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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  Update afetr 6500 miles - 2009 Acura MDX
  By JSC3605 - March 6 - 2:40 pm

  Love the SUV. Just got back from a trip to Pittsburgh. Got over 24 MPG on the highway. This machine is very quite, fast and has lots of room. Great SUV for the money...:)

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  So many problems already - 2010 Acura MDX
  By Vincent - February 25 - 12:50 pm

  I have owned 5 Acura and Honda products in the past (2 Acuras and 3 Hondas). All of them have been pretty much "bulletproof" in quality and reliability. This one has been a terrible disappointment! Where do I start? My MDX has been in the shop 3 times already in just 4700 miles! The transmission jerks erratically. The ELS sound system was fixed under warranty, and the vehicle pulls strongly to the right (Alignment has not fixed the issue).

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  My 2010 verse 2007 - 2010 Acura MDX
  By stma1 - February 25 - 5:26 am

  I just picked up a 2010 Base Model, it is much improved over my 2007, the new six speed transmission really makes the vehicle responsive, the handling is awesome, improvements over the 2007 include, thicker more comfortable steering wheel , higher quality leather, new " xenon" like interior lighting, and yes I do like the front much better, overall a much higher quality feeling vehicle , my 2007 had over 95000 miles when I traded it in, no major issues at all, hoping for the same with my 2010.

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  Transmission issue - 2006 Acura MDX
  By blondie - February 24 - 5:41 pm

  I bought my vehicle in the end of 2007. I have loved my vehicle to date. Recently I started experiencing a shaking, shuddering when I let off the gas and then go to accelerate again. It appears to happen at about 40 mph. I have found out that it means I am going to have to have the torque and transmission replaced. Apparently this is common on the 2006 and earlier MDX. I am not at all happy and am now looking for a new vehicle, since this is a $7000 repair and I have no warranty. Apparently there is a recall on vehicles 2005 and earlier for the converter torque. Very disappointed since I bought this vehicle to keep long term.

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  What an SUV - 2010 Acura MDX
  By Richie Rich - February 16 - 7:06 pm

  I replaced my 08 MDX and what an upgrade. The 2010 MDX is so much more refined, responsive, and quiet. The technological improvements are extremely good. Love the chrome window trim, less aggressive active head restraint and the silky smooth 6 speed automatic transmission.

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  Great after 4 years - 2005 Acura MDX
  By Jay - February 16 - 2:03 pm

  I bought my pre owned MDX at 62000, driving it since then for 10 months I am a satisfied customer. I like the build quality and handling. at 69000 it still runs quiet on the road. during the recent snow it drives superb with great AWD controls and traction.

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  Buyer Beware - 2003 Acura MDX
  By Post Captain - February 15 - 9:45 pm

  Bought this car brand new and have always maintained it properly, including the replacement of the timing belt at 105K. Since that time it has been a money guzzling machine. Left rear mirror fell out with motor assembly to the tune of $329. Drivers side seat moulding broken along with loose drivers seat. Now Ive been told that the power steering is shot, a motor mount is broke, the seal around the left headlight needs to be replaced, among other things. Total anticipated cost $3-5,000. For all Acura says about quality, I dont know that I will buy another one.

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  Three transmissions! - 2002 Acura MDX
  By Ken - February 15 - 5:28 pm

  My wife really liked the Acuras size and features. When we first got it, it certainly was smooth and quiet much more refined than the 1996 Grand Cherokee we had before. It was a good size and she loved the touchscreen navigation. It was a little disappointing that the MDX didnt have some luxury features that the six-year old Jeep did, like automatic headlights and day/night outside mirrors. Overall she and I liked the car. The trouble started at 37000 miles when the first transmission went out. It was replaced. It broke again and was replaced at 87000 miles and we discovered this is a well-known and chronic problem with Acuras transmissions. I cannot recommend early decade MDXs.

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  Nice looking SUV - 2010 Acura MDX
  By Sleepysam22 - February 14 - 11:17 am

  I have owned several MDXS and the 2010 Advance package is by far the best. The 6 speed trans is smooth and responsive. The navigation with hdd is the best I have seen from any manufacture and I have looked at them all as I am a big time nav/tech guy. The seats are more comfortable than the previous MDX that I have owned. The led interior lights are really cool along with the blind spot detection. Collision breaking system and the adaptive cruise control. Very nice car

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  Overall, a great vehicle - 2009 Acura MDX
  By Yoshodeep - February 14 - 9:58 am

  Having driven the car around town as well as some long trips, I am satisfied with the vehicle. 3rd row seating works fine, albeit not for tall people by any means. Nice pick up. More spacious than I thought from the outside. SH-AWD works great in slick snowy condition. I bought the base pkg, and the sound quality is plenty good. Leather seats are not at par with BMW standards. Bluetooth is somewhat cumbersome (voice recognition only). Cant say enough about the leg and shoulder rooms enough. It is fun to drive, from the SUV perspective. At this price, expected scheduled free maintenance though. Overall one of the best buys in the segment.