2020 Acura MDX Review

　　

2020 Acura MDX Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　Who says you have to pay a luxury-car price for a luxury car? It's a question evoked by the 2020 Acura MDX crossover SUV, which is one of the best in its class even though it's also one of the least expensive. This three-row SUV is comfortable, quiet, smooth, spacious, and, when equipped with the available all-wheel-drive system, unusually fun to drive. We think it's an excellent choice for those shopping for something a little nicer than a standard SUV but without a budget-breaking price tag.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Acura MDX 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$204/mo  for MDX Base

　　MDX Base

　　4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 9A) - $44,500 MSRP4dr SUV w/Technology Package (3.5L 6cyl 9A) - $49,500 MSRP4dr SUV w/Advance Package (3.5L 6cyl 9A) - $56,250 MSRPSH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 9A) - $46,500 MSRPSH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD w/Technology Package (3.5L 6cyl 9A) (Most Popular) - $51,500 MSRPSH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD w/Technology and Entertainment Packages (3.5L 6cyl 9A) - $53,500 MSRPSH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD w/Advance Package (3.5L 6cyl 9A) - $58,250 MSRPSH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD w/Advance and Entertainment Packages (3.5L 6cyl 9A) - $60,250 MSRPSport Hybrid SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD w/Technology Package (3.0L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 7AM) - $53,000 MSRPSport Hybrid SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD w/Advance Package (3.0L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 7AM) - $59,750 MSRPSH-AWD A-Spec 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 9A) - $55,000 MSRPSH-AWD PMC Edition 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 9A) - $61,750 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　Unlike many of its rivals, the Acura MDX is well-equipped in its base form and has a sufficiently powerful V6 engine. Of course, there are a number of packages to bolster the MDX's luxury credentials, culminating in a trim that features upgraded leather, a surround-view parking camera, and USB ports for all three rows. Even at its most expensive, the MDX tops out where many other European luxury SUVs begin. Of course, those rivals offer high-octane engines to beef up their performance game, but we think you'll be plenty satisfied with either the base MDX or the MDX Hybrid that boosts output and conserves fuel at the same time.

　　The MDX is well-rounded, but it's not without its faults. First and foremost is its infotainment interface. Functions are split between an upper display screen (controlled via a dash-mounted knob) and a lower touchscreen display. Both are sluggish, and it's difficult to remember which screen the function you want to access is located. Additionally, the interior materials don't quite reach the quality of what's used in the MDX's more expensive rivals.

　　But if you can live with the strange screen setup and nice — rather than exceptional — cabin materials, you'll find the MDX to be a smart pick for a luxury SUV that won't overly tax your bank account.

　　Notably, we picked the 2020 Acura MDX as one of zzdcar' Best 3-Row SUVs for 2020, and also selected the 2020 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid as one of zzdcar' Best 3-Row SUVs for this year.

　　

What's it like to live with the MDX?

Want to know even more about the Acura MDX? Learn about day-to-day ownership from our editorial experts' Best 3-Row SUVs. How much did we like the MDX's quiet interior? How was the tech? Was the cargo room sufficient for everyday use? How was the fuel economy? Learn this and more from our test. Note that the 2020 MDX differs from the 2014 model we tested — in 2016, it added a new SH-AWD system, nine-speed automatic, smartphone integration and a hybrid trim — but our coverage is otherwise applicable.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　8.0

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the MDX drive? The Acura MDX is one of the most confident luxury midsize SUVs to drive. Its torque-vectoring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system allows this big SUV to carve corners like a smaller crossover, and the Sport mode's heftier steering wheel weight makes it feel appropriately stable at higher speeds.

　　The 290-horsepower V6 provides adequate acceleration, making for a 0-60 mph time of a respectable 6.8 seconds. This is quicker than most rivals fitted with a base four-cylinder or V6 engine, but it can't hold a candle to uprated competitors with turbocharged six-cylinders or V8s.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the MDX? Big SUVs that seat seven have to be comfortable, and the MDX delivers. Even with large 20-inch wheels, the MDX rides smoothly and controls its body motions well. The seats are similarly cushy and offer all-day comfort. The A-Spec's unique faux suede upholstery is thick and pliable, and it keeps cool on hot days. The minimal amount of wind and road noise contributes to its cocoon-like atmosphere.

　　The climate control system, however, drags down the Acura's comfort scores. The seat ventilation isn't very strong, and there are no vents in the third row. The climate controls are a little difficult to use since they are split awkwardly between hard keys and digital buttons.

　　

Interior

7.5/10

　　How’s the interior? The Acura MDX is a spacious and versatile SUV. While the third row is best for children or shorter adults, it's more accommodating than the back seat of many rivals. Getting into the third row is relatively simple thanks to single-press buttons that slide the second-row seats forward.

　　A highly adjustable driver's seat and power tilt-and-telescoping wheel help drivers find a good position. It's easy to see out the front and sides, but the second-row seat blocks the view out of the three-quarter window. Glaring flaws include the nonintuitive shifter and an infotainment system that divides functions between the upper display (with a dash-mounted knob controller) and the lower touchscreen.

　　

Technology

7.5/10

　　How’s the tech? The dual-screen setup looks high-tech but isn't terribly intuitive, even after you've used it for a while. It's difficult to remember which screen contains which settings, and the lower touchscreen has a confusing menu structure and layout. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are present, but they are displayed on the upper screen, and the knob controller is suboptimal.

　　Many advanced driving aids are standard, but their operation can seem half-baked. For instance, our test vehicle's adaptive cruise system accelerated and braked the vehicle suddenly in heavy traffic, and in several instances it accelerated after coming to a complete stop, even though the car in front hadn't moved.

　　

Storage

9.0/10

　　How’s the storage? Convenience and efficiency play a big part in vehicle utility, and the Acura MDX capitalizes on these aspects. The MDX slightly edges out others in the class in total storage volume, and the easy fold-flat seats make loading long cargo items a breeze. Interior storage space is another bright spot thanks to large cupholders and bins, plus a deep center bin.

　　If you want to pull your gear with you, the all-wheel-drive MDX can tow up to 5,000 pounds (front-wheel-drive models are limited to 3,500 pounds), but you'll have to buy a separate hitch. This is better than some rivals, but some European competitors can tow more than 7,000 pounds.

　　

Fuel Economy

8.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The EPA rates the MDX between 21 and 23 mpg in combined driving, depending on which configuration and version you pick. In general, this is a bit better than average for a midsize three-row SUV.

　　

Value

8.0/10

　　Is the MDX a good value? The MDX represents a good value for the luxury segment. However, it doesn't offer the inspiring, jaw-dropping interiors provided by its European competition. It also faces an in-house threat: The Honda Pilot provides more versatility with modest trade-offs in performance, features and refinement.

　　The Acura's basic warranty is for four years/50,000 miles, and powertrain coverage is six years/70,000 miles. That's roughly the same as what Japanese rivals offer but better than what some European competitors do. The MDX also comes with free roadside assistance for four years/50,000 miles. Unlike some other brands, there's no complimentary maintenance plan.

　　

Wildcard

8.0/10

　　In a world full of mundane crossovers, the MDX stands out as a driver's choice. The handling is almost shockingly good and the performance is hard to fault. Yet despite its dynamic talents, the MDX doesn't possess the verve of a BMW X5 or Mercedes-Benz GLE. Of course, it costs a boatload less money. It's refined and competent, and the A-Spec version has a few neat styling additions. But at the end of the day, it's a competent rather than a truly exciting SUV.

　　

Which MDX does zzdcar recommend?

While many vehicles offer the best value in their middle trims, we think the ideal MDX models are the bookends. The base model is well-equipped and attractively priced by luxury SUV standards. While blind-spot monitoring is nice to have, the next-level Technology package doesn't have many other must-have features, and it costs quite a lot more. The A-Spec looks cool, but it requires all-wheel drive. And once you factor those two costs in, you're almost at the top Advance level — a trim package that adds a substantial amount of luxury content.

　　

2020 Acura MDX models

The 2020 Acura MDX is a three-row luxury SUV that seats up to seven. It's offered in four trim levels (also referred to as packages): an unnamed base model, Technology, A-Spec and Advance. The base MDX is well-equipped, and the Technology package includes a few desirable additions. The A-Spec is more of an appearance package but has some unique upgrades. The range-topping Advance has all the features you'll likely want in this class of vehicle.

　　The MDX is driven by a 3.5-liter V6 engine (290 horsepower, 267 lb-ft) paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission with either front- or all-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive-only Sport Hybrid uses a smaller 3.0-liter V6 in conjunction with three electric motors (combined 321 hp, 289 lb-ft) and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It delivers an estimated 27 mpg in combined city/highway driving, which is 5 mpg better than the standard AWD MDX.

　　Highlights of the base trim include 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, heated mirrors, a power liftgate, a sunroof, and keyless entry and ignition. Inside, you'll find power-adjustable front seats with heating, driver-seat memory settings, a power-adjustable steering wheel, leather upholstery, tri-zone automatic climate control, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

　　Tech features include a dual-screen infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen and an eight-speaker sound system with five USB ports, satellite radio, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane and road departure warning and mitigation, and adaptive cruise control.

　　The Technology trim adds niceties such as 20-inch wheels, automatic wipers, front and rear parking sensors, power-folding side mirrors, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, upgraded interior trim, a navigation system, a color driver information display, and a 10-speaker premium audio system with HD radio.

　　The A-Spec trim level (AWD only) is similar to the Technology but has blacked-out exterior trim, wider wheels and tires, a thicker-rimmed steering wheel, faux suede seat inserts, front-seat ventilation, and unique cabin cosmetics.

　　The Advance requires the Technology package and further adds adaptive suspension dampers, wider wheels and tires, roof rails, auto-dimming mirrors, a 360-degree parking camera, a heated steering wheel, premium leather, front-seat ventilation, heated second-row captain's chairs, second-row sunshades, and two additional USB ports for the third row.

　　Technology or Advance models with AWD can add an Entertainment package, which consists of a rear entertainment system and a household-style 110-volt outlet. If you add it to the Technology package, it also comes with a 9-inch screen and 11 audio speakers. Pair it to the Advance package, and you'll instead get a 16.2-inch screen (with an HDMI input) and 12 audio speakers. Note that selecting the Entertainment package with the Technology trim also adds second-row sunshades and replaces the standard second-row bench seating for heated captain's chairs.

　　Finally, there's the all-wheel-drive MDX Sport Hybrid, which comes standard in the Technology trim, with adaptive suspension dampers and an additional Sport+ driving mode. The Advance package is optional, but it is not available with the Entertainment package.

　　

2020 MDX Highlights

Type: SUVHybridSUV

　　Trim: BaseSH-AWDSport Hybrid SH-AWDSH-AWD A-SpecSH-AWD PMC EditionBase

　　

Base MSRP	$44,500
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$204/month
Seating	7 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	15.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles