2018 Acura MDX Review

Name: 2018 Acura MDX Review
Brand: Acura

Price Range: $15,997 - $30,998

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$23,712 avg. price

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Acura MDX model years

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Acura MDX types

SUV
Hybrid

Edmunds' Expert Review

by Carlos 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.}

Pros

Generous array of features and active driver aids for the money
Optional SH-AWD system enhances handling and all-season sure-footedness
Smooth and confident acceleration from the V6 engine
Quiet, comfortable and spacious cabin

Cons

Cabin looks and feels less luxurious than those of some rivals
Auto stop-start function for V6 can be a bit rough
Adaptive cruise control can be slow to respond and abrupt when it does

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

The 2018 Acura MDX may be less expensive than similarly sized three-row luxury SUVs, but by no means does that imply disappointment. This popular three-row crossover SUV is versatile and has an appealing mix of safety and luxury-oriented features.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Boydton, VA

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2018 Acura MDX
Base 4dr SUV
$18,998
fair price
$799 below market
- 102,898 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 7 Seats, 19 City / 27 Hwy MPG
- CarMax Burbank (2,238 mi away)
- Delivery available*
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Burbank, CA
CarMax values transparency and wants you to love your next car, not settle on it. Certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Check nhtsa.gov...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
22 Combined MPG (19 City/27 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 5J8YD3H37JL003938
Stock: 27571022
Certified Pre-Owned: No
2018 Acura MDX
SH-AWD 4dr SUV w/Technology Package
$21,550
good price
$1,893 below market
- 79,036 miles
- 1 accident, 2 owners, personal use
- 7 Seats, 18 City / 26 Hwy MPG
- Driveway (2,239 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare Find,3rd Row Seat,Apple CarPlay,Back-Up Camera,Blind Spot Monitor,Bluetooth,Brake Assist,Heated Seats,Keyless Start,Lane Keeping Assist,Leather S...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
21 Combined MPG (18 City/26 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 5J8YD4H59JL011272
Stock: 5329297-1
Certified Pre-Owned: No

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The MDX is enjoyable to drive, too. Its two powertrain options, a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine or an optional gas-electric hybrid with a 3.0-liter V6, provide a suitable amount of oomph for quick passes and freeway merging. Acura's available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system can also enhance this SUV's agility when you're driving around turns.

The aforementioned hybrid system is distinctive in that Acura designed it to deliver increases in both power and fuel economy. Indeed, we've found the Sport Hybrid is quicker than the regular MDX in our testing, and the EPA estimates you'll get 27 mpg combined in the Sport Hybrid compared to 22 mpg in a regular all-wheel-drive MDX.

After a refresh last year, the 2018 MDX is improved further by a faster and more powerful entertainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, addressing the biggest complaints we've had with prior years of the MDX. Though there are a few remaining drawbacks, they're pretty minor. Overall, the MDX remains a strong contender if you're shopping for a three-row midsize luxury crossover SUV.

What's it like to live with?

Want to know even more about the Acura MDX? Learn about day-to-day ownership from our editorial experts' long-term test of a 2014 SH-AWD with Technology and Entertainment Packages. How much did we like the MDX's quiet interior? How was the tech? Was the cargo room sufficient for everyday use? How was the fuel economy? Learn this and more from our test. Note that the 2018 MDX differs from the 2014 model we tested — in 2016, it added a new SH-AWD system, nine-speed automatic, smartphone integration and a hybrid trim — but our coverage is otherwise applicable.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

8.0 / 10

Among midsize luxury crossover SUVs, the 2018 Acura MDX might be the most pragmatic. Its standard third-row seat, extensive features and available hybrid powertrain make it an attractive choice. And while there are more luxurious or sportier options out there, you won't find one for the same price.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions, although trim levels share many aspects. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2018 Acura MDX SH-AWD w/Advance and Entertainment Packages (3.5L V6 | 9-speed automatic | AWD).

NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current 2018 Acura MDX has received some revisions, including an updated infotainment system that includes standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's MDX.

Scorecard

Overall	8.0 / 10
Driving	8.0
Comfort	8.0
Interior	8.5
Utility	9.0
Technology	7.5

Driving

8.0

The 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.

Acceleration

8.5

Acceleration is smooth and confident. The MDX hits 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, which is considerably quicker than the Infiniti QX60 and Lexus RX 350L, but a bit slower than rivals equipped with supercharged and turbocharged six-cylinder engines.

Braking

7.0

The pedal feel is light, but predictable modulation means it's easy to bring the MDX to a smooth stop. The MDX required 121 feet to stop from 60 mph, an average stopping distance for the class.

Steering

8.0

There are three steering mode settings. The Normal setting achieves a nice balance between feeling light but precise, while Sport's tighter on-center effort feels best suited for stability at highway speeds. Comfort is ultra-light and a little too loose for our preferences.

Handling

9.0

The torque-vectoring AWD system is impressive. It reduces understeer and allows this big SUV to whip around corners when you really push it. In most situations, the MDX doesn't feel like a sporty SUV, but it sure handles like one.

Drivability

7.0

The nine-speed transmission shifting has improved and is generally pleasant in typical driving. The automatic stop-start system takes too long to reignite the engine and pull away from a stop, which causes some annoyance.

Off-road

7.5

The MDX's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive is designed more for inclement weather than off-road exploration, which is typical for a more luxury-oriented class. It lacks the terrain and surface settings of the Honda Pilot and doesn't offer hill descent control.

Comfort

8.0

Comfortable 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.

Seat comfort

8.5

The front seats offer all-day comfort along with standard heating and available ventilation. The high second-row seats require minimal knee bend, but they are somewhat tight on headroom. The third row is quite snug and best reserved for children.

Ride comfort

7.5

Sharp bumps are felt through the 20-inch wheels, especially at lower speeds. But body motions are well-controlled and bigger undulations are nicely damped.

Noise & vibration

4.5

Wind noise is minimal at highway speeds. The smooth-revving V6 never feels harsh and stays quiet below 5,000 rpm. There is some mild thumping from the tires over surface changes.

Climate control

8.0

The climate controls are split between the touchscreen and a row of buttons and rocker switches. The layout is more logical than in some other Acura and Honda products, but it requires an extra step for certain adjustments. Performance is effective.

Interior

8.5

The 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.

Ease of use

5.5

The push-button gear selector requires that drivers look down to see what they're doing, which isn't optimal. The same goes for the two-screen infotainment system, which divides functions between the upper display (with a dash-mounted knob controller) and the lower touchscreen.

Getting in/getting out

7.5

Clever single-press buttons slide the second-row seats forward for third-row access, but the resulting pass-through can be a squeeze for adults. Otherwise, access to the front- and second-row seats is good and comparable to others in the segment.

Driving position

9.0

A highly adjustable driver's seat and a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column are standard on all MDX models, so chances are you'll be able to find a comfortable position.

Roominess

8.0

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.

Visibility

8.0

The tall side windows, an upright windshield and big side mirrors all facilitate visibility, but the second-row seat blocks the rear-quarter window. The optional surround-view camera lends significantly more confidence while parking.

Quality

7.5

Everything seems meticulously put together, and the Advance's wood trim adds an air of luxury. But European competitors still manage to feel more substantial than the MDX, and their cabin designs are more elegant.

Utility

9.0

Convenience 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.

Small-item storage

9.0

The MDX's cabin features large cupholders and door bins, plus a deep center bin with clever flip compartment configurations that can hold a purse or a tablet. The use of space is commendable.

Cargo space

9.0

Total cargo capacity is slightly larger than it is in other three-row midsize luxury crossovers and more sizable than in two-row rivals. The ease with which the third- and second-row seats fold flat and provide a level load floor is cause for praise. A storage bin beneath the cargo area is a nice touch.

Child safety seat accommodation

8.0

There are two LATCH anchors on each of the outboard middle seats, hidden under slits. They are slightly below the slits and quite easy to access. Tethers are on the bottom of the second-row seatback. The third row has no anchors, but there are two tethers in the middle of the seatback.

Technology

7.5

The 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.

Audio & navigation

7.5

Unfortunately, the new infotainment interface isn't much more intuitive than the last one. Functions are still split between two screens, and the lower touchscreen has a confusing menu structure and layout. Lots of unused space in some menus and a cluttered display in others. Audio is excellent.

Smartphone integration

8.0

The MDX Advance features five USB ports: three under the front armrest console and two behind the console for rear passengers. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, but the image is displayed on the top screen. That means you have to use the dash-mounted dial controller to access it.

Driver aids

7.0

Our Advance model came with a number of high-tech safety features, but there were some issues. Adaptive cruise control accelerated and braked suddenly in heavy traffic but was otherwise fairly predictable. Lane keeping assist didn't always activate. The resolution on the surround-view camera display is muddy.

Voice control

7.5

The voice control system recognizes speech well, and navigation instructions are easily understood. It didn't always have our phonebook indexed, so calling via voice commands ("Call Mike," for example) wasn't always possible.

Compare 2018 Acura MDX trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2018 Acura MDX models

The 2018 Acura MDX is a three-row luxury SUV that seats up to seven. It's offered in three trim levels: Standard, Technology and Advance. The Standard and Technology MDXs come nicely equipped, and the Advance has all the features you'll likely want in this class of vehicle. All of the above employ a 3.5-liter V6 engine (290 horsepower, 267 pound-feet) that's paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission with either front- or all-wheel drive. The Sport Hybrid uses a smaller 3.0-liter V6 in conjunction with three electric motors (combined 321 hp, 289 lb-ft) and a seven-speed automatic transmission to deliver an estimated 27 mpg combined.

Highlights of the Standard package include 18-inch wheels, automatic LED headlights with automatic high beams, adaptive suspension dampers, a power liftgate, a sunroof, and keyless entry and ignition. Inside, you'll find power-adjustable front seats with heating, driver-seat memory settings, a power-adjustable steering wheel, leather upholstery, tri-zone automatic climate control and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Technology features include support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a dual-screen infotainment system (with a 7-inch touchscreen), Bluetooth, four USB ports, and an eight-speaker sound system with a CD player and satellite radio. The MDX's standard AcuraWatch safety suite features forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane and road departure warning and mitigation, and adaptive cruise control.

The Technology package adds niceties such as 20-inch wheels, automatic wipers, remote engine start, power-folding side mirrors, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a navigation system, a color driver information display, and a 10-speaker premium audio system with HD radio.

The Advance package turns on the charm with front and rear parking sensors, LED foglights, automatic engine stop-start, a top-down surround-view camera system, a heated steering wheel, sport seats with premium leather and trim, front-seat ventilation, heated second-row captain's chairs, second-row sunshades and two additional USB ports for the third row.

The Entertainment package can be specified with either the Technology or Advance package and adds a DVD-based rear entertainment system. If you add it to the Technology package, it comes with a 9-inch screen and 11 audio speakers; if you add it to the Advance package, it comes with a 16.2-inch screen (with an HDMI input) and 12 audio speakers. Note that it replaces the captain's chairs with the standard second-row bench seating.

Finally, there's the all-wheel-drive MDX Sport Hybrid. It's available with the Technology and Advance packages only.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2018 Acura MDX 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.86 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$213/mo

$173/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4/5Above Average

#7 out of 29 among Luxury Midsize SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Acura MDX from 2008-2022.}

$446/yr

vs. $602/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

1.24x/yr

vs. 1.09x/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

8.9%

vs. 9.4%
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Acura MDX Reviews

Owner Reviews

3.8

55 reviews

5(45%)

4(22%)

3(13%)

2(9%)

1(11%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Blurry windshield

SS, 02/14/2018

2018 Acura MDX 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 9A)

There is a problem with the passenger front windshield. It's blurry along the edge and hard to look out especially to check for on coming traffic from the right side. Brought it in to the dealership, the district manager checked it, and noted all the other 2018's have the same issue, but said nothing could be done. It is a hazard to drive and see properly out that window. There service …

2018 MDX Tech..1st Acura, Has some misteps

Chris B, 06/01/2018

2018 Acura MDX Technology Package 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 9A)

Update: After 10,000 miles I traded in my MDX. I had to many issues with Air conditioning Compressor/ fans etc and it being in the shop for multiple days at a time For my liking. I liked the vehicle overall but reliability is questionable. Reading some other reviews I can concur with, the break clicking noise when backing up, The strange distorting haze on the passenger side while …

Base SHAWD Bang for the Buck!

Leo, 02/16/2018

2018 Acura MDX SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 9A)

After researching, haggling, test driving, and repeating this process, we ended up with the 2018 MdX Base with SH AWD. So here's the deal, after test driving all the trim levels, I decided on the base model. Reason being, it comes with all the options that you will ever need. The tech package is advantageous if you REALLY need the blind spot monitor. However this car is very easy to …

Too Many Intermittent Issues

Gary Baker, 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.

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2018 MDX Highlights

Type:

SUV

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$44,200
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	22 MPG
Cost to Drive	$213/month
Seating	7 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	14.9 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the MDX models:

Lane Keeping Assist: Identifies lane markings and works to keep the vehicle within its detected lane if it starts to drift due to driver inattention.
Adaptive Cruise Control: Allows you to set a speed and maintain a desired distance from the car ahead. Will bring you to a stop if needed.
Surround-View Camera System: Four exterior cameras create a 360-degree view of the MDX's immediate surroundings.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover16.4%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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