Who doesn't love a car that has got elegant styling, plush interior and a galore of tech features? However, good things come at a cost. Enters the Acura MDX which challenges this age-old notion. The all-new MDX carries its legacy, and credits to the Japanese carmaker for making a consistent effort in making the MDX remain a good luxury SUV. This SUV provides great value with its latest offering in terms of interior features, space, and overall utility.
Lesser luxury appeal in the interior when compared to its rivals
Sluggish Adaptive Cruise Control
What's New?
New A-Spec trim introduced with standard all-wheel drive and notable design elements
Engine idle-stop system and Revised calibration for transmission programming
MDX with Advance package gets continuously variable suspension dampers
Features
vehicle bio
base price
$44400
bodystyle
4dr SUV
passenger capacity
7
drivetrain
front wheel drive
engine type
displacement
212
horsepower
290 hp @ 6200 rpm
torque
267 lbs.-ft. @ 4700 rpm
transmission
9-speed shiftable automatic
chassis
suspension front
Independent front strut suspension
suspension rear
Independent rear multi-link suspension
dimensions
wheelbase
111 in.
length
196.2 in.
width
77.7 in.
height
67.4 in.
curb weight
4032 lbs.
ground clearance
7.3 in.
capacity
passenger volume
132.7 cu ft.
cargo volume
68.4 cu ft.
maximum towing capacity
3500
payload
1336
fuel economy
city/combined/highway
20/23/27 mpg
highway range
526.5 mi.
warranty
basic warranty
4 yr. /50000 mi.
drivetrain warranty
6 yr./ 70000 mi.
corrosion warranty
5 yr. /unlimited
roadside assistance
Yes
Pictures
exterior
interior
Trims and Configurations
MSRP
Base
power
290 hp @ 6200 rpm
fuel
Premium unleaded
mpg
23 combined
$44,400 - $46,400
Style
Prices
MPG
Engine
Transmission
Drivetrain
Seats
Colors
4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 9A)
Starting at $44,400 MSRP
(20/23/27)
290 hp @ 6200 rpm, 3.5 L, V-6, premium unleaded
9-speed shiftable automatic
front wheel drive
7
4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 9A)
Starting at $46,400 MSRP
(19/22/26)
290 hp @ 6200 rpm, 3.5 L, V-6, premium unleaded
9-speed shiftable automatic
all wheel drive
7
Technology Package
power
290 hp @ 6200 rpm
fuel
Premium unleaded
mpg
23 combined
$49,400 - $51,400
Style
Prices
MPG
Engine
Transmission
Drivetrain
Seats
Colors
Technology Package 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 9A)
Starting at $49,400 MSRP
(20/23/27)
290 hp @ 6200 rpm, 3.5 L, V-6, premium unleaded
9-speed shiftable automatic
front wheel drive
7
Technology Package 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 9A)
Starting at $51,400 MSRP
(19/22/26)
290 hp @ 6200 rpm, 3.5 L, V-6, premium unleaded
9-speed shiftable automatic
all wheel drive
7
Technology and Entertainment Packages
power
290 hp @ 6200 rpm
fuel
Premium unleaded
mpg
22 combined
$53,400
Style
Prices
MPG
Engine
Transmission
Drivetrain
Seats
Colors
Technology and Entertainment Packages 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 9A)
Starting at $53,400 MSRP
(19/22/26)
290 hp @ 6200 rpm, 3.5 L, V-6, premium unleaded
9-speed shiftable automatic
all wheel drive
6
A-Spec
power
290 hp @ 6200 rpm
fuel
Premium unleaded
mpg
21 combined
$54,900
Style
Prices
MPG
Engine
Transmission
Drivetrain
Seats
Colors
A-Spec 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 9A)
Starting at $54,900 MSRP
(19/21/25)
290 hp @ 6200 rpm, 3.5 L, V-6, premium unleaded
9-speed shiftable automatic
all wheel drive
7
Advance Package
power
290 hp @ 6200 rpm
fuel
Premium unleaded
mpg
23 combined
$56,150 - $58,150
Style
Prices
MPG
Engine
Transmission
Drivetrain
Seats
Colors
Advance Package 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 9A)
Starting at $56,150 MSRP
(20/23/27)
290 hp @ 6200 rpm, 3.5 L, V-6, premium unleaded
9-speed shiftable automatic
front wheel drive
6
Advance Package 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 9A)
Starting at $58,150 MSRP
(19/22/26)
290 hp @ 6200 rpm, 3.5 L, V-6, premium unleaded
9-speed shiftable automatic
all wheel drive
6
Advance and Entertainment Packages
power
290 hp @ 6200 rpm
fuel
Premium unleaded
mpg
22 combined
$60,150
Style
Prices
MPG
Engine
Transmission
Drivetrain
Seats
Colors
Advance and Entertainment Packages 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 9A)
Starting at $60,150 MSRP
(19/22/26)
290 hp @ 6200 rpm, 3.5 L, V-6, premium unleaded
9-speed shiftable automatic
all wheel drive
7
Colors and Styles
Deep Blue Pearl
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
Ratings
Features
7.5
Engine And Performance
6.0
Fuel Economy
4.0
Interior
7.5
Exterior
7.0
Safety
9.8
7.2
OVERALL RATING
Expert Review, Pricing Analysis and Buying Guide
7.2
Overall Rating
At times the MDX disappoints a section of people with its interiors which feels dated. Overall, this SUV is a worthy contender in the luxury SUV segment. There are two engine options to choose from: a 3.5-liter V6 that powers the base version while the optional gasoline-electric hybrid gets powered by a 3.0-liter V6 engine. The hybrid version offers a better fuel economy and quicker acceleration. All MDXs are assembled with Acura’s sophisticated Super All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD) system.
7.5/10 Features
6.0/10 Engine and Performance
4.0/10 Fuel Economy
7.5/10 Interior
7.0/10 Exterior
9.8/10 Safety
2020 Acura MDX Features
7.5/10
The 2020 Acura MDX offers a seating capacity of up to seven. It's offered in four trim levels, also termed as packages, which are: Standard, Technology, Advance, and A-Spec. The Standard and Technology MDXs come sufficiently equipped, while the Advance package comes with a wide range of features quintessential for an SUV of this class. A-Spec is an appearance package and offers major cosmetic refinement to the car.
All of the above trims or packages, as you prefer to call them, are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that churns out 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission with either a front- or an all-wheel-drive configuration. The Sport Hybrid is offered with a smaller 3.0-liter V6 in conjunction with three electric motors (combined 321 hp, 289 lb-ft). This engine is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission.
Trims
Standard
Technology Package
A-Spec Package
Advance Package
Entertainment Package
Starting Price
$44,300
$49,300
$54,800
$56,050
$51,300
Key Features
Jewel Eye LED Headlights
9-inch full VGA Screen
LED Foglights
LED Foglights
16.2 Ultra-Wide Full VGA Screen with Split Screen Capability
Moonroof with Tilt and Slide Function
Rear Door sunshades
A-Spec Badge on front fenders and Tailgate
Automatic Dimming Side Mirrors
Second Row Bench Seating
Power-operated Tailgate
Second-row captain's chairs
Dark chrome and Lighting details
Heated Second-row captain's chairs
12th Speaker for improved Surround sound
Capless Fuel Fill
Removable ceiling mounted remote control
A-Spec exclusive dual exhaust outlets
Roof Rails
HDMI Compatibility
Acoustic Windshield and Front Side Glass
11th Speaker for improved Surround sound
Leather-wrapped A-Spec Steering Wheel
Heated and Ventilated front seats
Smart Entry
Front center console 110-volt power outlet
Heated Steering Wheel
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Acura Premium Audi System with 8 speakers
Siri Eyes Free
Sirius XM Satellite Radio
Acura Watch of Driver Assist Features
Heated Side Mirrors with Reverse-Gear Tilt down
We Recommend
Acura is known for offering cars with a single trim but allows the buyers to upgrade their vehicles as per their liking with a wide array of available optional packages. The stock MDX comes well equipped as it is, but we would recommend the Technology package that adds to the driver aids and safety features like blind-spot monitoring, lane assist, and a navigation system to start with. If you want a better driving experience, opt for the all-wheel driven MDX that helps enhance the stability and handling of the car.
2020 Acura MDX front view2020 Acura MDX rear view
2020 Acura MDX Engine and Performance
6.0/10
"The 2020 MDX delivers a comfortable ride and offers a relatively fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain." - carconnection
Engine and Transmission
The standard 3.5 Liter naturally aspirated V6 engine delivers 290 hp at 6200 rpm and 267 pounds-feet of torque at 4700 rpm. Mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission, the power delivery is smooth and quiet during regular driving conditions. However, you step hard on the gas, it emits a refined and remarkable roar that is sure to make you smile.
The transmission turns out to be slow in certain situations, especially when you seek light acceleration as the transmission gets confused with the frequent shiftings.
Models
Acura MDX SUV
Volvo XC90 T5 Momentum SUV
Audi Q7 2.0 TFSI Premium SUV
Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring SUV
BMW X5 xDrive 40i Sports Activity Vehicle
Mercedes GLE 400 4Matic SUV
MSRP
$44,300
$47,200
$53,550
$41,835
$60,700
$56,695
Engine
3.5L V6
2.0L i4
2.0L i4
2.5L i4
2.0L i6
3.0L V6
Transmission
9 Speed automatic
8 Speed automatic
8 Speed automatic
6 Speed automatic
8 Speed automatic
9 Speed automatic
Horsepower
290 hp@ 6200rpm
250 hp@ 5500rpm
252 hp@ 5000rpm
227 hp@ 5000rpm
335 hp@ 5500rpm
329 hp@ 5250 rpm
Torque
267 ft-lbs@ 4700rpm
258 ft-lbs@ 1500rpm
273 ft-lbs@ 1600rpm
310 ft-lbs@ 2000rpm
330 ft-lbs@ 1500rpm
354 ft-lbs@ 1600rpm
Acceleration
Acceleration of the 2020 MDX is confident and smooth. This car sprints to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, which is considerably quicker than the Infiniti QX60 and the Lexus RX 350L. It is slower than rivals that come equipped with supercharged or turbocharged six-cylinder engines.
Models
Acura MDX SUV
Volvo XC90 T5 Momentum SUV
Audi Q7 2.0 TFSI Premium SUV
Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring SUV
BMW X5 xDrive 40i Sports Activity Vehicle
Mercedes GLE 400 4Matic SUV
0-60 MPH
6.3 sec
7.5 sec
5.9 sec
7 sec
5.3 sec
N/A
Quarter mile
N/A
15.3 sec
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Engine
3.5L V6
2.0L i4
2.0L i4
2.5L i4
2.0L i6
3.0L V6
Emission
(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.4
N/A
N/A
Braking and Handling
The brake pedal feels light and the application is easy due to the predictable modulation. The MDX takes 121 feet to come to a complete from 60 mph. There are three steering mode settings to choose from. The Normal setting strikes a nice balance between agility and precision, while Sports stiffens the steering offering better stability at high speeds. The third is the Comfort mode that loosens the steering and is perfect to tackle the daily city traffic.
Model
Acura MDX SUV
Volvo XC90 T5 Momentum SUV
Audi Q7 2.0 TFSI Premium SUV
Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring SUV
BMW X5 xDrive 40i Sports Activity Vehicle
Mercedes GLE 400 4Matic SUV
Brake Front (in.)
12.6
13.2
14.8
12.6
N/A
13
Brake Rear (in.)
13
12.1
13.8
12.8
N/A
12.8
Curb Weight (lbs.)
4032
4771
4696
4217
4813
4751
60-0 MPH (ft.)
116
113
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
The torque-vectoring AWD system is quite impressive. It reduces understeer and allows this big SUV to move around corners when you really push it. In most situations, the MDX lacks the sportiness of a regular SUV, but it makes up for it with its composed ride quality. The All-Wheel-Drive system is designed for better terrain exploration, which is hard to find in a luxury-oriented SUV of this class. However, it lacks hill descent control.
Towing Capacity
This SUV can tow up to 3500 pounds. Meanwhile, Volvo XC90 and Audi Q7 offer a towing capacity of 4000 and 4400 pounds respectively. The BMW X5 can tow up to 6600 pounds and Mercedes GLE 400 is the champion with a towing capacity of 7200 pounds.
Model
Acura MDX SUV
Volvo XC90 T5 Momentum SUV
Audi Q7 2.0 TFSI Premium SUV
Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring SUV
BMW X5 xDrive 40i Sports Activity Vehicle
Mercedes GLE 400 4Matic SUV
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500
4000
4400
3500
6600
7200
2020 Acura MDX Fuel Economy
4.0/10
The 2020 MDX with front-wheel drive is rated at 20 mpg for the city, 27 mpg for the highway, combined figure of 23 mpg. All-wheel-drive models lose 1 mpg all across the board. The A-Spec package knocks those numbers further down to 19/25/21 mpg.
These numbers put the MDX right in the mix with its rivals. The Volvo XC90 is rated at 24 mpg combined.
Model
Acura MDX SUV
Volvo XC90 T5 Momentum SUV
Audi Q7 2.0 TFSI Premium SUV
Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring SUV
BMW X5 xDrive 40i Sports Activity Vehicle
Mercedes GLE 400 4Matic SUV
MPG (city)
20
21
19
22
18
17
MPG (highway)
27
29
25
28
24
23
MPG (combined)
23
24
21
24
20
20
2020 Acura MDX Interior
7.5/10
"The third row will suit only kids and perhaps adults of short stature. Still, it's better than the third rows of some other luxury SUVs. The front seats feel spacious in every dimension, but headroom in the second row is surprisingly tight." - Edmunds
Seating and Comfort
The cabin of the all-new MDX is reasonably spacious. The third row is optional but more usable than most of the cars in the select league. However, cars such as the Honda Pilot are still more practical. Clever single-press buttons slide the 2nd-row seats for third-row access, but the resulting pass-through is not wide enough for adults. Otherwise, the ingress and egress to and from the front and second-row seats is easier in comparison to other cars in the segment.
A highly adjustable driver's seat and a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column are available as standard on all MDX models. Hence, you will be able to find a comfortable position. The third row is best reserved for kids and perhaps adults of short heights. The front seats are spacious in every dimension, but the headroom in the second row is limited.
Model
Acura MDX SUV
Volvo XC90 T5 Momentum SUV
Audi Q7 2.0 TFSI Premium SUV
Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring SUV
BMW X5 xDrive 40i Sports Activity Vehicle
Mercedes GLE 400 4Matic SUV
Passenger capacity
7
7
7
7
5
5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
38.1/61.1/41.4
38.9/57.7/40.9
38.4/59.5/41.7
39.3/57.9/41.0
40.8/60/39.8
38.9/58.5/40.3
Second
(Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
38.3/59.1/36.6
38.5/56.5/37.0
38.8/58.5/38.8
38.5/58.1/39.4
38.7/58.1/37.4
38.5/58.4/38.4
Infotainment system
An 8-inch screen is standard that comes with inbuilt navigation and Apple CarPlay & Android Auto compatibility. There is also Voice recognition and Siri hands-free functionality. The audio is taken care of by a 10 Speaker ELS Speaker system. You will also get Sirius XM HD radio access. As for old school connectivity, you have 4 USB ports and an Aux port along with Bluetooth.
Cargo volume
The Acura MDX comes with a three-row seating configuration, so the desire for good cargo space remains unfulfilled. The MDX offers a cargo volume of 15 cubic feet, which is very less in comparison to all of its rivals.
"The 2020 Acura MDX is surprisingly well-equipped out the gate.The front seats benefit from 14-way-power adjustment for driver and 12-way for the passenger. Also appreciated is a power-adjustable steering wheel." - Kelley Blue Book
Design and Styling
The exterior shell of the 2020 Acura MDX is a great amalgamation of elegance and toughness. It looks luxurious and is practical. Just like all other Acura cars, this flagship SUV got the attractive diamond-pentagon grille, and the Jewel Eye LED headlights are just breathtakingly beautiful. Roof rails add more glamour and utility to MDX. Hybrid versions of MDX look similar to the standard version. The new, sportier Acura MDX A-Spec gets 20-inch wheels that half-inch wider than the standard model, bolder front fascia, larger-diameter exhaust finishers, and gloss-black accents.
Model
Acura MDX SUV
Volvo XC90 T5 Momentum SUV
Audi Q7 2.0 TFSI Premium SUV
Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring SUV
BMW X5 xDrive 40i Sports Activity Vehicle
Mercedes GLE 400 4Matic SUV
Curb weight (lbs.)
4032
4771
4696
4217
4813
4751
Length(in)
196.2
194.9
199.6
199.4
194.3
189.1
Width(in)
77.7
79.1
77.5
77.5
78.9
78.9
Height(in)
67.4
69.9
68.5
69.0
69
70.7
Ground clearance (in)
7.3
9.4
8.1
8.8
8.5
7.2
Wheelbase (in)
111.0
117.5
117.9
115.3
117.1
114.8
Track width (in) F/R
66.3/66.3
65.7/65.8
66.1/66.6
65.3/65.2
66.1/66.9
64.9/65.2
External Features
Jewel Eye Headlights with Auto On/Off Function
20” Alloy Wheels
Powered Moon Roof
Remote Linked Power Operated Tail Gate
Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers
LED Puddle Lights, Fog Lights, Taillights and Puddle Lights
Auto-Dimming, Heated and Powered ORVM’s with Integrated LED Turn Signals
Roof Rails
Acura MDX front viewAcura MDX front viewAcura MDX rear viewAcura MDX Wheel2020 Acura MDX
The Volvo XC90 is quite similar to the MDX in multiple aspects. The Acura offers a more engaging ride quality while the Volvo has a more lavish cabin. The XC90 offers the best in class cargo space and can boast of more premium features. Acura, on the other hand, is a better investment of your money as it generally gets good resale values. Thus it depends on your choices and priorities as both of these cars are better than the other in their own rights.
Acura MDX VS Audi Q7
The front and mid seat belts of the Audi Q7 have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and remove slack in the event of a collision and force prohibiters limit the pressure the belts. This is the level of intricate detailing you get with the German manufacturer. The Q7 45 TFSI's standard 2.0 turbo 4 cyl. produces 6 lbs.-ft more torque (273 vs. 267) than the MDX's standard 3.5 SOHC V6 engine. The Q7 55 TFSI's standard 3.0 supercharged V6 powertrain churns out 8 hp more horsepower (329 vs. 321) and 36 lbs.-ft. more torque (325 vs. 289) in comparison to the MDX Sport Hybrid's standard 3.0 SOHC V6 hybrid. Thus, if sheer luxury and raw power are your desires, then the car with 4 rings on the grille is the car for you.
2020 Volvo XC902020 Audi Q7
2020 Acura MDX Final Verdict
The 2020 Acura MDX is one of the best suited midsized luxury SUVs in the class. It offers robust performance and an upmarket interior loaded with a bunch of value-added features. It's rated as better than most cars by JD Power with a total score of 81 out of 100. Thus, if you seek a 3-row luxury SUV with an array of safety features, a big list of amenities, good power, and a decent reputation, choose the 2020 Acura MDX.
FAQs
How reliable is the Acura MDX?
Being a Honda at heart, Acura is a very reliable brand. The 2020 MDX has been rated 81 out of 100 by JD Power.
What is the cost of ownership of the Acura MDX?
The estimated cost of ownership of the 2020 Acura MDX over the next 5 years will be around $50k.
What are the warranty features?
The limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
Powertrain warranty covers 6 years or 70,000 miles
No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Will I get a good resale value?
All the Acura cars are known to fetch good resale values. So relax!