Price Range: $50,150-$73,800
What’s new
- No significant changes for 2024
- Part of the fourth MDX generation, introduced in 2022
Overview
Sporty handling, a roomy interior, and a cushy ride make the Acura MDX one of the better picks for a luxury 3-row SUV in 2024. It also offers most of the same features as rival SUVs for less money. Among other SUVs in the category, the MDX’s 3-row seat is roomy enough that your friends won’t mind riding back there on little trips. There’s even an available cabin intercom system, so you can keep the conversation flowing, and there are two very good sound systems to select from.
Now in its 4th 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 the latest option with its new 3-row TX SUV. But even among this group, the MDX is worth a look. Go through the expert rating below for complete knowledge.
What’s it like to live with?
This latest MDX’s comfort, utility, and more spacious interior were impressive, 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.
Performance: 7.5/10
How does the MDX drive work?
The MDX’s attributes, such as steering and handling, are its best dynamic attributes. Acura’s latest version of Super Handling All-Wheel Drive wonderfully increases the MDX’s nimbleness and helps with wet-weather traction. The MDX has a comfortable ride but can still rail with turns like an SUV half its size. Proper and natural-feeling steering, whatever driving you’re performing, from corners to long hauls on the highway.
The base MDX’s V6 engine isn’t so ordinary. 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 expensive 3-row midsize SUV we’ve tested, including the previous MDX. The 10-speed automatic transmission isn’t smooth-shifting as we’d like either. Thankfully, the MDX Type S, by way of its turbocharged engine and sportier tuning, contains a livelier character.
Comfort :- 8.0/10
How comfortable is the MDX?
The MDX carries the most comfortable front seats in the class. They’re easily adjustable and excellently supportive. The second-row seats don’t have the comfort of the fronts, but they can slide. Ride comfort is amazingly good since the suspension really takes the edge off most bumps in the road.
It has been found that the control system is easy to adjust, and it keeps us comfortable over hours behind the wheel. The seat heaters work well, but the seat ventilation is only mildly effective. 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.
Interior: 7.5/10
How’s the interior?
While we appreciate innovation when it comes to vehicles, sometimes you strike out. Acura’s True has a touchpad interface for its infotainment system, which is a deal-breaker for many buyers. The interface has a steep learning curve. It’s something to be ashamed of because the layout of the system actually looks pretty sleek.
The MDX contains decent and nice interior aspects. The cabin has a lot of space up front and in the second row. The third row is a bit tight for adults but should suffice for kids. Getting in and out of the cabin takes a little hard work, and Acura’s push-button seat release for the second row is very simple to use. The middle seat of the second row can be removed for a driver’s chair setup and a center pass-through that makes 3-row access even simpler.
Visibility is good thanks to large windows all around, and the choice of a surround-view camera system gives even better 360-degree bumper-level visibility.
Technology: 8.5/10
How’s the tech?
The MDX’s infotainment system interface is problematic, but we also find lots of beneficial technology here. The large center screen is wonderful and simple to read, and the integrated navigation system works well. The available 16-speaker ELS sound system is quite impressive and can push a maximum volume through the cabin without muddying the sound.
The top-trim Advance test vehicle contains USB ports for all three rows. Every MDX provides wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which makes it possible to activate these smartphone integration systems without a USB cable. The smooth-acting adaptive cruise control, for instance, really eases the chore of driving in rush-hour traffic.
Storage: 8.5/10
How’s the storage?
Cargo space and storage capacity are strong points. The MDX gives 18.1 cubic feet of space behind the 3-row, which is slightly bigger than that area in other 3-row midsize, expensive crossovers. The second- and third-row seats fold flat, and there’s bonus storage underneath the rear loading floor. There’s 39.1 cubic feet of space behind the second row and a maximum of 71.4 cubic feet.
Up front, the MDX has big door bins but no longer has the old MDX’s configurable compartment. The middle seats have three sets of car seat anchors for child safety.
This is suitable for a small trailer, but know that some rival European SUVs, such as the Audi Q7, have tow ratings of more than 7,000 pounds.
Fuel Economy: 6.5/10
How’s the fuel economy?
The EPA thinks the all-wheel-drive MDX, which is what needs to be tested, gets 21 mpg in combined city. While this figure is similar to every luxury SUV, we found it tricky to consistently get the EPA’s number in real-world driving.
Value: 8.0/10
Is the MDX a good value?
Value remains a strong driver for MDX. It’s nice that the MDX comes with many standard features that are often optional for competitors. Warranty coverage is average. The basic and powertrain warranties are decentr than those of its European rivals, but it falls behind a bit in roadside support.
Which MDX is recommended?
A-Spec is liked for the extra flair of its modern body kit. It also comes with some of its extra features, such as airy front seats, an upgraded audio system, and a sporty steering wheel. It also comes standard with all-wheel drive. The Type S is sportier, but the hefty upgrade over the standard MDX doesn’t quite add up.
Acura MDX models
The 2024 Acura MDX is a 7-seat SUV with six trim levels: MDX, Technology, Advance, Type S, A-Spec, and Type S Advance. The base and technology trims come with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
MDX starts you off with:
- 3.5-liter V6
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- 19-inch wheels
- Panoramic sunroof
- Power liftgate
- Synthetic leather upholstery
- Heated front seats
- 12.3-inch central display with touchpad controller
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Nine-speaker audio system
- Wireless charging pad
AcuraWatch provides a suite of advanced driver assistance features that include:
- Forward collision warning with automatic braking
- Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning
- Lane-keeping assistance
- Adaptive cruise control
- Technology
Adds on:
- 20-inch wheels
- Leather upholstery
- Navigation system
- Customizable interior ambient lighting
- 12-speaker ELS premium sound system
- Front and rear parking sensors
A-Spec
Unique styling and trim
- Ventilated front seats
- Unique flat-bottom steering wheel
- 16-speaker ELS premium audio system
Advance
- Hands-free liftgate
- Upgraded leather upholstery
- Upgraded front seats with extra adjustability
- Heated second-row outboard seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Head-up display
- Surround-view camera system
Type S
- Turbocharged 3.0-liter V6
- Sport-tuned adaptive air suspension
- Sport-tuned transmission and AWD settings
- 21-inch wheels
- Brembo front brakes
- Unique styling and trim
Type S Advance
- Upgraded front seats with massage
- 25-speaker ELS Studio sound system