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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  Keeps on going - 2003 Acura MDX
  By rquigley1 - January 14 - 1:31 pm

  I was the 2nd owner. Bought in 4 years ago with 100k on the odometer. Super reliable. Changed timing belt at 140k and follow the service recommendations. I do all my own work from fluids to plugs etc. Read some posts about a tranny shift problem and noticed a little hesitation around 170k. I did a triple flush of the AT fluid and care is running just fine. I expect to get it to 200k and then buy the current body style acura. Only real problem is a hum in the stereo and loud whine in the rear dvd system after about an hour of operation. For the money- a super car.

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  Back to lexus - 2008 Acura MDX
  By raindude - January 1 - 12:59 pm

  So i bought my mdx with 80k miles on it dec 2009. The technology, room, power, etc were great. I thought that this was finally e vehicle that i could run to 300k. Not. Turns out the torque converter was going bad at 95k miles. The dealership said that these things happen. I brought car to a local transmission place for a better price. They said their are many many problems with the mdx and pilot transmissions. They recommended a full trans rebuild since it would need one eventually anyhow. Not sure why acura and honda havent corrected this but the problem has been going on for 10 years. Bye bye acura. Bought my lexus instead....

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  Disappointed about my dream car! - 2011 Acura MDX
  By maxbailey - December 27 - 6:40 pm

  I have been waiting nearly 7 years to buy an MDX. I purchased my vehicle just over 6 months ago. I love it...it is beautiful! However, it has left me stranded several times and the technicians at Acura are stumped. A message keeps appearing..."check starter system." Acura has had my vehicle on several occasions now. They replaced the computer system and thought the problem was solved. However, this morning after the vehicle sat in my garage for 3 days, I got in the vehicle and the XM radio stations were all reset to the preview channel, my #1 driver memory was gone and the a/c was on max. I never leave the a/c or heat on when I shut off the vehicle. Tonight the vehicle wont start:-(

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  Acura MDX 2012 Advance+Entertainment - 2012 Acura MDX
  By dragon64 - December 13 - 2:08 pm

  Looked at all models from Mercedes (GL), Lexus (GX), Toyota, Land Rover. Our needs were to fit full size cello in the back, 3 kids, 7 sitting capability occasionally for a car pool. Drivability and passenger comfort with technology to protect them. Acura MDX won at the end with the Advance and Entertainment features and space. Mercedes GL was close, had good room but much more expensive if decked out and the reliability history was not as good if reading feed back from internet. Did not drive as easy as Lexus GX and Acura. Lexus GX was best liked by driver sitting but not by the passengers (kids) secondary to cramped 2nd sitting and incredibly cramped 3rd row even for kids.

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  Good Value - 2011 Acura MDX
  By mvarga - December 3 - 10:44 pm

  I have had the 2011 Acura MDX w/Advance Package for about six months now, and I somewhat regret my decision to buy an Acura. While the ventilated seats and blind spot assist are great, the interior quality is lacking. For a car that costs over $50,000, I would expect a lot less plastic and authentic wood trim. If you are looking to buy a seven passenger midsize SUV, I would also consider the Lexus GX460 or the Audi Q7 because both of those vehicles have interiors that are far superior to that of the MDXs. Overall, I think that you get a lot for a cheap price. I would definitely recommend the Advance Package because it has many useful features.

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  Enjoying my first SUV - 2012 Acura MDX
  By appstategrad95 - November 30 - 9:01 pm

  Overall quite pleased with the vehicle. Its fun to drive, has a good bit of technological goodies and should be a reliable vehicle I hope my family enjoys for years to come.

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  A Welcome Change - 2012 Acura MDX
  By bulldog1979 - November 21 - 1:12 am

  I traded my 2009 RL for the 2012 MDX. I was looking for more room, and was willing to give up some technology to get it. I now feel I have a win/win situation. I have the elbow room I sought, and dont feel Ive given up any significant features. I now have a navigation screen I can see in the day or with my sunglasses on. The voice command system is more reliable/logical. The sound system seems just as good. I now have the hard drive storage for CDs. The power and acceleration seem better. The interior has high quality materials. It is a little thirstier by about 2 miles/gal. I miss the keyless ignition.

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  Dont get Nav - waste of money - 2011 Acura MDX
  By whomiam1 - November 14 - 8:57 am

  I purchased a 2011 MDX earlier this year and got the tech package in order to have built in navigation. I love my old Garmin and wouldn travel without navigation again. Unfortunately after purchasing it I found it to be so outdated and inaccurate that it is nearly useless. I have to install my Garmin anyway. I later learned that Acura uses a system made by a little company that has no credibility. WHY! You would think that with Acuras reputation on line they would look for a REAL nav system from one of the major producers. I just hope i can prevent others from making the same mistake. PS: if your thinking of getting a Lexus instead their system is apparently even worse.

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  Torque converter issue - 2010 Acura MDX
  By curious52 - November 13 - 7:37 am

  There is some concern about torque converters in older MDX vehicles, but now this goes forward to the 2010 model. At about 35,000 miles, my vehciles began to hesitate and shudder when it was necessary for the transmission to change gears. I read some Twitter reports which gave me reason to take my car to the dealer. They road tested the car and agreed the torque converter needed to be replaced, covered by the warrenty. They also told me they had replaced converters on four other 2010 MDX vehicles. The job takes about two days as the transmission must be lowered to replace the part. There is noticable difference now. My dealer was excellent in how they handled the matter.

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  A nice upgrade from the Pilot - 2011 Acura MDX
  By tornadog - November 11 - 10:13 am

  The MDX is a perfect marriage of a sturdy, well designed SUV witht e comforts and handling of a car. The interior is very nicely designed, the tech gadgets in the car is a treat to use. The rid eis super comfortable and while the mileage is a hog, it is still better than my 2010 Pilot.