2018 Acura MDX
Price Range: $13,999 - $29,590
Acura MDX Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(45%)
4(22%)
3(13%)
2(9%)
1(11%)
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 … department took photos and agreed there is a problem. Now I am stuck driving this car for the next 3 years knowing that an accident could happen due to the defect that they won't correct.
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 … looking from the driver side of windshield and vice versa. My biggest issue is the acceleration off the line. When a light turns green and you ease on the gas, it almost does nothing, and then Jerks and accelerates hard. This is enough not to want to drive especially in areas with a lot of stop and go or lights. The dash is dated but i believe it will change to what the 2019 RDX has in 2020. Make sure to get a version with SH-AWD it makes a large difference in the driving dynamics. I still think its funny how the moon roof shade is completely manual like a base model civic from the 2000's. At this price point all things should be automated. Although i'm glad for Apple Car play, it defeats the purpose when you have to use the control knob to access the functions, seems to be one of those, well here ya go type of updates.
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 … drive/switch lanes and is proportioned very well. And keep in mind, tech package adds a pretty penny to the purchase price. I had the new body X5 but was paying an arm and leg in lease payments so immediately got rid of it, meanwhile the MDX has more options and is half the price. But going back to the car, it drives well, size is relatively small thus making it easy to drive for smaller statured people, has great utility, and actually fun to drive so long as you have the SHAWD. The only drawback is the infotainment system. However, with the 2018's having apple carplay, it makes it bearable. The shifter is annoying in the beginning, but easy to get used to. The Infiniti QX60 is probably the only viable competitor but to get standard options with AWD that you get in the mdx , it will drive up the price significantly. Added bonus is you get a fleet of standard safety and driver aid options with the base. If youre in the market, just go with the base model with SHAWD. Youre welcome!
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.
2018 Acura MDX video
2017 Acura MDX Review
NOTE: This video is about the 2017 Acura MDX, but since the 2018 Acura MDX is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
Edmunds' Josh Sadlier takes you on a walk around Acura's midsize SUV, the 2017 MDX. He goes over specs, design, the interior and more.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite MDX safety features:
- 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.
FAQs
Is the Acura MDX a good car?
The MDX is one of our top recommendations for a luxury three-row crossover thanks to its strong and fuel-efficient engine, competitive price and usable third-row seat. The standard engine is a 3.5-liter V6 that has plenty of power for everyday use. There's also a more powerful and efficient Sport Hybrid MDX that uses a 3.0-liter V6. Compared to its main rivals, the MDX stands out best for its value. You can get an appealing number of features at a reasonable price. On the downside, the MDX's cabin isn't overly luxurious for this class of vehicle, and some of its advanced driver safety aids could stand to be a little more refined. Overall, the MDX earns a very good Edmunds four-star rating.
Does the Acura MDX have good MPG?
With front-wheel drive, and depending on trim level, the standard MDX gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined (20 city/27 highway) or 22 mpg combined (19 city/27 highway). The all-wheel-drive model gets either 22 mpg combined (19 city/26 highway) or 21 mpg combined (18 city/26 highway). The Sport Hybrid gets an EPA estimate of 27 mpg combined (26 city/27 highway). For a three-row luxury crossover, the regular MDX's ratings are average. The Sport Hybrid is above average, though it's worth noting the RX 450h is even more efficient.
Does the Acura MDX have good resale value?
If you're ready to buy, you're probably wondering about the Acura MDX's resale value. How much will a 2018 Acura MDX be worth in two or five years — or whenever you decide to sell? Check out the Edmunds True Cost to Own (TCO) calculator. It includes projected annual depreciation over the first five years of ownership based on Edmunds' robust market transaction data.
FAQ
Is the Acura MDX a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2018 MDX both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.0 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2018 MDX gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 55 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the MDX has 14.9 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Acura MDX. Learn more
What's new in the 2018 Acura MDX?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2018 Acura MDX:
- 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
Is the Acura MDX reliable?
To determine whether the Acura MDX is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the MDX. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the MDX's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2018 Acura MDX a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2018 Acura MDX is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2018 MDX and gave it a 8.0 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2018 MDX gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 55 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2018 MDX is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2018 Acura MDX?
The least-expensive 2018 Acura MDX is the 2018 Acura MDX 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 9A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $44,200.
Other versions include:
- 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 9A) which starts at $44,200
- SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 9A) which starts at $46,200
- Technology Package 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 9A) which starts at $48,600
- SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD w/Technology Package (3.5L 6cyl 9A) which starts at $50,600
- Technology and Entertainment Packages 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 9A) which starts at $50,600
- Sport Hybrid SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD w/Technology Package (3.0L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 7AM) which starts at $52,100
- SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD w/Technology and Entertainment Packages (3.5L 6cyl 9A) which starts at $52,600
- Advance Package 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 9A) which starts at $54,650
- Advance and Entertainment Packages 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 9A) which starts at $56,650
- SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD w/Advance Package (3.5L 6cyl 9A) which starts at $56,650
- Sport Hybrid SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD w/Advance Package (3.0L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 7AM) which starts at $58,150
- SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD w/Advance and Entertainment Packages (3.5L 6cyl 9A) which starts at $58,650
What are the different models of Acura MDX?
If you're interested in the Acura MDX, the next question is, which MDX model is right for you? MDX variants include 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 9A), SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 9A), Technology Package 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 9A), and SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD w/Technology Package (3.5L 6cyl 9A). For a full list of MDX models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Rhode Island
$302/mo for MDX Base
vs
$262/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV












