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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  mdx ride - 2004 Acura MDX
  By carl555 - July 21 - 10:00 am

  Recently, I woke up late for my flight. It entailed a fast ride to the airport.At speeds of 80-90 mph I really experienced the true handling of this vehicle.It was pure peformance. The engine purred and the ride was tight and really tracked to the road. For an SUV it was unbelievable. This really is a great vehicle.

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  MDX is TIGHT - 2001 Acura MDX
  By ifetayo - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Overall performance and value for the price, is awesome compared to its competitors.

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  Just picked it up - wow! - 2007 Acura MDX
  By krafty81 - July 16 - 3:56 am

  Picked up the car 11/21. Drove it about 300 miles on a trip right off the lot. Very comfortable car. Great side view mirrors, driving position. Custom features impressive - you can design this car however you want. Sound system very nice, navi is the easist Ive seen, although the voice commands are a little rough so far for me. Bluetooth is awesome, linked up my phone in minutes. Acceleration is solid, especially in the 60+ range. Averaged 20 MPG in freeway driving so far. Added roof rack - solid metal rack, and sport running boards as well as D/N mirror. Perfect family car.

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  Its a Perfect 10 - 2001 Acura MDX
  By Dinah - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Long or short trips, this car is so comfortable, whether driving or just riding. We like it so well, we are buying another new one.

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  Love this MDX - 2002 Acura MDX
  By sdf97215 - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I have been looking for a replacement vehicle for my 95 Subaru Legacy for 2 years. Nothing turned me on til I tried out the Acura MDX. It was comfortable for me right off the bat. I ended up purchasing a 8 month old MDX instead of a new one. It has the Navigation system which is neat but not a requirment. This vehicle is a great car but does lack some of the luxury refinements that you would find in upscale vehicles such as the Lexus, BMW, etc.

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  I love my new 2016 MDX ! - 2016 Acura MDX
  By Sid J - July 7 - 1:15 am

  My wife and I were in the market for our first luxury crossover and we couldnt be happier with our purchase (Advance Pkg, SH-AWD). Let me say outright that we did not consider any German cars for reasons ranging from high price point/high maintenance to poor reliability/longevity. We werent particular about having 3-rows, but felt itd be nice to have the option (for trips with family/friends) - the MDX fit the bill perfectly. Ive had my MDX for 6-weeks and driven 1800 miles, so its obviously too early to talk about reliability(which the Acura brand is known for) but here are the pros/cons as I see it. Pros: - Drives great. Plenty of power to summon in any situation (esply with Normal/Sport IDS modes). - Very comfortable seats & ride. You dont feel minor road imperfections & the suspension does a great job of dampening out big potholes. - Very quiet cabin. Conversation between 1st & 2nd row passengers have never been easier. - Gas sipper (I use premium 93 octane). I consistently average over 24-mpg in combined driving. Averaged 26-mpg during a recent 600-mile road trip(80% highway) with 5 adults, fully loaded cargo space (3rd row folded). That said, I always use cruise at highway speeds and avoid very hard acceleration/braking. I calculate MPG estimates to be 100% sure though the tip computer is not off by much (-0.5 to +1 MPG off actual). - Realized the beauty of SH-AWD driving on curvy, hilly wet roads (yet to test on snow/heavy rain). Just when I thought I needed to hit the brakes to slow around a corner, the MDX breezes past with aplomb. It drives like a car - you dont feel body roll, side-to-side weight transfer during turns. - Love all the safety features, esply the Lane departure warning. I read recently that it received great crash-test scores. Now for the Cons: - Depending on the gear you are in, the transmission sometimes seems to lag for a split second before it accelerates. I believe this has to do with dog clutch in the ZF-9 speed design. - Adaptive cruise may seem hard on braking/acceleration depending on how you normally drive. - Touchscreen response is a tad slower than Id like it to be. - Fog lights are offered only as an accessory (extra $) - Power-folding side mirrors, panaromic roof, motion-activated power liftgate not available. Ive seen people voice concerns on online forums regarding transmission, build quality(as MDXs are built now in Alabama Vs Canada until about a couple of years ago) but based on my experience, Im inclined to believe most of them are unjustified. There have also been complaints about higher than usual noise coming from under the hood(for someone outside the car) even when the a/c compressor is not running - the owners manual clearly says that is expected as a result of the system checks ! Complaints related to dual-screen is a matter of getting used to - I actually find it convenient. The 3rd row of seating is mostly for kids (or short adults for upto 2-hr ride). In my opinion, this is the most well-rounded luxury crossover offering an optimal mix of comfort, handling, value and safety. Get one - youll love it !

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  PLEASE SHOP BEFORE YOU BUY... - 2003 Acura MDX
  By Peter S - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I do not feel confortable with writing this since I am an MDX driver but my ownership experience has been EVERYTHING but pleasure.... - Fuel economy is brutal - handling is marginal - interior is very plastic feel - Exteriour design not practical (front end collision) - road noise is japanese style (very loud)..... I suggest you look at the BMW or Lexus before you buy the MDX. Also, Volvo has recently introduced the XC90.... lots of good reviews on it.

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  Great SUV - Love the Nav system. - 2003 Acura MDX
  By Rich B - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Tested most of the SUVs in this class. Came down to the MDX, Volvo X90 and a Highlander. The Volvo X90 was very cool, but not avalable until June or so and only averaged 15 - 20 MPG. Highlander was nice, but in a different class. The MDX fast became the SUV of choice. I really love the vehicle. Its has an extremely comfortable ride and handles well for an SUV. It has top saety ratings and has the look and feel of a true luxury vehicle. The car is well made and there were no flaws in fit or finish. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend the MDX, with Navigation system to anyone. Its a fun, safe, and pleasing vehicle to ride in.

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  Believe the HYPE!!! - 2003 Acura MDX
  By rvmat - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I choose the mdx after reviewing as many magazines and personaly test driving the mdx four times before I decided to purchase it. The only other vehicle that made me think twice was the Lexus GX470. I pick up the mdx two weeks ago and I have been completely satified with my choice. I have a sense of complete command of the road and when I push the vechicle it responds without hesitation. Overall,the MDX is in my opinion the top suv on the market. The firmness of the drive the electronics and the massive amounts of room makes the mdx hard to beat.

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  Perfect crossover SUV - 2001 Acura MDX
  By miklo714 - July 1 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my MDX for 2 years now. I was originally attracted to it because of the amazing price-feature ratio and the excellent test drive I had. You can turn this car completely around in less space than just about all sedans. The MDX accelerates and drives very smoothly - I am always out of stoplights way ahead of other cars and Im not trying to race or anything, its just natural to go up to 45 in a few seconds in this car.