2020 Acura MDX Review

Name: 2020 Acura MDX
Brand: Acura

Price Range: $14,999 - $39,998

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

Good

8.0

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

The versatile, well-made and feature-packed 2020 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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Average price: $26,698

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Appraise My 2020 Acura MDX

Acura MDX model years

Acura MDX for Sale

Acura MDX types

SUV
Hybrid

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

Written by automotive expert Cameron Rogers

Updated: 4/15/2020

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.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Ashburn, VA

67 listings

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Certified 2020 Acura MDX
SH-AWD 4dr SUV w/Technology Package
$30,900
fair price
$12 below market
- 38,580 miles
- 7 Seats, 19 City / 26 Hwy MPG
- 23 mi away
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Falls Church, VA
CARFAX One-Owner. Clean CARFAX. Odometer is 40157 miles below market average! 19/26 City/Highway MPGCertified. Precision Used Details: * Warranty ...
Features and Specs:
22 Combined MPG (19 City/26 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
5J8YD4H50LL056541
Stock:
88854A
Certified Pre-Owned:
Yes
Listed since:
06-27-2026
New Listing
2020 Acura MDX
SH-AWD 4dr SUV w/Technology Package
$20,320
good price
$967 below market
- 109,019 miles
- 7 Seats, 19 City / 26 Hwy MPG
- 24 mi away
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Arlington, VA
Discover Exceptional Value with the 2020 Acura MDX SH-AWD w/Technology PkgExperience refined performance and sophisticated design in this 2020 Acura M...
Features and Specs:
22 Combined MPG (19 City/26 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
5J8YD4H51LL001726
Stock:
DP001726
Certified Pre-Owned:
No

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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

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Good

8.0

out of 10

We drove the 2020 Acura MDX on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

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.

2020 Acura MDX trim level differences

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. Compare the 2020 Acura MDX trim levels in-depth.

Which MDX trim 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.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$258/mo

$224/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

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Reliability

The 2020 Acura MDX has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 8 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, ranks it #7 out of 29 among Luxury Midsize SUVs. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

4 out of 5 stars4/5Above 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

$446/yr

vs. $602/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV

Frequency

1.24x/yr

vs. 1.09x/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV

Severity

8.9%

vs. 9.4%
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV

Recalls

8 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 26V365000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: AOU, AOT
Number of vehicles affected:: 880514
Defect Description:: American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles that were sold in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. The rear subframe may corrode at the suspension mounting points, which can result in rear suspension component failure.
Defect Consequence:: Failure of rear suspension components, such as the rear control arm, can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will inspect the rear subframe and install a rear subframe reinforcement kit and, as necessary, repair or replace the rear subframe components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are AOU and AOT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning June 10, 2026.

Recall Number:: 26V332000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: Refer to C
Manufactured from:: 2016-06-29 to
Number of vehicles affected:: 98892
Defect Description:: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
Defect Consequence:: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 6, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.

Recall Number:: 25V259000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: FLI
Manufactured from:: 2012-10-22 to 2020-12-22
Number of vehicles affected:: 152800
Defect Description:: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles. Moisture may enter the tailgate lid light assembly and wiring harness, which can cause the interior and exterior lights to fail, including the lid lights, position lights, license plate lights and taillights.
Defect Consequence:: Vehicle lights that fail to illuminate can decrease visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will inspect the wiring and install a fuse harness, replace the lid light, and repair the body dust sealer, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 30, 2025. Owners may contact Acura's customer service at 1-800-382-2238. Acura's number for this recall is FLI. Vehicles included in this recall that were previously repaired under NHTSA recall number 19V-256 will need to have the new remedy completed.

Recall Number:: 24V064000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: XHP, VHQ
Number of vehicles affected:: 750114
Defect Description:: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
Defect Consequence:: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024, and October 18, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.

Recall Number:: 23V858000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: KGC, KGD
Number of vehicles affected:: 2490460
Defect Description:: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Defect Consequence:: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.

Recall Number:: 23V751000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: XG1, GG0
Manufactured from:: 2018-04-09 to 2018-08-28
Number of vehicles affected:: 248999
Defect Description:: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.
Defect Consequence:: A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 2, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XG1 and GG0.

Recall Number:: 23V458000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: VEU, AEV,
Number of vehicles affected:: 124077
Defect Description:: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Civic, 2020-2023 Ridgeline, 2021-2023 Passport, 2021-2022 Pilot, and 2020 Acura MDX vehicles. The tie rod fastener that connects the brake booster and the brake master cylinder may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, which can cause the brake master cylinder to separate from the booster assembly.
Defect Consequence:: Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will inspect and repair the brake booster assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are VEU, AEV, and ZET.

Recall Number:: 21V215000
Number of vehicles affected:: 624552
Defect Description:: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Defect Consequence:: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 18, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-314.

Warranty

4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 6 years / 70,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles

Acura MDX Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.4

53 reviews

5(68%)

4(17%)

3(7%)

2(2%)

1(6%)

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2020 MDX Features & Specs

Type:

SUV

Trim:

Base

MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee	$44,500
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$258/month
Seating	7 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	15.0 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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