Used 2018 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD Hybrid Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2018 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD Hybrid.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Too Many Intermittent Issues
Gary Baker, Bakersfield, CA, 08/26/2018
2018 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD w/Advance Package (3.0L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 7AM)
2018 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid, Advanced Package Review
We took delivery of the vehicle in April 2018, and have had numerous problems with the vehicle since we bought it. The advance package has the seat, steering wheel, and outside mirrors memory positioning system. Intermittently, the steering wheel does not return to the memory position of the driver. It stays all the way up, which … is the exit vehicle position.
I have an open report with Acura Client Relations. I've had the vehicle at the dealer four times to correct the problem, but they say they cannot duplicate the issue. On the fourth visit, the vehicle malfunctioned while the service writer was present, but the dealership still contended they could not confirm the issue. Ultimately, they said Honda knows the issue is present, but in their opinion, it only malfunctions when both keys are present. My response was that it seems unusual that Honda knowingly has a malfunction in their system, but chooses to ignore it. Just to be clear, the issue happens whether both keys are present or whether only one key is present.
For some reason, Acura changed the way they receive traffic information for their vehicles. Acura now uses HD Radio signals to receive traffic information for the 2018 MDX. I would assume Acura uses HD Radio signals for all their vehicles. The problem is, unless you're in a major metropolitan area, you do not get traffic information. As a result, when you are driving in heavy traffic, the navigation does not reroute you around heavy traffic. I have a 2016 Acura RDX, and the traffic flow works fine. I believe Acura used to use some sort of satellite signals to receive the information, but for some reason changed to HD Radio signals. Whatever happened to "if it isn't broke, don't fix it"!
I've had multiple other intermittent issues with the vehicle as well. Sometimes I have to press the Reverse button several times before the car actually shifts into gear. When accelerating normally, the transmission seems to stay in lower gears for a long time, and the engine stays at 3,500 to 4,000 RPM, even though you are at a constant speed. For some reason, I started getting between 16 and 17 mpg, which is what prompted my inquiring about the proper operation of the climate control system. Then all of a sudden, I started getting what I was accustomed to seeing.
Acura Owners Manuals are horrible. Because of the drastic mpg variance, I've been trying to figure out the Climate Control system. I have had open dialog with the salesman who sold me the car for over a month. Apparently Acura sales and technical personnel don't know how the climate control system works either. No one has contacted me with some sort of information for over a month.
The MDX Sport Hybrid is actually a nice car. Very quiet and smooth riding. Their estimated fuel efficiency is a little off though. I can get about 25 mpg on the highway, and around 21 mpg city. Overall I get about 22 mpg. We traded in our 2010 Lexus 450H, which is a Hybrid as well, for the MDX. We got around 30 mpg highway and 23 city with the Lexus, and overall we got 25 mpg from the day we bought it until we traded it in.
The open case with their Client Relations has been a challenge since I opened it five weeks ago, July 17th. From July 19th until July 25th, I left voicemail messages on the case managers direct line, and never got a call back. When she finally did call me back July 25th, she claimed she never received any of my messages. Apparently their phone system at Honda also has intermittent problems. When last I talked to the case manager on August 8th, she told me she would be back in touch with me by August 10th. That is the last I've heard from her, and today is August 26th. I guess it must be another intermittent problem.
It's hard for me to understand why Honda/Acura has such lousy customer service. Starting with their sales staff, to their service department, right up to their Client Relations. When you spend $60,000.00 for a luxury vehicle, I would think the manufacture would be more concerned about their customers.
Great driving 4400lb Hybrid SUV
Jim Smith, Herndon, VA, 05/05/2019
2018 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD w/Advance Package (3.0L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 7AM)
Ride and handling excellent. Acceleration with assist of those 2 rear electric motors is awesome for this fuel efficient 4400lb SUV. Average fuel economy is 25 to 30 MPG, but supreme gasoline is required. Handling in hard driving rain is excellent. Nighttime drive is excellent and on the winding 2 lane back roads exceptional with great stability and Auto dimming very bright … headlights. Yes, the transition from a stop while on battery to engine power takes bit to get use to, but is really not bad at all. I find the controls are very easy to use and did not take much time to get use to using each. I use Android Auto running Waze or Google Maps for navigation and could not ask for better performance. Front climate controlled seating is awesome, 2nd row captain seats are great, while 3rd row seating is tight and be used for smaller kids or short trips for taller people. Cargo capacity is good for me. No towing with this Hybrid could be a problem for some. I've driven this SUV for just about a year without issue and performance and ride for me has been exceptional both in city and on the highway. Just about at the 2 year point and this SUV for me has been perfect. No problems at all. Ride and drive perfect.
Great Performance SUV for the money
Darren, Shawnee, OK, 12/16/2020
2018 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD w/Advance Package (3.0L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 7AM)
Update 7/5/2021: Still super satisfied with this SUV. Sport Hybrid is one special SUV. 43k miles now. 08/2020: If you’re looking for a family-friendly 3-row SUV with strong performance and driving attributes along with some of the highest safety ratings look no further. Although a bit dated and light on luxurious interior the vehicle is packed with technology. The Acura MDX Sport Hybrid … is agile and so fun to drive. Great prices abound for used 2018 and 2019 model years. I have owned a 2018 Sport Hybrid and have had zero issues with the vehicle after almost 3 years and 38k miles.
This car is a steal at full sticker
WallyO, Richmond, CA, 07/25/2018
2018 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD w/Advance Package (3.0L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 7AM)
This SUV offers a combination of high technology in the very smooth, full-time torque-vectoring hybrid system, precise and entertaining dynamics and a comfortable and very quiet cabin that is unlike any other car I've driven; and I've owned dozens, including a few BMW's, several MB's, and four Mini Coopers. The Hybrid semi-autonomous systems work incredibly well (including the Lane Keep … Assist, which makes the car nearly self-driving, with no ping-ponging from side to side), and the versatility of operational customization through the settings menu is stellar. The four-drive-mode setup is also excellent, essentially allowing you to own three very different cars that you can instantly call up, depending on your mood and purpose in the moment. (The difference between Comfort and Normal is subtle, but Sport and Sport+ transform the car.) I know that some people feel the interior design and materials fall below that of other "luxury" cars, but I find the cabin very well made, very useful and very attractive. Like most BMW's, the interior is solid and understated, and avoids the ostentatious bling-bling look that some now equate with luxury and "prestige." This is a luxury car, but without pretension. The lack of glitzy features (like the completely unnecessary gimmick of Google Earth in the NAV system) is a relief, and makes the car functionally safer because of the lack of distractions. (If you want to play video games, I'd suggest you stay at home. If you want to know where you're going, simple map graphics are required.) Operationally, the Hybrid is complex enough in operation and functional options, that a new owner should take some time familiarizing himself or herself while still in the garage. After a week or two, you'll realize that you have a stellar vehicle on your hands.
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2018 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD Hybrid
What’s new
- Updated dual-screen infotainment system with a new capacitive touchscreen
- Standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support
- Part of the third MDX generation introduced for 2014
Pros & Cons
- Pro:Generous array of features and active driver aids for the money
- Pro:Optional SH-AWD system enhances handling and all-season sure-footedness
- Pro:Smooth and confident acceleration from the V6 engine
- Pro:Quiet, comfortable and spacious cabin
- Con:Cabin looks and feels less luxurious than those of some rivals
- Con:Auto stop-start function for V6 can be a bit rough
- Con:Adaptive cruise control can be slow to respond and abrupt when it does
Which MDX does Edmunds recommend?
While the improved power and fuel economy of the Sport Hybrid model seem appealing, the model's lack of responsiveness at low speeds can be annoying. For this reason, we recommend the standard MDX equipped with all-wheel drive and the Advance package. You won't be disappointed by its power, and the all-wheel-drive system adds welcome agility to this three-row SUV. Plus, the Advance adds features such as 20-inch wheels, a surround-view camera, premium leather and ventilated front seats.
Full Edmunds Review: 2018 Acura MDX Hybrid
byCarlos Lago
Carlos Lago has worked in the automotive industry since 2008. Along with an extensive background in performance testing and evaluation, he has produced hundreds of car-related articles and videos.
Driving
8.0The 3.5-liter 290-horsepower V6, nine-speed automatic transmission and optional Super Handling All-Wheel Drive are key factors in making the MDX one of the most confident midsize SUVs to drive. It's not exciting, but it is effortlessly capable.
Comfort
8.0Comfortable seats and ample sound deadening are hard to fault, but paying more in this segment will yield even more impressive comfort credentials. The same goes for the ride, which lacks some of the bump-smoothing sophistication of pricier rivals.
Interior
8.5The MDX is spacious and versatile for the midsize luxury segment, and though its third row is tight, it's more usable than most. Still, mainstream models such as the mechanically related Honda Pilot are even more practical.
Utility
9.0Convenience and efficiency play a big part in vehicle utility, and the Acura MDX capitalizes on the space it occupies. Total storage volume is spacious, and easy fold-flat seats make loading long cargo a breeze. Interior storage space is another area that was thoughtfully configured.
Technology
7.5The MDX's dual-screen setup certainly looks high-tech, but it isn't terribly intuitive, even after you've used it for a while. It's difficult to remember which screen contains which settings. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are present, but the dial controller is suboptimal.
Edmunds Insurance Estimator
The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2018 Acura MDX in Ohio is:
not availableLegal