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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  My expectations were higher - 2012 Acura MDX
  By Celestina Madera - March 18 - 10:29 am

  I had a 2009 Acura TL previously, and I really miss it. It was GORGEOUS, Sleek, Quick, very comfortable, easy to keep clean, and had terrific technology, including a great NAV system. By contrast, the 2012 MDX was a boat of an SUV. Quick is NOT in the vocabulary underpowered comes to mind. Its comfortable enough, and functional, but no WOW. The steering is fine but not agile. The interior was light, which I like, but all I remember is monotone. I felt like a Soccer Mom, and I dont have kids.

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  Love it - 2010 Acura MDX
  By John McGreevy - February 27 - 2:55 pm

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  Just hit 170k miles and very reliable - 2004 Acura MDX
  By Costa - February 20 - 7:50 pm

  I bought this as a third vehicle (instead of a work truck for my rental properties) with about 160k miles. I have owned it for a little over a year and it just hit 170k miles with no major problems. The original owner maintained it well for its first 160k miles, as have I for the last 10k miles. I do have to replace the power steering pump soon, the loud whine that seems to be a common problem, but otherwise no problems. I have never owned a car with mileage this high so I have no basis for comparison but I am very happy with the reliability. It also drives great and if the odometer said 50k miles I would believe it. The navigation system seems very modern for a 12 year old car and the leather is in like new condition. We have an Infiniti JX35 with 50k miles and the drivers seat is already more worn than this MDX with 170k miles they must have used a very high quality/durable leather. The only downsides are no blue tooth in the 2004, I believe 2005 models have blue tooth, and the interior is small for a 3 row SUV (trade off for handling well for a 3 row SUV).

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  BEST BANGS FOR THE BUCKS - 2004 Acura MDX
  By Tong Chang - January 26 - 4:57 pm

  I have 335,000 miles on this car. Still going strong with original motor. Only changed out the Alternator, Belts, and struts/shock. Proper maintenance will this car will give you many years.

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  Nice highway suv - 2014 Acura MDX
  By David S - January 21 - 6:10 am

  The mdx drives like a sedan on the highway. Comfortably and very quiet. Surprisingly good gas mileage for a full size vehicle.

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  Strange and dangerous downshift. - 2015 Acura MDX
  By Jerry - January 19 - 9:17 pm

  Be careful with the strange sudden acceleration when braking. Shifts into lower gear and lurches forward when applying break. Dealer recognizes this and tells me Acura needs to hear more complaints before addressing the problem. Im worried a lot this during slippery roads.

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  Suspension - 2015 Acura MDX
  By Tom vaiarella - January 17 - 2:44 pm

  I saved up my whole life so I thought I would treat myself to a luxury suv when I retired . I bought the 2015 Acura MDX awd . It is wonderful except for the most poorly designed suspension!!! When I go over the slightest bump or man whole cover it sounds like somebody is playing base drums in the cabin and the car shakes like the wheels are going to fall off!!! If wasnt for that I would love the car. I hate that noise so much that I am seriously thinking of trading it in with 7000 miles on it !!!

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  MDX outshines previous Volvo - 2014 Acura MDX
  By CH - January 8 - 10:26 am

  We got this because we needed more space and a 3rd row. This vehicle is great! We love the comfort and space. Would highly recommend it!

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  Best value I could find under $65K - 2014 Acura MDX
  By Frank - January 7 - 5:13 pm

  Family SUV dream car. Very satisfied and will keep it for at least 10 years.

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  Noisy Car for the money - 2012 Acura MDX
  By Dissatisfied - January 4 - 11:37 pm

  I have taken my MDX 2012 to the dealership several times to complain of a terrible grinding sound during low speeds and when coming off the highway. Several times have been told by dealership this car is fine and it sounds terrible. When turning at low speeds it sometimes makes a loud thud and clunk mostly after rain or bad weather when in reverse or parking the car.