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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  A good blend of everything - 2010 Acura MDX
  By db5644 - August 24 - 9:03 am

  Good upgrade from our trouble-free 2004 MDX. Honda/Acura continues to give the U.S. market what it wants in a SUV i.e. the right size, the right features, dependability, safety, resale, style (except not so much in the MDX front ends)and a choice between good value in the Honda and Luxury in the Acura. After a lot of study and considering Consumer Reports opinion, keep coming back to the MDX for the best package in a luxury SUV.

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  2008 MDX tech - 2008 Acura MDX
  By acura08 - August 18 - 10:10 am

  Everything was great. Until I hit 60k miles (warranty expires) the wiper sensors and engine oil sensors got messed up. The wipers turn on and off by themselves and also the engine oil sensor. It was awesome how the engine oil sensor bugged out and I was on the highway during rush hour. The last row seats are a nice add but not for long trips. Honda/Acura is notorious for their window problem on the driver side. Driving the MDX is fun the handling is awesome I can whip turns better then a lot of sedans. Even the Lexus cant beat it not sure about the X5.

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  2004 MDX reliable after 100,000 - 2004 Acura MDX
  By Terry - August 12 - 1:34 pm

  I have had my car for 4 years and reached 100,000 miles on it and still a great car to drive and dependable. Only changing the oil and brake pads. No problems with maintenance. This car is amazing while in town or traveling on vacation on the highway. Its an All Weather car also. Forget Toyota or Nissan, Acura has definitely made a quality car to last a long time.

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  Perfect 7 seats SUV except some issues - 2010 Acura MDX
  By jrdonta - August 11 - 5:38 pm

  The SUV is perfect so far except the following issues 1. Car pulled the the right (dealer fixed and said it is steering not wheel alignment) 2. After dealer claimed fixing pulling to the right issue, the car still pulls to to right or left depends on different roads. 3. When I reset trip A mileage average, the trip B mileage average is reset also. 4. Accidentally, I turn of VSA then the car does not pull right or left any more ( VSA system issue? ) 5. The plastic bolt holding cooling pad under the hood are losing after 1 week.

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  Transmissions - 2002 Acura MDX
  By Tom - August 9 - 4:13 pm

  Stay away from this vehicle. Buyer beware. I had my tranny replaced at the dealer after numerous issues, in fact I had to take it to a different dealer who said yes after 109KM it needs a new tranny. Now I need another 139 KM it died. I called Acura? Honda Canada only to be told too bad it is past warranty (which it is). I repeatedly told them that there have been major issues with this model and specific problem to which the reply was. No there hasnt! Please Google 2002 acura mdx transmission issues before you make a major mistake.

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  05 MDX - 2005 Acura MDX
  By mdxer - August 7 - 4:55 pm

  Replacing Cadillac Eldorado and more than happy with the change. The MDX had 82,000 miles when I got it, 97,000 six months later without any trouble, except with an a/c vent cover. Early on I had the opportunity to drive for several hours in a blizzard with complete confidence. I have also had it on unimproved old logging roads with equal confidence. I would not take it where I would take a 4Runner, but I prefer cabin comforts. The cabin is awesome and the toys are awesome. Front seats are 5 star. This is my favorite car ever. I installed after market transmission and power steering filters as a precaution. The trannys are suspect. I drive in D4 around town and D5 only over 60 mph.

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  Too noisy, never an Acura again - 2006 Acura MDX
  By Rr - August 4 - 10:31 pm

  Typical Honda noise. Cannot have conversation at highway speeds. Engine whistling noise during highway speeds while accelerating. Brake drum rolling noise while backing up and during braking at low speeds. Terrible Bluetooth integration. Only good for incoming calls. Backup camera never good when needed most, too dim and is not useful when backing out from garage.

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  Third MDX, Best Yet - 2010 Acura MDX
  By Karol Kittelson - July 29 - 6:59 pm

  This is my third MDX -- had a terrific 2004 and the then-new style 2007. However this Advance model has the best Navigation on the market as well as the Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Indicators and the Collision Warning system. Took a 4,000 mile trip recently, got 23 MPG, and enjoyed effortless interstate driving assisted by the Adaptive Cruise control. In multiple lane Big City traffic, the side radar (Blind Spot Indicators) are priceless from a safety aspect. (Side Note: In late 2009, I was the victim of a intersection T-Bone accident in my 2007 MDX and was saved from extensive personal injuries by the wonderful safety equipment in my Acura MDX).

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  Acura Puts the "Sport" in an "S"UV - 2010 Acura MDX
  By octavian - July 21 - 4:23 pm

  I traded in an 2001 MDX for this SUV. It offer the best price/performance in this category. Punch it, it goes. It is also not a car for the technology-challenged individual. It is packed with so much stuff, including adaptive speed control, blind side sensors, heated and cooled front seats, bluetooth, you name it. I dont get the issue with too many buttons. The dash is well laid out. Awesome suspension. And tight corners it does very well, with sport suspension turned on. I was taking corners like I was in a tl. Ok, not quite as fast, but unbelievable for a 2 ton SUV.

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  2010 vs 2009 - 2010 Acura MDX
  By brian - July 18 - 12:21 am

  Owned 2009 for 14 months and put on 23k was not impressed with overall quality i.e. both front Windows squealed when rolling down and wheel bearings replaced traded in for 2010 and what a difference the new 6 speeds trans is wonderful definitely glad I gave Acura another try base model purchased in libertyville il 39,500+ttl