2019 Acura MDX

At times the MDX disappoints a lot of people due to its interior that feels a bit outdated. Overall, the SUV is a worthy contender among the luxury SUV segment.

The 2019 Acura MDX offers a seating capacity of up to seven. It's offered in four trim levels (also termed as packages): Standard, Technology, Advance and A-Spec. The Standard and Technology MDXs come nicely equipped, while the Advance comes with bulk amount of features required 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 come powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that churns out 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The engine is further paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission with either front- or all-wheel drive configuration. The Sport Hybrid is offerd with a smaller 3.0-liter V6 in conjunction with three electric motors (combined 321 hp, 289 lb-ft. The 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		LED Foglights	LED Foglights
	Moonroof with Tilt and Slide Function	Rear Door sunshades		Automatic Dimming Side Mirrors
	Power operated Tailgate	Second row captain's chairs	A-Spec Badge on front fenders and Tailgate	Heated Second row captain's chairs	Second Row Bench Seating
	Capless Fuel fill			Roof Rails
	Acoustic Windshield and Front Side Glass	Removable ceiling mounted remote control
	Smart Entry		Dark chrome and Lighting details
	Apple CarPlay and Android Auto	9-inch full VGA Screen		Heated and Ventilated front seats	16.2 Ultra-Wide Full VGA Screen with Split Screen Capability
	Acura Premium Audi System with 8 speakers	11th Speaker for improved Surround sound			12th Speaker for improved Surround sound
	Siri Eyes Free		A-Spec exclusive dual exhaust outlets
	Sirius XM Satellite Radio	Front center console 110-volt power outlet	Leather-wrapped A-Spec Steering Wheel	Heated Steering Wheel	HDMI Compatibility
	Acura Watch of Driver Assist Features
	Heated Side Mirrors with Reverse-Gear Tilt down

We Recommend

Acura has always offered cars with single trim but allows buyers to upgrade their vehicle with available optional packages. The MDX comes well equipped without any additional package but we would recommend the one with 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.

"The 2019 MDX delivers a comfortable ride and offers a relatively fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain." - carconnection

Engine and Transmission

The standard engine is a 3.5 Liter naturally aspirated V6 delivering 290 hp at 6200 rpm and 267 pounds-feet of torque at 4700 rpm. The SUV delivers power in a smooth fashion staying noise free during regular driving. When you give race, it emits a refined and remarkable sound.

The engine is further mated to a 9-Speed automatic transmission. However, the transmission turns out to be slow in certain situations, especially in situations where you seek light accelerations. The transmission gets confused when you make frequent shifting.

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 is confident and smooth. The MDX goes from halt 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 equipped that come powered 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, but it's easy for bringing smooth stop due to predectable modulation. The braking distance offerd by the MDX is 121 feet, an average stopping distance for the class. The MDX offers three steering mode settings. The Normal setting returns back a nice balance between feeling light but precise, while Sport's tighter on-center effort provides better stability at highway speeds.

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 like a regular sporty SUV, but it sure works on the handling part. The All-Wheel Drive is designed for better terrain exploration, which is hard to find in a luxury-oriented SUV of this class. It lacks hill descent control.

Towing Capacity

The SUV offers a towing capacity of 3500 pounds. MEanwhile, Volvo XC90 amd Audi Q7 offer towing capacity of 4000 and 4400 pound, respectively. The highest towing capacity is marked by BMW X5 amd MErcedes GLE 400.

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

MDX models with front-wheel drive are rated at 20 mpg city, 27 highway, 23 combined. All-wheel-drive models lose 1 mpg across the board. The A-Spec package knocks those numbers down further 19/25/21 mpg and Hybrid models offer 26/27/27 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

"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 MDX is spacious for the midsize luxury segment, and though its third row is compact, it's more usable than most of the cars in this league. Still, prominent models such as the Honda Pilot are more practical. Clever single-press buttons slide the 2^nd row seats for third-row access, but the resulting pass-through for adults can be unaccesible. Otherwise, there's good access to the front- and second-row seats in comparison to others 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, so you will be able to find a comfortable position across the cabin. The third row is somewhat meant for kids and perhaps adults of short heights. Still, it's good than the third rows of some other luxury SUVs in the segment. The front seats are spacious in every dimension, but 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

Interior Features

• 2 Rear Headrests
• Rear Door Child Safety Locks
• Turn Signal Mirrors
• Daytime Running Lights
• Engine Immobilizer
• Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags
• Stability Control
• Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation
• Rear Height Adjustable Headrests
• Remote Anti-Theft Alarm System
• 2 Front Headrests
• Front, Rear And Third Row Head Airbags
• Pre-Collision Safety System
• Rear Center 3-Point Belt
• Post-Collision Safety System
• Child Seat Anchors

Cargo volume

The Acura MDX comes with a three row seating configuration, so the desire for good cargo space remains unfulfilles. The MDX offers a cargo volum eof 15 cubic feet, which is very less in comparison to all of its rivals.

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
Cargo Volume (ft.3)	15.0	41.8	14.8	14.4	33.9	38.2

"The 2019 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

Acura MDX enjoys a great amalgation of looking elegant yet tough, luxurious yet practical. As with other cars from Acura, this flagship SUV got an attractive diamond-pentagon grille, and the Jewel Eye LED headlights is just awesome. Roof rails add more glamour to MDX's personality and provide practicality as well. Hybrid versions of MDX look similarl 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

The 2019 MDX scored an overall crash test rating of five out of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rewared the MDX the highest rating of Good in its five crash tests.

Safety Features

• Driver Air Bag
• Passenger Air Bag
• Front Head Air Bag
• Rear Head Air Bag
• Front Side Air Bag
• 4-Wheel ABS
• 4-Wheel Disc Brakes
• Brake Assist
• Electronic Stability Control
• Daytime Running Lights
• Child Safety Locks
• Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors
• Traction Control
• Lane Departure Warning
• Lane Keeping Assist

Acura MDX VS Volvo XC90

The Volvo XC90 is quite similar to the MDX in multiple aspects. However, the Acura returns a more engaging ride quality, but the Volvo has the slendid cabin. The XC90 offers best in class cargo space, and it boasts for more attractive cabin in the class. Your choice depends on wheather you place a higher bet on performance or interior quality.

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. The Acura MDX doesn't offer pretensioners for the mid seat belts.

The Q7 45 TFSI's standard 2.0 turbo 4 cyl. produces 6 lbs.-ft better 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 comaprison to the MDX Sport Hybrid's standard 3.0 SOHC V6 hybrid.

The 2019 Acura MDX is one of the best suited luxury midsize SUV in its class. It offers robust performance and a upmarket interior loaded with value added features. No matter it gets a low predicted reliability rating, but it doesn't possess big flaws. If you seek a 3-row luxury SUV with an array safety features, a big list of amenities, good power and a decent reputation, choose the 2019 Acura MDX.