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 first, but definitely not my last Acura! - 2011 Acura MDX
  By suitespot - January 15 - 2:05 pm

  A most impressive vehicle. Mechanically superior to any other comparable tested. Great ride, terrific fit and finish. Traction -- starting and stopping -- with Michelins in Michigan winter is great. That tuning of the suspension at Nurburgring made a great AWD even better. And, its made in North America! Can see why Motor Trend and Car and Driver have rated at top of class!

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  I love this car - 2005 Acura MDX
  By desertmom - January 4 - 7:07 pm

  I have had my MDX for over 5 years it now has 126,000 miles. I have not had any problems and it runs great. I definitely would buy another.

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  Excellent value in a 7 seat SUV, awesome in the snow! - 2011 Acura MDX
  By danmoch - January 2 - 8:51 am

  Purchased 10 MDX in June 10. Needed an AWD/4WD SUV >5 seats with tow hitch, priced under 50K. Also have 09 BMW X5 35d (diesel) which I love. First looked at another X5, but 3rd seat optioned vehicles were hard to find. The MDX drives well everyday, has nice electronic things (nav, rear cam, bluetooth, ipod/usb adapter.) Rear seatbacks tilt back a few degrees making the difference between an okay seat (BMW) and a nice relaxing one. Interior space definitely bigger/more usable than in 09 X5. Where the MDX really shines is its snow traction. This car is better on snowy town roads in the Tahoe area than my X5. Note MDX = Michelin Latitude tires, BMW = Bridgestone Dueler runflats.

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  A little disappointed - 2010 Acura MDX
  By mark3840 - January 1 - 6:54 pm

  This is my wifes car although I drive it often. Im not a huge fan of the MDX. It suited our needs and was a good value compared to other luxury CUVs. Way too many buttons and very confusing to navigate the controls and nav system. Voice commands are useless - even difficult to make a simple phone call. (In the Genesis you just push 1 button and say, "dial home," for example.) Nav & stereo, although rated high, doesnt even belong in the same league as the Genesis. Seams are not tight. Quite a bit of noise for a lux CUV. Good power and ride as well as fairly comfortable. I like it overall but I hope Hyundai comes out with a luxury CUV soon, because it will blow away Acura.

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  Worried after reading...... - 2002 Acura MDX
  By hdavis39 - December 28 - 11:21 pm

  I love my MDX. I am worried now that I have read the significant issues people have had with their transmission. I pray that I will not. I have over 163,000 miles on my car now and have never had any major issues. I changed the timing belt just to avoid future problems when I did a major maintenance. I will say with regard to safety that this vehicle has been safe. I have six children and I have had several people hit me and I rear ended someone once. The only damage to my car were mere scratches. It is built like a tank. Maybe I will be one of the lucky ones but so far I cannot complain. This is the best car that I have ever driven.

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  Moved from a Lexus RX - 2011 Acura MDX
  By g35shopper - December 19 - 11:35 pm

  Took delivery of a 2011 last Saturday. Mostly very pleased. The exception would be the mpg. My Lexus was bullet proof but just too dull to buy another one. The MDX handles much better and the transmission is much more decisive. I do have to admit that I can tell why the RX commands a price premium. The interior and the controls in the MDX feel cheaper (although acceptable).

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  False MPG Claim! - 2011 Acura MDX
  By ezboston - December 8 - 7:35 am

  I have a 2010 MDX Tech Package/entertainment since April and my Average MPG is between 11/13 MPG. I have been conservatively driving the car. I do 80% Highway. Horrible car to get if you are are concerned about getting that extra few MPG.

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  A piece of feces wrapped in gold - 2005 Acura MDX
  By JC in DC - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Its bright and shiny on the outside and completely unreliable on the inside. The transmission failed at 71000 miles - dealer wants $4,000 to repair. Paid $45,592 new for the vehicle and $6465 on repairs since 2005. If we pay for the transmission it will be over $10,000 - more than 22% of the original cost. Bluetooth stopped working at 50,000 miles Engine required $3,278 worth of repairs at 60,000 miles. We use this car as our primary family vehicle - nothing strenuous or abusive. I would never buy a Honda product ever again.

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  never again!!! - 2006 Acura MDX
  By mumbless89 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  comfortable car and roomy but the problems that you get with this $40k car are unreal. Torque converters, transmissions, water leaks, cheap broken plastics, leather seats ripped after 4 years......gaskets around the doors are torn already!! unreal. Never again will i buy another acura product.

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  All good - 2011 Acura MDX
  By Mike - November 30 - 2:00 am

  After not even considering this SUV, all I have to say is awesome. Performance, feel, and value, what a shocker. Please go drive all the others, then drive this one. You will be happy to write a review after you buy it!!!!. Great product.