2024 Acura MDX SUV

　　

2024 Acura MDX Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　, rating written byDan FrioDirector, Vehicle Testing

　　Jonathan Elfalan has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. As a director of vehicle testing at zzdcar, Jonathan has tested and reviewed thousands of cars and written thousands of car-related articles over the course of his career. Jonathan got his start testing cars for Road & Track magazine as a newly minted mechanical engineer grad from University of California, Irvine, and has also contributed to Motor Trend and the Associated Press. He likes to say he learned to drive a manual transmission in a rear-wheel-drive mid-engine vehicle but often omits it was his family's 1991 Toyota Previa minivan.

　　Sporty handling, a roomy interior and cushy ride make the Acura MDX one of the better picks for a luxury three-row SUV in 2024. It also offers most of the same features as rival SUVs for less money. And unlike some other SUVs in the class, the MDX's third-row seat is roomy enough that your adult friends won't mind riding back there on short trips. There's even an available cabin intercom system so you can keep the conversation flowing (or issue an occasional parental directive to younger passengers) and two very good sound systems to choose from.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Acura MDX 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 10A) 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

　　$213/mo  for MDX Base

　　MDX Base

　　4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 10A) (Most Popular) - $50,150 MSRP4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 10A) - $52,350 MSRP4dr SUV w/Technology Package (3.5L 6cyl 10A) - $54,850 MSRP4dr SUV AWD w/Technology Package (3.5L 6cyl 10A) - $57,050 MSRP4dr SUV AWD w/A-Spec Package (3.5L 6cyl 10A) - $60,550 MSRP4dr SUV AWD w/Advance Package (3.5L 6cyl 10A) - $64,100 MSRPType S 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $68,450 MSRPType S 4dr SUV AWD w/Advance Package (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $73,800 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　Now in its fourth generation, the MDX has never quite enjoyed the shine of European luxury SUVs such as the Audi Q7, BMW X5 or Mercedes-Benz GLE. Lexus also has a compelling new option with its new three-row TX SUV. But even among this group, the MDX is worth a look. Be sure to read our test team's Expert Rating below for a deeper dive into the MDX's strengths and flaws.

　　

What’s it like to live with?

We drove an Acura MDX SH-AWD Advance for about a year as part of zzdcar' long-term test fleet. We liked this latest MDX's comfort, utility and more spacious interior, but the touchscreen interface was a low point. We also struggled to match EPA fuel economy ratings. Read our MDX 20,000-mile long-term test to learn more about what it's like to own and live with this current-generation MDX.

　　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

7.5/10

　　How does the MDX drive? The MDX's steering and handling are its best dynamic attributes. Acura's latest version of Super Handling All-Wheel Drive impressively enhances the MDX's nimbleness and helps with wet-weather traction. The MDX has a comfortable ride but can still rail through turns like an SUV half its size. Accurate and natural-feeling steering complement whatever driving you're doing, from corners to long hauls on the highway.

　　The base MDX's V6 engine isn't as impressive. It has character and revs smoothly but ultimately lacks some punch. At our test track, a MDX Advance accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, which is slower than just about every other luxury three-row midsize SUV we've tested, including the previous MDX. The 10-speed automatic transmission isn't as responsive or smooth-shifting as we'd like either. Thankfully, the MDX Type S, by way of its turbocharged engine and sportier tuning, has a livelier character.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the MDX? The MDX may just have the most comfortable front seats in the class. They're highly adjustable and incredibly supportive. The second-row seats don't have near the comfort of the fronts, but they can recline and slide. Ride comfort is surprisingly good since the suspension really takes the edge off most bumps in the road.

　　We found the climate control system easy to adjust, and it kept us pretty comfortable over hours behind the wheel. There is, however, a lack of vents for the rear cabin, with only middle console vents for the second row and nothing for the third. The seat heaters work well, but the seat ventilation is only mildly effective. Although we didn't find the cabin particularly noisy, our measured sound levels were higher than for most of the other vehicles in the class, particularly at highway cruising and full throttle.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below