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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  Could have been a Homerun - 2016 Acura MDX
  By SideStepping - December 7 - 1:28 pm

  Owners should know, and DEMAND, that early 2016 models built in 2015 have a software update to the transmission, technical service builletin 15-054, which changes the shifting dynamic of the car, and SHOULD resolve most of the transmission jerkiness issues. Unfortunately, my dealership didnt apply the update, BUT next time my car is in for service, I will DEMAND they fix it, because I too, experience rough shifting, surges while braking and going downhill, and poor overall transmission performance. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL TO UPDATE THE SOFTWARE ON THE TRANSMISSION. ACURA, ARE YOU LISTENING TO YOUR CUSTOMERS? Acura should be embarrassed to turn away customers. No wonder they are LAST in customer satisfaction. Now...onto the car. Two major issues with this car: the transmission, and the infotainment system. The interior is nice size and comfortable, even though it doesnt feel so luxurious. Handling is great, ride is smooth when the transmission isnt jerking you all over the place. The overall infotainment system, navigation included, is SO slow and my 2008 Infiniti G35 had a better nav system. Its pretty pathetic. This is my first (and probably last) Acura until they get their act together, stop trying to fool customers into thinking their product is the "best in its class," and until they produce a real transmission and a real infotainment system. What a shame. BTW, my dad had 3 MDXs...a 2009, a 2013, and a 2016. He loved (and so did I) the 2009 and 2013. He had the 2016 for 5 months and got rid of it. Thats how embarrassing of a vehicle it is. But, Im sure Acura is laughing all the way to the bank...what a joke of a 50K car.

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  Nice ride but cheap backup camera - 2017 Acura MDX
  By Disappointed car buyer - December 2 - 2:26 pm

  This car has a surprisingly blurry backup camera. Taken back for adjustment/replacement and the tech said "diagnostics" says its working fine. I asked them to use their eyeballs and look at the image and tell me its ok. They neither agreed or disagreed except to say they will replace it as a courtesy and if the camera is the same, there is nothing they can do since its an Acura issued camera. Well, it was replaced and it looks just as bad. I am relying on good old fashion eyeballs to back this car into parking. Very disappointed and frankly surprised that Acura would install such a "behind the times" old technology blurry camera from another decade into this high end car. I have had other cars that cost less and their cameras are far more superior and way sharper then this one. Fix the problem or recall it Acura!!! Its dangerous to rely on your blurry camera to back up. Its a lawsuit waiting to happen. Also, for this caliber of car, the steering wheel feels like hollow plastic, maneuvering with it takes some adjustment. It feels smaller then the cars handling. And it feels plastic-ky to the touch even though its wrapped with leather or pleather.

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  Not all I dreamed of - 2003 Acura MDX
  By Curt in NC - November 30 - 7:07 pm

  Bought the car brand new almost three years ago. Chose it over Volvo XC90, mistake. Just after buying it the volume control on the steering wheel stopped working been replaced 4 times and still only works half of the time. Auto wipers come on with clean windshields on a sunny day and sometimes not at all when raining. Ive developed a rattle caused by a cheap weld on the heat shield for the exhaust and now my rear A/C quit working. With the hype Acura puts out I am utterly unimpressed. Ive had trouble with the engine starting but only when parked on a hill, youd still think for 40K you wouldnt have to worry about all this. Not recommended.

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  Used car lemon ..... - 2001 Acura MDX
  By voytekwp - November 30 - 3:48 am

  I traded my Toyota 4Runner & Land Cruiser for two MDX (for me and my wife). What a mistake. After 50-60k I need to repair or replace: two transmissions (recall), front struts, 3 times SRS systems components, front damper springs (recall), EGR valve (recall). This 2001 MDX is a lemon and Acura Client Department is no help .

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  Great Handling Plus Super Navigation System - 2008 Acura MDX
  By PBenjung - November 26 - 10:03 am

  Bought last week and am enjoying the ride. Excellent acceleration, transmission shifts very smoothly, handles great around corners. Interior fit and finish is good. Still figuring out nav system but its mostly intuitive and a great asset.

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  Glad We Bought An MDX - 2003 Acura MDX
  By rabman - November 24 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I spent many months shopping (thank you Edmunds for being a great, reliable source of information). We narrowed it down to Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot and MDX. We decided on MDX based upon superior features, handling and horsepower. Both of us love driving this vehicle; it handles amazingly well for an SUV.

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  worth the wait - 2003 Acura MDX
  By Laura A. - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I spent 2 months researching midsize SUVs with the third seat, both on line and in dealerships. I was looking for a vehicle I would keep for over 5 years. I found the MDX to be by far the best in its field. The interior layout was very well thought out and had good use of space. The safety features were what I demand for transporting my children around. But, when I drove it I was sold. My parents just bought the new Volvo SUV, and being a huge Volvo fan I was curious about how it measured up to my Acura. (The Volvo SUV wasnt out when I was looking.)I liked the Volvo, but, I can honestly say I made the right choice.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Acura MDX
  By Nancy - November 15 - 9:04 pm

  I test drove the Volvo and Toyota Sequoia, and my husband has the Lexus 330. The MDX is superior to all of three. Great handling, relatively high off the ground, comfortable interior, easy to use navigation and dvd systems.

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  Great, but only time will tell. - 2007 Acura MDX
  By Dax - November 13 - 3:40 am

  I have had my 07 MDX for about 2 months now, I love the thing from its fun to drive to its looks. Only problem was a loose rear suspension bolt that made noise over some bumps. Dealer took care of that and now its as solid as anything out there. Fuel economy isnt all that great in the city but on the highway its very good. Its a new design so only time will tell what the recalls will be if any. But so far with 2000 miles on it its great.

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  Luxury SUV for a great value - 2005 Acura MDX
  By Pawel - November 12 - 11:22 pm

  Great overall SUV The breaking is very responsive and very solid, acceleration very quiet and smooth. Handling is great!