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:

• 

  Zacura - 2006 Acura MDX
  By LZ - June 17 - 10:04 am

  In 18 months of driving the MDX, not a single item has needed repair - we had a leaking tire once, but the dealer removed the nail, patched the tire, and didnt even charge me (and we only knew of the condition because of the dashboard warning light). Great ride, sporty handling, good acceleration off the line, does everything right.

• 

  The problems are starting - 2003 Acura MDX
  By GitaS - June 17 - 1:52 am

  Bought my MDX brand new 4 years ago. Has the most amazing and easy to use navigation system. Reliable drive. Has every feature you could need. Have had some problems though. From the start, I have had problems with starting my car (I live in sunny So. Cal). Battery has been changed twice but still doesnt always fire on the first or even second try. Now as I near 100,000 miles, things are beginning to fall apart. All the features on my steering wheel dont work (including airbag, horn, volume control, cruise cntrl). Passenger seat warmer is kaput. Vent control plastic knob fell off. SVA (or something) sensor failed. The repairs are now getting expensive. Was hoping to drive this for another 100K.

• 

  Best SUV for the $ - 2004 Acura MDX
  By dlewin - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Our 04 has about 1000 miles on it now and its been great. The ride is as quiet and smooth as most luxury sedans and the handling is better than most SUVs Ive driven. Build quality is very high as well. The DVD is great for the kids - we can go for hours without a single tantrum! And the Nav has proven more useful than we expected as we have used it to quickly find restaurants and tourist attractions. I really wouldnt change much anout this SUV!

• 

  Great total package - 2008 Acura MDX
  By Jason - June 15 - 12:43 pm

  My wife and I wanted a vehicle that could fit a growing family, carry a lot of stuff, and have AWD. We looked at the MDX, Highlander, Acadia, 08/09 Pilots, and CX-9. Final decision came down to MDX, CX-9, and Highlander. Ive always liked the MDX since 2001, and with the dealer incentive, it made it easier to justify the price jump. The MDX drives very smoothly with ample power. Handling and comfort is very nice for a vehicle this size. The interior is nicer than the competitors although the GT CX-9 is pretty good, too. The exterior looks rugged yet has enough curves to avoid being boxy. Have not owned it long, but I expect typical Honda/Acura reliability.

• 

  Best mid-size suv on the market period!! - 2002 Acura MDX
  By Mickey - June 15 - 11:41 am

  I love my MDX and would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone. The styling, features, performance capabilities on this vehicle was everything I could have hoped for. Driving the MDX you feel like your in control of the road. It hugs the turns like a race car. The MDX is sporty, safe, and very roomy inside. I love my MDX!!

• 

  SUV version of the TL - 2008 Acura MDX
  By Bham Alabama - June 14 - 8:24 pm

  Ive owned two Acura TLs previous to purchasing the 2008 MDX. The MDX feels like and handles like the TL. Im very pleased so far. The MDX doesnt have the spunk that the TL did, but I appreciate the compromise because it gets fair gas mileage for a mid-sized SUV. My wife and kids love the MDX.

• 

  A Good All Around SUV - 2008 Acura MDX
  By HI MDX - June 14 - 11:30 am

  Had this SUV for 2 months now. I had more problems with customer service from the dealship than the vehicle. I did have the b-pillar plastic trims replace because they were bowing outward and the plastic trim on the side of the passenger side dash. The adjustable rate shocks are worthless. Comfort and Sport modes feel the same, very spongy.

• 

  SUV that fun to drive - 2007 Acura MDX
  By car man need and suv - June 13 - 5:53 pm

  I also test drove the X5 4.4 and Q7 4.2. The MDX was just right. All the stuff I need.

• 

  PERSONAL REVIEW - 2004 Acura MDX
  By RENE PRIETO - June 11 - 10:00 am

  EXCELLENT ALL AROUND VEHICLE RUGGET ENOUGH FOR THE BACK COUNTRY IN THE MORNING AND ELEGANT ENOUGH FOR THE OPERA AT NIGHT. VERY NICE INSIDE

• 

  Its mine and I love it - 2004 Acura MDX
  By mking - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I had one of the first MDXs (2001) off the line. My husband always borrowed it when it rained hard or snowed. When he asked what I wanted for a holiday gift, I said I a car he could drive in bad weather without taking mine. Just before Christmas we bought our 2nd MDX-- one for me, and he took over the 2001 MDX. We had a hard winter here, with lots of snow--and we each loved having our own MDX! I enjoy the upgrades: 265 hp, rearview scan in reverse, automatic windshield wipers, and automatic lights. The new navi system is slightly more difficult to use, but has more features. I feel safe, and I am glad he is safe, too.