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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  THE MDX IS WELL WORTH THE $$$$$$$ !!!! - 2003 Acura MDX
  By theinspector - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Ive spent many months researching and test driving other vehicles in the MDXs class. Compared to the BMW X5, Volvo XC90, Lexus RX330,Infiniti FX35/45, the MDX wins hands down! You cant buy a better equipped and safer vehicle for the $$ than the MDX. Also, as with any Honda product, you will never have to worry about reliability and resale values.

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  6 months 10,000 miles and still love it! - 2007 Acura MDX
  By Larry - November 20 - 12:46 pm

  Bought my MDX in June 07 after testing all comparable w/3rd row seats (X5, Q7, GX 470). For the value, it won hands down. For the same items and options in others would have cost an additional 10-20K. Have 10K miles of city/highway driving, and love every minute of driving it! Its more like a sport sedan than SUV. Ride and acceleration are excellent seating comfort great in front & back seats. Yes, 3rd row is for kids and small adults, but if you want a full-time 3rd row, get a full-size SUV. They work great when heading out with a few extra friends. No question this is a great combination of value, fun, and luxury in SUV skin. Wife has TL-S - loves driving the X!

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  The vehicle that has it all - 2007 Acura MDX
  By un - November 16 - 11:46 am

  Very powerful for its size and drives like a car with the SH-AWD making it feel like one, on the most demanding curves. Brakes are stellar with the brake assist feature and with the stability assist control thrown in, your driving is completely technology assisted. We currently get about 18/23 city/hwy on premium gas. Interior is quite comfortable except for the third row which is best for kids under 4. Navigation/sound system/backup camera/heated seats and dvd make it a nice long trip vehicle. The center console is a huge bin without any coin holders/small compartments. Road noise is prevalant at times. Tire noise is minimal. Lots of techno gizmos to keep you busy for a while.

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  Pretty darn good - 2004 Acura MDX
  By mysimonj - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Just got a 2004 Touring RES/Nav cause I needed more space for the baby and cargo space to carry more than a golf bag in my bimmer. I knew that Acura always had a good reputation for overall refinement and quality and this vehicle does meet my expectations. Very smooth engine which is surprisingly quick, its cargo space is monstrous; ottoman, weber grill, you name it-it fits. Third row seating is practical for my minisized friends. Excellent vehicle with such practicality, truly an "UTILITY" vehicle.

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  Very happy with purchase - 2007 Acura MDX
  By Dave R - November 3 - 12:54 am

  I love the comfortable ride and performance. The 10 way power drivers seat combined with the telescoping steering wheel makes it easy to find a comfortable position. My wife and I both drive the vehicle so the custom seat, mirror, radio, and phone book settings linked to each key are great. The exterior styling is a real head turner, much better than the 2006 models. Visibility from the cockpit at night is great. Love the interior styling and dash appearance. Third row seating comes in handy on occasion. The navigation system is easy to use and convenient. Practically every feature comes standard. Back-up camera is a nice plus.

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  After 2 months...Love this MDX! - 2016 Acura MDX
  By Ron - November 2 - 3:09 am

  I researched the the 2016 MDX for 9 months before buying. Im so glad I did. Ive owned two MDXs since purchasing my first MDX in year one of the MDX introduction in 2001. Im amazed at the transformation, Id been driving my MDX with 180K miles. Having also been an RL owner, I now feel I have the best of both vehicles in one. The slightly lowered height from the road is just perfect! The few lower reviews of the entertainment system has not been a problem for me. Theres a lot to digest with so many great features, I take each feature one at a time which for me has been an enjoyable easy process. I love the new touch gear shifting! I love the sportier drive for an SUV, it really does not feel like Im driving an SUV. The gas mileage increase is sweet, which is one reason I waited so long to buy a 2016. Love the seat air ventilation system that keeps me from back sweating during hot summer months. I can now seamlessly play music from my iPhone. The biggest surprise and enjoy is the warning system and lane keeping assist system. I feel like Im now protected from blind spots when changing lanes and drifting out of my lane. This is simply the best vehicle I have ever owned! A huge leap of comfort, safety and technology in the past 10 years! Ive never experienced this big of an upgrade in any vehicle I have ever purchased. Love this vehicle!!!

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  Black Touring Navi and Entertainment - 2006 Acura MDX
  By laxdad - October 31 - 9:38 am

  First off we do love this vehicle and except for a chronic rear door sticking issue, this SUV has been a great vehicle, drives more like a car than a truck, plenty of power and comfortable, family loves XM radio and navigation is huge help when traveling. We got the running boards, pinstripe and rear deflector which really helps dress the look up. Gas mileage is as usual disappointing but expected. We avg 15 around town and just over 20 on the road.

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  Second MDX - 2007 Acura MDX
  By nvdesertrat - October 25 - 11:01 am

  I tested the BMW X5 3.0 (too small, slow), the X5 4.8 (fast, too expensive!), the Lexus RX (nice, not sporty enough). This vehicle is a big step up from the 02 model: more power, better handling (doesnt feel a bit like a mini-van anymore), more creature comforts and roughly the same fuel economy. Drivers seat is very comfortable for my 5-11" frame. The SH-AWD system is terrific as you feel it pull you around sharp turns as you accelerate. Nav. syst. has good display and gives clear and adjustable directions (from almost constant advice to concise directions). Hands Free Link hooks up to B/tooth c-phone on startup, sound system automatically switches to phone when called.

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  Fun to Drive - 2003 Acura MDX
  By ECT - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Great handling vehicle. Its amazing that the 20hp increase from the 2002 model to the 2003 model gives so much more acceleration power. Workmanship quality is superb- not even a minor defect found in first 10 days.

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  jmreissmdx - 2003 Acura MDX
  By jmreiss - October 25 - 2:00 am

  outstanding suv. the voice activated navigation system with the rear backup camera is a must. this is the best suv for any price