with polarized glasses.) Again, for a vehicle of this size it handles well and is fun to drive. Good use of interior space. Comfortable enough though the driver seat could use some more adjustment options. LKAS, AAC, CAS, BSI pretty cool. Nav/Voice/Entertainment very disappointing.

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  Great except..... - 2014 Acura MDX
  By bohlson - September 4 - 10:41 am

  After driving a Chevy Suburban for 18 years I am loving the smaller car with its handling and better gas mileage. I purchased the MDX over the competitors because of the reputation for reliability and because I found it more comfortable than the other cross overs. My one complaint though is that when I open the sunroof I get the smell of burnt rubber or something that immediately comes in the car. At first I thought it was sucking in exhaust but I think the smell is coming up the windshield and into the car. The dealership said it is the smell of the new engine and that after 4-5K miles it will go away but I am not sure. 2k miles and it still does it. Anyone else experiencing this smell???

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  2014 MDX Defect Noticed - 2014 Acura MDX
  By tiffany18 - August 24 - 10:30 am

  Hello Everyone, Tiffany Here in Canada. I purchased a new 2014 MDX two weeks ago. There is a noticeable defect with the rubbber weather strip around the windows of the rear passenger doors. There is a point on the 3 oclock position of the window seal that bends roughly 30 degrees. At that point, the seal is popping out. Looks ugly and water can get inside. I examined all three 2014 MDXs on the dealership lot, they all had this same issue. Dealership doesnt know how to fix it, and Honda Canada is asking the design engineer in U.S. THe 2013 & 2012 MDX have the same 30 degree angle, but no such problem. Im asking all affected owners to ask HONDA to fix this.