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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  Excellent, driving machine ! - 2003 Acura MDX
  By Plateau KD - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Before I buy MDX, I took test drive othe Suvs like, Mercedes ML, BMW MX, Toyota LC. This was the best car Ive ever driven. Its fast, stable, yet I can still feel like a sport car. Eye catching design on the road too.

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  Solid overall, room for improvement - 2005 Acura MDX
  By txguy - September 4 - 1:38 am

  Got it with the nav and RES options. The RES is a must if you have kids. Ride is still smooth after 2 years and 35K miles. Averaged 24.8 MPG at steady 70 mph on last freeway trip with wife, 2 kids and cargo. Still love the MDX and weve had zero issues with the car. I use the Bluetooth often to talk hands-free and the Bose stereo sounds great. Only things I should have gotten up front were a cargo net for the back and running boards to help boost the little kids (under 4) and great-grandma.

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  Finally traded old MDX and love new one! - 2007 Acura MDX
  By MDX02Then07 - September 2 - 10:51 pm

  I finally traded in my 02 MDX after nearly 6 years of hauling countless kids. I was reluctant to let it go, because it was a great car. When I first drove the new 07 model it seemed too big and I didnt like the grille. I am so happy with that I let that go The ride is fantastic, its easy to park around the city, the back up camera, bluetooth, and navigation are fantastic. The power lift gate is a great convenience. The driver seat is so comfortable. My kids are in heaven with the rear entertainment system, and I can still listen to my sounds up front. How great is that?

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  Love my MDX! - 2006 Acura MDX
  By maryindublin - August 31 - 11:35 pm

  I live in the mountains, lots of driving uphill and lots of snow in winter. Never had any problems in the snow with the AWD. I feel safe and confident. The front seats are very comfy, but the back seats could use a bit more room. I have a 3 year old in a booster seat in the back and he doesnt have all that much leg room. Still, I wouldnt trade it for anything and plan to drive it till it wont drive any more!

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  A Fairly Solid SUV - 2001 Acura MDX
  By RHornsby - August 29 - 5:29 pm

  We bought this car to replace a Dodge Caravan (yeah, I know). It is an excellent car as far as looks and overall driving goes. However, for the large price, it has had a surprising amount of problems. We have had to get multiple things fixed. It now has around 92000 miles on it, and it has broken a couple of times. It has good acceleration with the V6, and is a solid performer (good handling, acceleration). The interior has had a few problems (seats falling apart, window motors breaking) but overall it is a roomy comfortable car. Gas mileage is okay but it has a large tank. It is a very wide car though, feels a little sluggish after driving sedans, but is safe.

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  excellant - 2003 Acura MDX
  By j mig - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is excellant. I love it-with a child it has plenty of room. the car drives great & believe it or not-its great on gas.

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  Wow - 2001 Acura MDX
  By anne - August 27 - 11:56 am

  I have been driving this car for a month and I cant believe the comfort, driving control. It feels like a sedan to drive and it is 2001. The touring package is fabulous and everything works perfectly after 7 years. It feels like a new car and road-holds better than the 2008 pathfinder which I also drove.

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  Great 2nd Gen MDX - 2007 Acura MDX
  By mesalum - August 26 - 9:43 am

  I purchased the 2001 MDX Touring when it was first available. Kept it for a couple years and traded it on a Nissan Titan. Now I am back with the 2007 MDX. Wow is all I can say. Its more refined than I remember the 2001. I bought the Tech Package and I love all the gadgets. The leather seems to be better quality. This one seems quieter than the 1st gen. I cannot wait for a long trip, we are planning a trip to Tahoe but there is no snow up there (Feb 1).

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  Some Major Issues with the New MDX - 2007 Acura MDX
  By Telee - August 19 - 5:13 pm

  Rear view is extremely limited. Very small side view mirrors and late to upload rear camera do not help. Back up lights are almost useless. The seats become very uncomfortable if you are slender. A seam cuts across your rear, otherwise they would be great. Our 2001 Lexus nav system was better that the one they pack in the MDX. The auto window lock-out locks the driver out as well as the passengers. Our dog continually lowers the windows with his paws, and turns on the heated seats both front and rear. The tail gate is slick, but the rear hatch opening is too small to fit furniture that, otherwise, should fit. The key fob is not intuitive. Take a long look before you buy.

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  Headrest issue - 2007 Acura MDX
  By jaystuff - August 18 - 11:33 am

  About 4000 miles now. Never has been to Acura for a single problem. For the money, you get a lot of stuff. Voice recognition is for the birds. Main problem that I didnt notice during my test drive: if you keep the seat erect, at a good angle for your posture, the head rest pushes your neck down !!! Most uncomfortable headrest in the industry. Acura claims that it is a safety feature, but it only works if you angle the seat back about 15 degrees!!! Mileage is okay for a heavy SUV. Get the sport package - handling is out-of-sight.