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Used 2017 Acura MDX SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD w/Technology Package (3.5L 6cyl 9A) Consumer Reviews

3.8 out of 5 stars
23 reviews

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5 out of 5 stars

Great car!

Justin, Houston, TX, 01/06/2017
Acura MDX SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD w/Technology Package (3.5L 6cyl 9A)
74 of 75 people found this review helpful

I cross shopped multiple vehicles prior to purchasing this SUV. My wife and I sat in and drove many SUVs. We felt like this SUV offered a lot more than the others for the price. The biggest/best surprise is the SH-AWD (google torque vectoring if you haven't already) which makes the car a lot of fun to drive and adds a spare tire. The ELS sound system is great. The safety features should be standard on all vehicles -- the technology package adds the blind spot detection which is awesome. I was worried that the transmission would at least take some getting used to given the complaints but it's great actually. Their are plenty of YouTube videos explaining why it feels a little funny between 2 gears but I have honestly not had a problem in any IDS mode (sport, comfort, normal). The complaints don't seem to be primarily regarding reliability. I was also worried I wouldn't like the shifter after so many complaints. It is actually very easy to use and keeps me from ever having to look down. It has the added benefit of protecting you from changing gears when you shouldn't (i.e. P while driving, D while shutting off the engine, etc...) which ultimately saves wear on your transmission. Good warranty compared to the other SUVs (7 years on the drive train). The infotainment system is just ok even with the tech package but has all of the functionality I need. I wish that it had a panoramic sunroof. If you compare to other vehicles in the class, for example the Lexus RX, Audi Q7, Volvo XC90 etc.. or even the Pilot, Pathfinder, Highlander, and Forester, I thought the Acura was ultimately the best bang for your buck.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Big connectivity issues

Jennifer Penley, Piscataway, NJ, 11/14/2017
Acura MDX SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD w/Technology Package (3.5L 6cyl 9A)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful

I love this vehicle overall, except for two main areas: one of which I knew about before I purchased it, and the other of which I didn't discover until after. The vehicle is pretty much top notch in all categories but it doesn't necessarily scream luxury on the inside. It is definitely very well appointed but I was hoping for just a bit more of a luxurious feeling on the inside. That's the negative I knew about and purchased the car anyway. The other negative about this vehicle is the clunkiness of the technology (which I guess if I'd test driven it for more than 15 minutes I might have eventually discovered) and the fact that the iPhone connectivity is poor (which I didn't know until after the fact). All menu and sub-menu options are toggled to and selected via a main dial that's about as big as the channel dial on a very old television, and there's a small bit of lag between pressing/turning the dial and the system responding. In addition, and even more bothersome, is the fact that iphone contacts do not seamlessly synchronize via Bluetooth. I have hundreds of contacts in my phone, and only about 5 of them synchronize. After wondering what the heck I was doing wrong because I just couldn't get my contacts to synchronize - in addition to the voice command system not properly recognizing prompts - I turned to Google and, alas, found forum after forum of other MDXers complaining about this very same issue for years now. In the end, I'd still probably have purchased this vehicle because it was the highest rated for safety in this vehicle class by IIHS and NHTSA, and safety is my number 1 criterion when I purchase a vehicle, but I might not have opted for the Tech package if I'd have been aware of these issues. Another disappointment is the fact that the AcuraLink app doesn't have functionality to remotely start the car, yet it can remotely lock & unlock doors. That ability/convenience would be a small luxury that would go a long way.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

2017 Acura MDX Improved Looks-Solid Performance

J.Raia, Glen Head, NY, 09/11/2016
Acura MDX SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD w/Technology Package (3.5L 6cyl 9A)
22 of 24 people found this review helpful

Excellent ride and performance. Fit an finish not consistently excellent (lift back alignment not up to luxury standards on my vehicle) but this is nit picking an otherwise very solidly constructed vehicle. Previous Acura product (2000 TLX) lasted more than 15 years and 300k miles. Brand is very reliable and safe choice. Most people will be very happy with the MDX. An great value!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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3 out of 5 stars

Okay but far from great!

Ron Possehl, Martinez, CA, 02/09/2018
Acura MDX SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD w/Technology Package (3.5L 6cyl 9A)
15 of 16 people found this review helpful

Overall okay...but after 1 year (I wanted to wait long enough to give a fair/accurate review) my biggest issue is the 9-speed transmission. Sadly it doesn't know which gear it belongs in. Around town it's completely confused! For that reason this will most likely be my last MDX...very disappointed....the pleasure is gone! I am already looking to see what my next SUV will be. This is my third MDX but can't believe Acura could put out such a dud/poor quality to save a couple MPG. My wife has a 2016 Highlander Limited that performs circles around my luxury MDX.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
2 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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1 out of 5 stars

Transmission problems already!

Disappointed buyer, Alexandria, VA, 03/05/2018
Acura MDX SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD w/Technology Package (3.5L 6cyl 9A)
49 of 56 people found this review helpful

I purchased a new, 2017 MDX SH AWD with technology package in February 2018 from Frankel Acura in Maryland and this has been my experience: The salesperson, Mark was helpful. The car had 378 miles on it when I purchased it. Immediately after driving off the lot, I noticed the timing of the transmission seemed to be off. I was pressing the gas, however the car was hesitating and then it would shift into 1st or 2nd gear, but the shifting was rough, enough to jerk you forward when the car finally moved. When I took the car to Frankel Acura for diagnostics and repair, I was told the vehicle was operating properly. I was also told that I would have to deal with the issue until Acura issued a software update for the transmission. The dealership offered no further action regarding the transmission. I was also told that once the car learned my driving habits, the transmission shifting might get better. Needless to say, I am disappointed in the performance of the vehicle and the dealership.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
1 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
2 out of 5 stars
Value
1 out of 5 stars
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