Acura MDX Review: Luxury SUV Value or Compromised Premium Experience?

Price Positioning in the Luxury SUV Market

The Acura MDX enters the competitive three-row luxury SUV segment with an attractive base price of $44,890 (including destination), positioning itself as a value alternative to European rivals. When cross-shopping vehicles like the Infiniti QX60 ($49,025), Lexus GX 460 ($58,025), and Buick Enclave ($44,795), the MDX presents a compelling price-to-feature ratio.

However, option packages quickly escalate the MDX's price. Our test vehicle, equipped with:

• Super Handling All-Wheel Drive ($2,000)
• Entertainment Package ($2,600)
• Technology Package ($3,400)
• Advance Package ($6,400)

...pushed the as-tested price to $59,340—placing it closer to base models of the Audi Q7 ($59,200) and BMW X5 ($63,195). This pricing structure creates an interesting value proposition that warrants careful consideration.

Exterior Design Evolution

Acura's controversial "shield" grille gives way to a new pentagon-shaped design inspired by the Precision Concept vehicle. The refreshed front fascia represents the brand's ongoing search for a cohesive design language in the luxury segment.

Design highlights include:

• Jewel-eye LED headlights with signature daytime running lights
• Sharper character lines along the body sides
• Revised rear bumper and exhaust integration
• Available 20-inch alloy wheels (up from standard 18-inch)

While the update modernizes the MDX's appearance, it lacks the immediate brand recognition of Audi's Singleframe or BMW's kidney grilles. The design remains inoffensive but doesn't establish a strong luxury identity that distinguishes it from premium Honda models.

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Powertrain Performance and Driving Dynamics

At the heart of the MDX lies a 3.5-liter V6 producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque—competitive outputs for the segment. The engine delivers:

• Confident acceleration from stoplights
• Adequate passing power on highways
• Refined operation with minimal vibration

However, the 9-speed automatic transmission undermines the powertrain's potential with:

• Delayed kickdown during passing maneuvers
• Occasional harsh shifts in urban driving
• Overly aggressive behavior in Sport mode

The standard Integrated Dynamics System offers three driving modes (Comfort, Normal, Sport) that primarily adjust steering weight rather than comprehensively tuning suspension and throttle response. While not as sophisticated as adaptive damping systems from German rivals, it provides noticeable differences in driving character.

Fuel Efficiency Comparison

The stop-start system (included with Advance Package) improves city mpg by 1 while maintaining smooth operation—a notable achievement for a V6 application.

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Interior Execution and Comfort

The MDX's cabin presents a dichotomy—it delivers exceptional practicality but falls short of true luxury expectations in several areas:

Material Quality

• Soft-touch surfaces on dash and door uppers
• Available Milano premium leather seats
• Wood trim options (though some appear artificial)
• Switchgear shared with Honda models

Seating Configuration

The standard 2-3-2 layout offers versatility, with new-for-the-model-year second-row captain's chairs (2-2-2) available as an option. Seat comfort proves excellent in front, with:

• 12-way power adjustment (16-way in Advance trim)
• Available ventilation and heating
• Memory settings for multiple drivers

The second row provides generous legroom (38.5 inches) when slid back, though third-row access remains challenging despite Acura's "one-touch" slide mechanism. The rear-most seats offer just 28.1 inches of legroom—adequate for children under 5'5" but uncomfortable for adults on anything beyond short trips.

Technology and Infotainment

Acura's dual-screen interface continues to divide opinion among luxury SUV shoppers. The system comprises:

• Upper 8-inch display (navigation, vehicle information)
• Lower 7-inch touchscreen (audio controls, smartphone integration)
• Rotary controller with redundant hard buttons

While theoretically offering multiple input methods, the system suffers from:

• Overcomplicated menu structures
• Illogical feature distribution between screens
• Lack of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto (as of this evaluation)

The available 12-speaker ELS Studio audio system delivers exceptional sound quality, outperforming many competitor systems at this price point.

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Cargo and Practicality

Where the MDX truly shines is in everyday usability, offering:

• 15.8 cu-ft behind third row (suitcases for all passengers)
• 43.4 cu-ft with third row folded (large grocery runs)
• 90.9 cu-ft maximum (flat furniture items)

Clever storage solutions include:

• Deep center console with organizational tray
• Door pockets accommodating large water bottles
• Hidden compartment under cargo floor

Safety and Driver Assistance

The MDX earns top marks in crash protection, with:

• NHTSA 5-Star Overall Rating
• IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation
• Standard AcuraWatch suite including:
  • Collision Mitigation Braking
  • Road Departure Mitigation
  • Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow

Optional safety upgrades include:

• 360-degree camera system
• Blind spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
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Competitive Analysis

Against key rivals, the MDX presents distinct advantages and compromises:

Acura MDX vs. Infiniti QX60

• MDX offers sharper handling
• QX60 provides more comfortable third row
• Comparable pricing when similarly equipped

Acura MDX vs. Lexus GX 460

• MDX delivers better fuel economy
• GX 460 offers true off-road capability
• Lexus has superior brand cachet

Acura MDX vs. Audi Q7

• Q7 features more luxurious interior
• MDX provides better value pricing
• Audi offers more advanced technology

Final Verdict

The Acura MDX represents a compelling choice for buyers prioritizing:

• Three-row practicality
• Strong safety credentials
• Value pricing relative to European rivals

However, it falls short for shoppers seeking:

• True luxury interior ambiance
• Intuitive technology interfaces
• Refined transmission behavior

For families needing premium-brand credibility without German luxury prices—and willing to overlook some ergonomic quirks—the MDX delivers where it matters most. But discerning buyers should cross-shop carefully to ensure its compromises align with their priorities.

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