2020 Acura MDX Review

Name: 2020 Acura MDX Review
Brand: Acura
Price: 18586 USD

2020 Acura MDX SH-AWD A-Spec 4dr SUV Exterior

2020 Acura MDX SH-AWD PMC Edition 4dr SUV Exterior

2020 Acura MDX SH-AWD 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

+313

The versatile, well-made and feature-packed Acura MDX is arguably the most sensible choice in the midsize luxury SUV segment, especially given its impressive handling. For what you get compared to what you have to pay, it's a great value.

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Acura MDX types

SUV
Hybrid

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2020 Acura MDX Review

byCameron Rogers^{Manager, News
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).}

Pros

Generous array of features and active driver aids for the money
Optional SH-AWD system enhances handling and all-season traction
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
Adaptive cruise control can be slow to respond and abrupt when it does
Two-screen infotainment system is nonintuitive and difficult to control

What's new

No significant changes for 2020
Part of the third MDX generation introduced for 2014

Overview

Who says you have to pay a luxury-car price for a luxury car? It's a question evoked by the 2020 Acura MDX crossover SUV, which is one of the best in its class even though it's also one of the least expensive. This three-row SUV is comfortable, quiet, smooth, spacious, and, when equipped with the available all-wheel-drive system, unusually fun to drive. We think it's an excellent choice for those shopping for something a little nicer than a standard SUV but without a budget-breaking price tag.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2020 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

$208/mo

$175/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

Unlike many of its rivals, the Acura MDX is well-equipped in its base form and has a sufficiently powerful V6 engine. Of course, there are a number of packages to bolster the MDX's luxury credentials, culminating in a trim that features upgraded leather, a surround-view parking camera, and USB ports for all three rows. Even at its most expensive, the MDX tops out where many other European luxury SUVs begin. Of course, those rivals offer high-octane engines to beef up their performance game, but we think you'll be plenty satisfied with either the base MDX or the MDX Hybrid that boosts output and conserves fuel at the same time.

The MDX is well-rounded, but it's not without its faults. First and foremost is its infotainment interface. Functions are split between an upper display screen (controlled via a dash-mounted knob) and a lower touchscreen display. Both are sluggish, and it's difficult to remember which screen the function you want to access is located. Additionally, the interior materials don't quite reach the quality of what's used in the MDX's more expensive rivals.

But if you can live with the strange screen setup and nice — rather than exceptional — cabin materials, you'll find the MDX to be a smart pick for a luxury SUV that won't overly tax your bank account.

Notably, we picked the 2020 Acura MDX as one of Edmunds' Best 3-Row SUVs for 2020, and also selected the 2020 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid as one of Edmunds' Best Luxury Cars for this year.

What's it like to live with the MDX?

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 2020 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

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Good

8.0

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

8/10

How does the MDX drive? The Acura MDX is one of the most confident luxury midsize SUVs to drive. Its torque-vectoring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system allows this big SUV to carve corners like a smaller crossover, and the Sport mode's heftier steering wheel weight makes it feel appropriately stable at higher speeds.

The 290-horsepower V6 provides adequate acceleration, making for a 0-60 mph time of a respectable 6.8 seconds. This is quicker than most rivals fitted with a base four-cylinder or V6 engine, but it can't hold a candle to uprated competitors with turbocharged six-cylinders or V8s.

Comfort

8/10

How comfortable is the MDX? Big SUVs that seat seven have to be comfortable, and the MDX delivers. Even with large 20-inch wheels, the MDX rides smoothly and controls its body motions well. The seats are similarly cushy and offer all-day comfort. The A-Spec's unique faux suede upholstery is thick and pliable, and it keeps cool on hot days. The minimal amount of wind and road noise contributes to its cocoon-like atmosphere.

The climate control system, however, drags down the Acura's comfort scores. The seat ventilation isn't very strong, and there are no vents in the third row. The climate controls are a little difficult to use since they are split awkwardly between hard keys and digital buttons.

Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? The Acura MDX is a spacious and versatile SUV. While the third row is best for children or shorter adults, it's more accommodating than the back seat of many rivals. Getting into the third row is relatively simple thanks to single-press buttons that slide the second-row seats forward.

A highly adjustable driver's seat and power tilt-and-telescoping wheel help drivers find a good position. It's easy to see out the front and sides, but the second-row seat blocks the view out of the three-quarter window. Glaring flaws include the nonintuitive shifter and an infotainment system that divides functions between the upper display (with a dash-mounted knob controller) and the lower touchscreen.

Technology

7.5/10

How’s the tech? The dual-screen setup looks high-tech but isn't terribly intuitive, even after you've used it for a while. It's difficult to remember which screen contains which settings, and the lower touchscreen has a confusing menu structure and layout. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are present, but they are displayed on the upper screen, and the knob controller is suboptimal.

Many advanced driving aids are standard, but their operation can seem half-baked. For instance, our test vehicle's adaptive cruise system accelerated and braked the vehicle suddenly in heavy traffic, and in several instances it accelerated after coming to a complete stop, even though the car in front hadn't moved.

Storage

9/10

How’s the storage? Convenience and efficiency play a big part in vehicle utility, and the Acura MDX capitalizes on these aspects. The MDX slightly edges out others in the class in total storage volume, and the easy fold-flat seats make loading long cargo items a breeze. Interior storage space is another bright spot thanks to large cupholders and bins, plus a deep center bin.

If you want to pull your gear with you, the all-wheel-drive MDX can tow up to 5,000 pounds (front-wheel-drive models are limited to 3,500 pounds), but you'll have to buy a separate hitch. This is better than some rivals, but some European competitors can tow more than 7,000 pounds.

Fuel Economy

8/10

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA rates the MDX between 21 and 23 mpg in combined driving, depending on which configuration and version you pick. In general, this is a bit better than average for a midsize three-row SUV.

Value

8/10

Is the MDX a good value? The MDX represents a good value for the luxury segment. However, it doesn't offer the inspiring, jaw-dropping interiors provided by its European competition. It also faces an in-house threat: The Honda Pilot provides more versatility with modest trade-offs in performance, features and refinement.

The Acura's basic warranty is for four years/50,000 miles, and powertrain coverage is six years/70,000 miles. That's roughly the same as what Japanese rivals offer but better than what some European competitors do. The MDX also comes with free roadside assistance for four years/50,000 miles. Unlike some other brands, there's no complimentary maintenance plan.

Wildcard

8/10

In a world full of mundane crossovers, the MDX stands out as a driver's choice. The handling is almost shockingly good and the performance is hard to fault. Yet despite its dynamic talents, the MDX doesn't possess the verve of a BMW X5 or Mercedes-Benz GLE. Of course, it costs a boatload less money. It's refined and competent, and the A-Spec version has a few neat styling additions. But at the end of the day, it's a competent rather than a truly exciting SUV.

Which MDX does Edmunds recommend?

While many vehicles offer the best value in their middle trims, we think the ideal MDX models are the bookends. The base model is well-equipped and attractively priced by luxury SUV standards. While blind-spot monitoring is nice to have, the next-level Technology package doesn't have many other must-have features, and it costs quite a lot more. The A-Spec looks cool, but it requires all-wheel drive. And once you factor those two costs in, you're almost at the top Advance level — a trim package that adds a substantial amount of luxury content.

2020 Acura MDX models

The 2020 Acura MDX is a three-row luxury SUV that seats up to seven. It's offered in four trim levels (also referred to as packages): an unnamed base model, Technology, A-Spec and Advance. The base MDX is well-equipped, and the Technology package includes a few desirable additions. The A-Spec is more of an appearance package but has some unique upgrades. The range-topping Advance has all the features you'll likely want in this class of vehicle.

The MDX is driven by a 3.5-liter V6 engine (290 horsepower, 267 lb-ft) paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission with either front- or all-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive-only 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 dual-clutch automatic transmission. It delivers an estimated 27 mpg in combined city/highway driving, which is 5 mpg better than the standard AWD MDX.

Highlights of the base trim include 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, heated mirrors, 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.

Tech features include a dual-screen infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen and an eight-speaker sound system with five USB ports, satellite radio, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane and road departure warning and mitigation, and adaptive cruise control.

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

The A-Spec trim level (AWD only) is similar to the Technology but has blacked-out exterior trim, wider wheels and tires, a thicker-rimmed steering wheel, faux suede seat inserts, front-seat ventilation, and unique cabin cosmetics.

The Advance requires the Technology package and further adds adaptive suspension dampers, wider wheels and tires, roof rails, auto-dimming mirrors, a 360-degree parking camera, a heated steering wheel, premium leather, front-seat ventilation, heated second-row captain's chairs, second-row sunshades, and two additional USB ports for the third row.

Technology or Advance models with AWD can add an Entertainment package, which consists of a rear entertainment system and a household-style 110-volt outlet. If you add it to the Technology package, it also comes with a 9-inch screen and 11 audio speakers. Pair it to the Advance package, and you'll instead get a 16.2-inch screen (with an HDMI input) and 12 audio speakers. Note that selecting the Entertainment package with the Technology trim also adds second-row sunshades and replaces the standard second-row bench seating for heated captain's chairs.

Finally, there's the all-wheel-drive MDX Sport Hybrid, which comes standard in the Technology trim, with adaptive suspension dampers and an additional Sport+ driving mode. The Advance package is optional, but it is not available with the Entertainment package.

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.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2020 Acura MDX.

5 (69%)

4 (15%)

3 (8%)

2 (2%)

1 (6%)

4.4

52 reviews

Write a vehicle review See all 52 reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Previous European car owner

Steve C., 09/15/2019

2020 Acura MDX SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD w/Technology Package (3.5L 6cyl 9A)

I've been doing a lot of research in the last few weeks on which SUV would be right for me. My past vehicles have been Saab, Mercedes, Audi, Volvo and Porsche. I've only owned 2 Japanese cars Honda & Subaru. I have to say all the European models were spot on as far as appearance and performance but one thing for sure expensive to own if your warranty runs out. Any repairs or service for …

The MDX offers the most bang for your $

Mike in Katy. Texas , 09/30/2019

2020 Acura MDX 4dr SUV w/Technology Package (3.5L 6cyl 9A)

Update to the review. I’ve now had the MDX for a year and it continues to exceed my expectations. Due to Covid, I haven’t put as many miles on it as would have been, but it was still over 10,000 miles. It drives great and came in handy when taking hurricane relief supplies to my family 500 miles away in Alabama. With all seats folded, I was able to take a generator and a week’s worth of …

Worthwhile upgrade from Pilot.

Hoyden, 01/12/2020

2020 Acura MDX 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 9A)

Quiet, competent, quality. All of the Honda build quality and engine excellence with more sound dampening insulation and better ride than the excellent Pilot. I like the two level screens, keeps your radio info showing on the lower screen while your phone call goes onto the upper screen. Plenty of power, never gets loud, even under full throttle acceleration. 2nd gear off the line …

Super Impressed!

Deb , 01/09/2020

2020 Acura MDX SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD w/Advance and Entertainment Packages (3.5L 6cyl 9A)

It took me a year to finally buy an Acura MDX- wanted one for a long time, but I am one that probably researches way too much and I kept seeing 2 main complaints... the 9 speed transmission and the infotainment! So far I am loving the MDX it’s super smooth! Whatever refinements have been made have seemed to work so far and I really like the 2 screen infotainment! I bought the advance …

See all 52 reviews of the Acura MDX

Write a vehicle review

2020 MDX Highlights

Type:

SUV

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$44,500
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$208/month
Seating	7 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	15.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

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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2020 Acura MDX Review

2020 Acura MDX Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 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.

What's it like to live with the MDX?

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which MDX does Edmunds recommend?

2020 Acura MDX models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

Previous European car owner

The MDX offers the most bang for your $

Worthwhile upgrade from Pilot.

Super Impressed!

2020 MDX Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2020 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.}