The Acura MDX began its fourth generation as a reliable contender in the increasingly competitive luxury SUV segment, particularly as an alternative to rugged luxury, thanks to a makeover in 2022 that included significant handling, tech updates, and a sportier variant. Similar to the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. The MDX is adaptable and family-friendly due to its three-row seating configuration and seven-passenger capacity. At 198.4 inches, it’s ample for a midsize car but small compared to full-size cars like the BMW X7.
After the groundbreaking introduction of 2020, the 2023 updates are limited to connectivity and service provisioning improvements. Acura gives all new MDX owners three free access to the AcuraLink Network and complimentary scheduled maintenance for two years, or 24,000 miles. There are four standard MDX trims and two performance trims to choose from. While Acura’s “Automatic All-Wheel Drive” (AWD) is an available upgrade for base and technology trim levels, it comes standard on luxury Sports A and Advance models.
All MDXs are equipped with a finely tuned 10-speed automatic transmission and a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque as standard. The Model S and Type S Advance are two top-of-the-line performance vehicles. It is equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter TSDI V6, which produces 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. It boasts performance features like standard all-wheel drive (AWD), adjustable air suspension with active damping, and more. Quilted upholstery and massage front seats are two of the Type S Advance’s significant upgrades.
The MDX has a great interior, especially in the higher trim levels, with plenty of stitching and high-end details like open-pore wood and the considerable physical metal keyset. It competes well with other vehicles in its class, such as the Genesis GV80 and Audi Q7. It uses cheaper Honda-sourced components and falls short of the quality offered by more expensive luxury competitors like the BMW X5 and Volvo XC90. The Acura’s infotainment system is feature-rich and fun, but the touchpad it uses instead of touchscreens is a little finicky.
Even in its standard, front-wheel-drive version, the MDX is an agile machine with snappy handling, though it can’t keep up with the likes of the BMW X5 M or Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 regarding straightforward performance. The MDX’s nimble handling sets it apart, not its lovely cabin. While the Type S’s performance upgrades make driving on the open road pleasurable, the standard MDX suspension feels very soft and handy for a family-style vehicle.
Like many other three-engined midsize cars, this car’s third row of seats isn’t very roomy. The Acura rivals like the Lincoln Aviator and Cadillac XT6 when it comes to the third-row room, and you’ll need to step up a notch with cars like the X7 or Jeep Grand Cherokee L to seat the big teens in there. A full suite of advanced safety features is included in the price of the vehicle. The MDX is among the most attractive and cost-effective models due to its beautiful design, good bodywork, and robust powertrain options.
What’s new?
No updates have been made to the MDX since it was redesigned entirely in 2022.
Acura is expanding its service and connectivity offerings this year by offering free planned maintenance for three years, or 36,000 miles, in addition to the standard two years, or 24,000 miles.
Standard AcuraLink connectivity package
Acura MDX performance
The Type S’s turbocharged engine makes 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, providing plenty of oomph. Compared to monsters like the X5 M Competition and Dodge Durango Hellcat, this isn’t enough power, but it’s more than enough for a few minutes of continuous driving enjoyment.
Despite being about a second slower to 60 mph than the S-Type, the base MDX’s engine is already quite capable, and the intelligently tuned 10-speed automatic and Sport (the S’s multiple Sport modes) help make its power feel plentiful for a car—family hauler.
The MDX’s superior performance on the road can be attributed to its sophisticated handling. The fast electric steering and suspension (double wishbones front and multi-link rear) provide a comfortable and agile ride, regardless of road conditions. The Model S has big Brembo brakes, adaptive dampers, and an adjustable air suspension that can lower the ride height by an inch when set to Sport mode.
Acura MDX fuel economy
With front-wheel drive, the standard MDX is expected to achieve 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined in the EPA rating. The Type S, which is more powerful, is rated at 17/21 mpg city and highway. The performance of the MDX we tested with both engines was much worse than expected, with the poor results for the standard engine mirroring those scheduled for the Type S.
Comparable cars, such as the GV80 and XC90, score higher on paper, and even the X5, with a more powerful 6-cylinder engine, results than the base MDX. A hybrid version of the MDX was once offered; However, unlike the XC90 and X5, Acura no longer produces one. The Lexus RX Hybrid has the highest combined mileage at 36 mpg, but only if you’re willing to forgo the third row and the car’s premium character.
Driver assistance and safety
The MDX has a perfect five-star rating from NHTSA, with a tiny asterisk. Only the front-wheel-drive MDX has earned NHTSA crash-capability ratings, and in both the driver-side rollover and frontal crash tests, it made just four out of a possible five stars. The MDX received a higher rating from the IIHS, which named it the Top Safety Pick+ of the year.
Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Lane Following with Road Departure Mitigation, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Monitor, Traffic Jam Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Automatic High Beams, and Driver Attention Monitor are some of the active safety features that come standard on every MDX.
Although the top bezels get finer, like rain-sensing wipers and a 360-degree camera, the base model is exceptionally well-equipped, unlike its European and American competitors.
Room and comfort in the Acura MDX
The MDX’s cabin is comfortable and spacious, at least for the two front rows of passengers. As is tri-zone automatic climate control, 12-way power front seats with lumbar memory and three driver-side positions are standard. With the standard motorized tilt, telescopic column, and thick, ergonomically shaped steering wheel, finding the perfect driving position is a breeze.
The seats don’t have a cooling option, but the second-row seats can recline and slide, and there’s a panoramic sunroof as standard equipment. The center seat folds out of the way for easy access to the third row and comes with climate controls.
The MDX’s second-row seats can be easily slid forward with one touch using the convenient slide ‘n’ feature, so even tight back roads aren’t a problem. The rear seats have been radically modified, with reduced legroom and comfort. USB ports and a reading light were added in both seating configurations; However, air conditioning vents are absent. Compared to competitors like the Lincoln Aviator and Cadillac XT6, the Acura hatchback’s third-row legroom is about an inch longer, at 29 inches, versus the Infiniti QX60’s 28 inches.
At least the Acura didn’t cram three passengers in there, and you can get some legroom by folding down the second-row center seat. But this is the back row, and it’s perfect for kids.
Infotainment
The MDX’s main infotainment screen measures 12.3 inches and comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, built-in Amazon Alexa, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The infotainment system is excellent in its own right. Still, it lacks touchscreen functionality, forcing drivers to rely on an on-console touchpad that’s uncomfortable to use and has poor tactile feedback. Fortunately, Acura’s voice recognition system is natural and accurate, letting you bypass the touchpad.
Standard features include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with customized display options and a wireless charging pad in the center console. The MDX base audio system features 12 speakers from ELS Studio Technology, 16 speakers from ELS Studio 3D (in Spec A through Type S trims), and 25 speakers from ELS Studio 3D (in Type S Advance trims). Some of the more well-known premium audio brands in competitors’ luxury vehicles can’t compare to the sound quality of higher-end systems.
Storage and shipping in the Acura MDX
Behind the Acura MDX’s third row of seats, you’ll find 16.3 cubic feet of storage space, and with the cargo compartment hidden under the floor, you’ll have 18.1 cubic feet. Compared to the XC90 (21.8), GV80 (11.6), and Audi Q7 (14.2), it’s even worse. The MDX’s cargo capacity is 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded down and 95 cubic feet with both rows flat, which seems like a lot until you realize Acura fiddled with those stats by incorporating floor space into the aisles and carrying capacity compared to other vehicles in its class.
The MDX’s second and third-row seats cannot fold electrically, and the trunk contains only a 12-volt outlet, a hidden food hook, and a reversible floor panel for convenience. The Walk Away Close model’s power tailgate waits for you to step away from the vehicle before lowering, reducing the potential for bar heads.
Small cargo storage is throughout the cabin, but it’s nothing special. The glove box and center console are both medium-sized, and both feature removable tiers of trays for storage.
Design
The Acura MDX has a solid body and aggressive stance that hints at its driving prowess, making it one of the best three-rowers on the market. The headlights are all LED, so the car looks intimidating and narrow in the face, and the opaque sunburst pattern on the hood looks cool.
The interior design is simple but not functional. Aside from sharing a few pesky gearshift controls with the Honda, there are no vivid details like jeweled shift knobs or spheres for controlling the audio system. There are no creaks or rattles due to the high quality of the materials used, meticulous attention to detail paid to the cushioning and stitching, and gorgeous open-pore wood trim availability. The MDX is an excellent SUV inside and out; However, its cabin may not be as luxurious as the XC90, and its exterior may not be as impressive as the GV80.
Is the Acura MDX worth it?
The Acura MDX offers a lot for the price, but unlike some German models, it can’t be customized with optional extras. For example, the MDX starts at just $50,745 (including destination) and features the aforementioned standard technology and safety equipment.
Adding the necessary BMW Multipacks to get features like adaptive cruise, wireless charging, and a panoramic sunroof brings the price up to $68,820, roughly $12,000.
With its leather upholstery, low-speed front and rear emergency brakes, 12-speaker ELS sound system, and other features, the MDX is the most expensive model in the lineup at $54,945. The MDX is $2,000 cheaper than the GV80 and $3,000 cheaper than the XC90 at this price.
The MDX Type S’s enhanced power and responsive steering are appealing, but the thin air may deter some drivers. The Type S is more expensive than the regular MDX but is faster and has more responsive feedback. The base price for the Type S is $69,045.
For $74,395, you can upgrade to the Type S Advance and have a 360-degree camera, massage seats, a hyperbolic sound system, and other luxuries. That’s $2,390 more than the premium GV80 but $4,000 less than the similarly equipped X5 M Sport.
What is the average annual premium for Acura MDX insurance?
The Acura MDX has a lower average annual insurance cost than its competitors. The average yearly premium for an A-spec MDX for a 30-year-old woman with a clean driving record is $2,232. However, this is the national average in all 50 states. The annual fee for the Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit is $2,322, the Genesis GV80 3.5T is $2,547, and the Infiniti QX60 Sensory can cost its owner up to $2,495.
conclusion
Compared to other three-row luxury SUVs like the BMW X5 and Mercedes GLE, the Acura MDX delivers more bang for the buck with agile handling, an attractive and functional interior, and an extensive list of premium extras. The Type S, with its increased power and stiffer suspension, comes perilously close to actual performance. The MDX is an attractive, excellent-feeling three-row SUV with a complete tech offering as standard but clumsy infotainment controls and poor fuel economy.
