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:

• 

  09 MDX Tech/Ent Review - 2009 Acura MDX
  By JT - February 1 - 1:05 pm

  Upon owning my MDX for 2 months now, I am in some areas very impressed and in some areas let down a little. 15/20 is the advertised fuel economy. I have managed as much as 28 MPG cruising at 58 MPH on the interstate. I have a combined average of 19.8 since new. On a 2500 mile trip I got 23.0. Very impressive. Downs - black interior trim swirls and scratches like crazy. Leather seating looks like its been sat in for 10 years already. It sags and has permanent indentions. I use Meguiars Leather cleaner/conditioner and it makes them look clean and shiny, but leather still looks worn beyond actual life. Car is strong as heck, does what I want it to, but seats and trim are questions.

• 

  Great car, poor fuel efficiency but ... - 2003 Acura MDX
  By Ivan - January 23 - 12:22 pm

  All in all, a great car. I am happy with my purchase. Theres a 3rd row of seats which neatly folds down invisibly which is why I bought it. There are a lot of automatic extras like auto headlights and wipers and rear-view mirrors that dip when reversing that make owning this car a real joy. The MDX is also deceptively spacious and sits tall however handles well. Performance is not an issue either but fuel economy kind of is. At an average 13 MPG in the city, youd think you were driving a GM. Aside from fuel efficiency (or lack thereof), this is a great family vehicle that looks great even sans-family. The 3rd row is invisible when not in use and its a Honda so you know its reliable.

• 

  Nice SUV - 2008 Acura MDX
  By comet123 - January 22 - 6:14 am

  Have driven 4,500 miles. Overall, great vehicle. In the snow is great. Solid like a tank.

• 

  Classy, practical, and worry free - 2004 Acura MDX
  By DocDad - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This is a wonderful vehicle. Id buy it over and over again. Its nice enough to make me feel special, and to make others jealous. It handles well with good power, and the ride is smooth without being floaty. All the little things (seat warmers, cup holders, seat position controls, side mirror heaters) are functional, solid, and well thought-out. Great for driving alone or with a carload of kids. I bought the base model and custom installed a DVD player for the back, costing much less than getting the Touring model with its DVD option. The climate controls are a little hard to figure out, but work well.

• 

  5 scouts - 2004 Acura MDX
  By MDXFAN - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Comfort and fun. Taking 54 scouts and gear can be a tough. The MDX with the Nav and entertainment keeps everyone occupied. I added a Thule gear box for snowboards, tents, skis etc. Gas milege is better than expected. Averages 20 MPG, goes anywhere offroad I need to go.

• 

  Terrible customer service and tech problems - 2016 Acura MDX
  By Jeff Axup - January 20 - 8:58 am

  Acura customer care refused to return my calls for 8 months when the backup camera was intermittently not functioning. Even after I send videos of it occurring they refused to accept responsibility or communicate. Acura clearly doesnt care about customers after they make the purchase. The navigation system and voice recognition system is really a joke as well. I replaced it with a dash-mounted iPhone. The car does handle well and the all-wheel drive is great.

• 

  Wifes Car - 2002 Acura MDX
  By GRuss - January 19 - 10:00 am

  For the last 15 years my wife has driven a couple of different SUVs and she says shell stay with the MDX. Handles great in snow and ice. Smooth on the highway.

• 

  Acura in Valley Park Mo. - 2004 Acura MDX
  By Anthony Tallo - January 15 - 2:00 am

  The car is incredible. I traded in a jeep liberty because our family needed more room - boy did we get it! The car seats 7 comfortably - key is no wheel well in second row! The dvd is outstanding quaility and the navigation sytem is reliable and efficient. The car handles like a dream...the cars turning radius is supurb! And the camera when the car is in reverse is a life saver!

• 

  Simply the best - 2002 Acura MDX
  By RCN - January 14 - 10:00 am

  Weve owned our share of SUVs and have test driven about 20 and the MDX bar none with the exception of the BMW X5 compares. Value, reliability, roominess.

• 

  Acura for Life - 2002 Acura MDX
  By John Q - January 14 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Acura. My first was a 1990 Integra that I still own with 135,000 miles which has no rust and still runs like a dream. I thought of buying the BMW X5, but I couldnt resist the MDX. Maybe next time, but Ill always have at least one ACURA in my garage. ACURA FOR LIFE!!!!!