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 with Tech Package - 2011 Acura MDX
  By swedenva - April 8 - 8:51 am

  I purchased 2011 MDX from Pohanka Acura, largest dealer in U.S. Got the best deal from all dealers in DC area. Others not even close. Pro: Fit and finish ride and tech package Con: gas mileage, third row seats for adults cramped visors cheap premium gasoline not enough cup holders Overall, very satisfied and expect to keep 5+ years. Still a much better value then the BMW X5 Mercedes GL/M Class Infiniti QX56 Cadillac Escalade and Lexus GX460.

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  Nice ride, but------------- - 2011 Acura MDX
  By thomas642 - April 7 - 5:49 am

  Living in central Florida but bought in IL. have seen a vast variety of driving situations. Handles excellent on snow and ice and does well with side gusts of wind. Considered Enclave but build quality of Acura far superior. MDX built like a vault. Would like to see better gas mileage and wonder why the need for premium fuel and no cyl. deactivation as in my past Honda van. Mileage as advertised though. Only problem so far is occasional cruise control issues as it will cancel and car has to be shut off to get it to work. No help from Acura on this. Best radio Ive ever had by far and Ive had some good ones. In black with optional chrome wheels, its a beauty I love to drive.

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  Great family SUV. - 2011 Acura MDX
  By tmh1 - March 10 - 1:08 pm

  I have owned my MDX for 6 months and am very happy with the choice. I looked at the Mercedes M-class, the Audi Q5, a Subuaru Outback, and a Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland. I chose the MDX because it had the best overall package for my needs: nice interior for work, rear leg room, navigation system and electronics, and good handling. The navigation system and voice commands are the best - recognizes the voice easily. However, it is not optimized for all Blackberry phones, so keep that in mind. This SUV drives like a car and is a breeze to park. Kids dont complain in back seat and I have teenagers. Great family car.

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  Excellent Value - 2011 Acura MDX
  By akanorm - March 3 - 2:57 am

  Ive had the MDX for about 2 months and have driven it about 1k miles. It handles well for an SUV and the quality and the technology is equivalent to that of BMW and Lexus. I also, considered the A4 and A6 Audi, Avante, The A4 was too small and the A6 was not readily availability subsequently the dealer were asking nearly list price for the A6. Overall, Im pleased with the car and would suggest others in the market for an SUV to test drive the MDX.

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  SH-AWD Will Make Everything Better - 2008 Acura MDX
  By marko221 - March 1 - 7:23 pm

  During the recent snowstorm we received at Lake Tahoe, our MDX simply blew past everyone installing chains and kept up with the 4x4 rigs with the huge mud/snow tires and lift kits. Even on icy surfaces, we held our traction. The OEM Bridgestones have 5/32" tread left but the power distribution to the fronts, rears, or left or right was incredible! It can be monitored on the computer within the dash. My confidence kept building during our 3-hour commute up the mountain. A hazard warning blipped on and off when I intentionally tried to "drift" the vehicle on an icy patch at the gas station. Note to all: the commercials regarding the SH-AWD are fact!

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  Very Good Value, Fun, Some Improvements Needed - 2011 Acura MDX
  By panic492 - February 26 - 11:00 pm

  I have had my 11 Nav/Tech for about a month now and I am overall very happy. The engine is silky smooth and the seats are very comfortable-it is a pleasure to drive. The tech "stuff" is great-nav, voice, IPod recognition...I also looked at the Audi Q7 (close 2nd choice) and BMW X5 (distant 3rd choice). My small complaints about the MDX are the fake wood trim, it is plastic. When the sun hits it, it blinds you. Also, the visors are very flimsy. No big issues so far other than my AC is giving me a bit of a funny smell, probably needs a new air filter. Should be a reliable, fun SUV.

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  Transmission Cycling will cause performance delays - 2010 Acura MDX
  By er405 - February 24 - 12:46 pm

  I traded my new 2010 MDX after months of working with Acura Client Services and the Dealer. The MDXs progressive transmission, in my opinion, is poorly designed. Although, the driver is pressing the gas pedal, the MDX will have long delays during gear cycles. This could be dangerous if attempting to make a quck turn in on-coming traffic. You want to go, but the MDX moves very slowly or not at all. Second, the cabin lets in so much air that during the winter, the heat must be set to keep the cabin warm, especially at the feet. Last, the MDX looses lots of horsepower as it cycles through the gears. A sluggish ride at best. For the money, find something else.

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  Snow machine! - 2007 Acura MDX
  By nregier - February 8 - 8:21 pm

  We love our MDX Sport. Smooth, powerful, stylish, great looks, handles like a sports sedan. Weve had lots of snow and ice lately and this Acura handles it like a champ. The vehicle stability control, ABS, big tires, and 300hp V6 make for a formidable all weather machine. Driving it inspires confidence. We get 14mpg in city, best ever is 24 on highway.

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  2011 MDX Advance - 2011 Acura MDX
  By el_pic - January 25 - 9:07 am

  MDX = Multi Dimensional LuXover. Its not a rugged 4x4 SUV and its not a sports car but it is AWD and a luxury performance way to 5+2. Compared to 2011 others in its class (and be certain to compare the same class) ... Ten: Infinity FX - Nine: Grand Cherokee Overland - Eight: Land Rover LR4 HSE - Seventh: Volkswagen Touareg V-6 - Sixth: Volvo XC90 Sport - Fifth: Lexus GX470 - Fourth: Mercedes-Benz ML350 - Third: BMW X5 3.0si - Second: Cadillac SRX AWD V-8 - First: Acura MDX. Better price, handling, dependability, fit, finish. Enuff said ! Pros: Luxury Performance Value Dependability ! Cons: Single engine drivetrain choice - no Turbo, diesel, hybrid.

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  Overall satisfied but plenty of room for improvement !!! - 2010 Acura MDX
  By yar7 - January 23 - 1:48 pm

  After having a bad experience with the dealer who insisted & put a different remote starter because of supposedly Acuras is not reliable and dealing with Acura headquarters who were not responsive to our complaints, I am now content with my 2010 MDX ,7,500 miles on it. There is room for improvement in terms of gas mileage, noise reduction and quality of interior materials.