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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  2003 MDX - 2003 Acura MDX
  By Boston Guy - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Excellent engine, I think its the best in its class. The torque band is very wide for a VTEC small 3.5L engine. The ride is quite and the handling is sporty. I have test drove about 10 SUV before I brought this Acura. I pay little more than I would like but I am very satify.

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  MDX has major problem, Please read before buying - 2016 Acura MDX
  By CaryRaleigh - February 19 - 7:48 am

  I have bought a brand new Acura MDX in February, 2016. My experience with my new Acura MDX is pretty bad so far. On June 20th, I had the first experience of the problem with dashboard showing that there is Transmission, Emission, and all other system problem. The car stopped on the road. Later it started but continue to flash the warnings. This same problem occurred second time on September 6th and at the time, I was starting the car and it wont even start. Later it started but continue to flash the warnings. I took the car to Acura dealership on these both occasions and it shows up later. Again, Third time it happened on October 30th. Checkout the https://community.cartalk.com/t/dashboard-showing-that-there-is-transmission-emission-and-all-other-system-problem/96331 for multiple people reporting the issue. Please think hard before you sink in 50K for this car.

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  SH SUV - 2009 Acura MDX
  By msam - February 15 - 6:26 pm

  Even though I loved the features of the MDX, I was originally not planning on getting a premium SUV and my preference was the Mazda CX9. I got to test drive both the vehicles in the snow on the same day. I was blown away by the MDX handling in the snow. Compared to the CX9, it was miles ahead. I bought it the same day and have not looked back. I love the features that come standard with the MDX. The SH-AWD system performs great in cornering and I dont have to worry about hitting patches of ice/water. The MDX slows down a bit more than you would expect when removing your leg off the accelerator, which took me a bit getting used to. Overall, I am very happy with my purchase.

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  Based on 90,000 miles, and 6 years of - 2001 Acura MDX
  By domer1976 - February 8 - 10:05 pm

  ownership, I can honestly say Id buy the car all over again, in a heartbeat. Pluses are comfort, still class-leading navigation system, interior room, and build quality. Mine has always been dealer-serviced, which hasnt been particularly cheap. Transmission went kaput at 90,000 miles, and I neither tow, carry loads nor abuse the transmission in any way. Would have been more disappointing, but Honda Motors - which apparently knows they have problems with this transmission, paid for half the cost of replacement. Abundant wind and road noise and unimpressive gas mileage (about 18 mpg combined)are about the only drawbacks. And youd better have a wide garage door to fit it in.

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  Acura - 2003 Acura MDX
  By josali131 - February 7 - 2:00 am

  Good car, very good performance,

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  Drives as well as my E320 - 2003 Acura MDX
  By rhprice - February 7 - 2:00 am

  Got the MDX two weeks ago. Drives as well as any car I have owned. My Mercedes corners better, but that is all. Lots of power, luxurious interior (I just got out of a Lexus GX 470 and I thought I was in a truck). Gas milage in the city as been 18-19 mpg (first two tanks). Recommend it highly

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  Always fun, Never bored! - 2008 Acura MDX
  By mchina - February 5 - 5:36 am

  I test drove some of the other luxury SUVs out there, but none compare with the ride and the handling I get from my MDX. For the price you really get almost more than you can ever ask for. Fully loaded with options, some I didnt even know I wanted, its a great ride around town, out on a twisty back road, or cruising down the interstate. The sound system is exceptional. And the DVD keeps my son very happy with movies and games. And on cold winter days, my back seat passengers loved the heated seats. Navigation and bluetooth are great, especially with the voice activation. The SH-AWD makes me feel secure in any kind of driving environment. Just want to drive fast and push it to the limit!

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  Really nice SUV - 2002 Acura MDX
  By oceansix - February 4 - 10:33 pm

  The best vehicle that I have ever owned. Lots of cargo space. Good fuel mileage and range considering how powerful the engine is. Great AWD system for driving on wet or icy asphalt roads. Excellent turning radius. I like the ride and I find the seats to be comfortable. Can tow up to 4,500 pounds (boat) or 3,500 pounds if any other type of trailer towed, but requires the addition of transmission and power steering fluid coolers.

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  Jerky Transmission + Clunky Shifting = last Acura - 2016 Acura MDX
  By KLance - February 3 - 1:21 pm

  Background: Purchased this 2016 model in May of 2015 - have driven for a year. Thud/clunk noise e-v-e-r-y time I accelerate from around 40 to a higher speed. Head mechanic at dealer acknowledged this shouldnt be happening, had my car for weeks, put in a new drive train. Problem still there so then they told me that all of the MDXs do this. Wait-what?? Engine will shut off when I stop, every single time I stop, unless I deactivate the fuel saving feature. Get in the car in the AM, deactivate, go to grocery, get back in car, deactivate, stop to get gas, get back in car, deactivate. You can see how irritating this becomes on a daily basis. Dealer tells me no way to get around this. Drivers side window rattles when its about 1/3 of the way down. After my first month of driving this car, transmission made a thud noise when in reverse (dealer was able to fix this). Very jerky ride at slow speeds (i.e., pulling slowly out of my driveway or rounding a corner). Lots of "cool" touch screen controls -- until you realize that you cant just turn a knob to change the AC or heat, you have to hit the control screen multiple times. Even my husband, who loves everything tech, complains about what a pain this is. When you shift gears, rolls forward or backward quite a bit so dont you dare park too close to anything. And there are other smaller things that make driving this vehicle every day unpleasant. My car history: every 3-5 yrs, when a typical manuf. warranty runs out, I get a new car (Ive been hit more than once so Im very concerned about safety) and this is the WORST car Ive ever owned. I hate it. What am I comparing it to? Going way back to my Honda Passport, Mercedes ML350, Mazda MPV, Subaru Tribeca, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Volvo XC60 (all of them high-end models w lots of features). This vehicle may get a great review after being test driven once for a car website, but check online and see how disappointed all of us owners are who have to drive it every day.

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  Mostly OK with the SUV - terrible transmission! - 2016 Acura MDX
  By Heather - February 3 - 12:11 am

  Mostly this car is OK for the price. But the transmission is terrible and has an odd shift that makes it uncomfortable to drive and for passengers. No matter what "mode" youre in. Its been in the shop twice now for this problem and we just keep hearing - it is what it is. Which is frustrating given how much we are paying for it. The Acura service department we also have been going to is less than stellar at communication and makes us even more frustrated with the car. I loved, loved, loved my first Acura many years ago - but I do not think I will be purchasing / leasing another one anytime soon.