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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  Great Automobile - 2005 Acura MDX
  By Lincoln Wilmot - December 27 - 7:53 pm

  In a nutshell, this is the best value for your money out of all the SUVs I test drove. This vehicle is beautiful to look at and drive. It is the best experience I have ever had in an automobile. For the money you pay for this vehicle, everything is standard. The braking and power is unbelievable and it also has a tight turn radius. I am extremely satisfied and would recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  The Verdict after 1 Year of Driving it.. - 2008 Acura MDX
  By qwik_footed - December 26 - 9:47 pm

  Had the car 1+ years now and can now give objective feedback without the bias of "new car purchase" emotions. My wifes been the primary driver to haul around our daughter (now 16 mo. old) and she loves it. Bold exterior style & big interior compared to other vehicles (RX330, FX35) was a big reason for buying. We went with the Entertainment system as it was the only way to get the power tailgate at the time, but its been great for entertaining the baby on trips. The car has been perfect EXCEPT for a constant, infuriating rattle around passenger door area (even at low speed) that shouldnt exist on a $40k car (dealer couldnt fix). Overall, love it, but its really a 2nd tier luxury SUV.

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  2004 MDX - 2005 Acura MDX
  By APildes - December 25 - 12:23 am

  This vehicle is spacious, extremely comfortable, has a great stereo system, and there is very little road noise. Visability all around is excellent. Pick up is good, but could be better when accelerating from a stop. The engine is more than adequate for highway driving and does not strain when going 70 mph. I am extremely happy with my MDX and would consider purchasing an MDX or an Acura car when my lease is up.

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  Jeep upgrade - 2001 Acura MDX
  By Rick - December 23 - 1:19 pm

  Purchased in 02 with 11k on it. Grey market but was able to have maintained through local dealership. Previously had 3 Cherokees over 8 years. Best upgrade ever. More room, comfort, visibility than the jeep. I found the seats especially comfortable since I had a bad back. Good handling in wet weather or snow, but would not want to take it offroad. Has carried my family for 155K and convinced me that my next car will be the same one (not the newer smaller version). No reliability issues, predictable maintenance.

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  Outstanding vehicle - 2008 Acura MDX
  By gaawb - December 21 - 10:06 am

  For the money, this is the finest vehicle on the road. The nav system is unequaled and incredibly impressive. I test drove the X5, FX45, MKX, Q7, and Enclave. It was a tough decision between the X5 and MDX but I will never look back. Ive driven 2000 miles and it is an absolute pleasure in every way. The 300hp engine actually puts a smile on my face when I punch it. If you are looking for a crossover, this is a no-brainer.

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  Great handling SUV - 2009 Acura MDX
  By Sean - December 15 - 3:47 pm

  This is one of the best handling SUVs in the market in my opinion. I test drove several other usual suspects (Lexus RX, BMW X5 etc), and MDX has a nice combination of power, handling, convenience / luxury features at a very competitive price. When you think about the balance of power, handling, value, reliability, it is hard to beat this SUV. In 2006, Car and Driver did a comparison test and MDX came out on top. Also, if you are thinking about getting an MDX for the third row seat, note that the third row seat is best used for kids or smaller adults on a shorter trip as space is very limited.

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  The Best SUV on the market today - 2003 Acura MDX
  By Dr. Joel Adler - December 15 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Acura but my first SUV. I am very pleased with this and my other Acuras, as I have never had to take the vehicles into be service. The quality of workmenship is excellent. I have over my live time purchased over forty new vehicles for personal use and all other vehicles needed warranty work.I do use this vehicle (SUV) for personal use and also as a tow vehicle behind my motorhome. It pulls very easy on all four wheels and I do not notice the extra weight behind my motorhome.

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  Amazing!!! Love this car!! - 2007 Acura MDX
  By kellycrewmom - December 13 - 5:40 pm

  Im a realtor in Colorado and went up to Whale Rock Road in Bellvue to list a home. The owner said I would need chains to get up and down the hills. I took a chance and drove up the hill without any issues, used the manual transmission to drive down the switch backs and snowy, icey hills to "civilization" and the car basically drove me down. When I wouldve shifted it was already where I wanted it. I generally do not drive off-road and was amazed at the handling capability. This car is quiet, comfortable and stylish with plenty of room. (Love the storage and 3rd row seat when needed). Im thrilled I have the MDX! Thank you Acura you have a fan, who is living to talk about it!

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  A nice car from Acura - 2008 Acura MDX
  By Gunn - December 13 - 2:28 am

  Before to buy this car, I have looked at Lexus 350, ML350 and CX9 finally choose this one because of its price, equipment and 7 passengers capacity. I have owned this car for three months. It works great with no problems at all. Just enjoy the fun when drive it. This is my first Acura, some of my opinions are: Gas mileage is quite low (13 mpg) in local roads. When slowing down speed, transmission gear shift is noticeable. Comparing to X5 3.0 (my other car) acceleration and handling is inferior even MDX has more powerful engine. Cabin noise level can be lower.

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  Happy Buyer - 2008 Acura MDX
  By JamesT - December 11 - 10:29 pm

  I purchase my MDX with the tech pkg a week before a taking a long thanksgiving trip out of town. I must say that this vehicle is truly amazing. I traded in my BMW for this vehicle and this vehicle is every bit as good. I drove the BMW X5 and Infiniti FX series and the MDX proved to be the better value and overall better vehicle. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone.