Acura MDX

Redesigned for 2022, the MDX remains a functional three-row luxury SUV that's priced lower than German competitors. The standard 290-hp V6 engine is slick and is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, a powertrain that works well. Fuel economy is 20 mpg overall. The ride is comfortable and handling is secure but pretty mundane. The front seats are wide and supportive, and the interior is well made. The rear seat's midsection is removable, which creates an aisle to the third row. The biggest knock against the MDX is the infotainment system's reliance on a finicky touchpad to interact with the screen; we found it very distracting to use, forcing long glances away from the road. 2025 models get an easier-to-use touchscreen that replaces the touchpad system. The MDX comes with a full suite of active safety features, including FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection, BSW, RCTW, LKA, LDW, LCA, and ACC.

With its redesign for the 2014 model year, this generation of the Acura MDX lost its sporty edge and sharp steering, although it did make big strides in comfort. The ride became more absorbent and road noise was drastically reduced, which resulted in a quieter interior. Fuel economy from the 3.5-liter V6 was a big improvement over the previous 3.7-liter, jumping three mpg to 20 mpg overall. Inside, the seats are comfortable and the interior is roomy, but the controls can be overwhelming at first and Acura's dual-screen infotainment system can be confusing to navigate. The second row folds and slides forward with just the push of a button, a very clever feature. Various levels of the optional AcuraWatch safety package add forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot warning. A version with the Technology package will deliver the best combination of safety equipment and comfort features.

Acura continued to tweak the third generation of their popular three-row crossover SUV, with the 2016 model year bringing a new nine-speed automatic transmission. However, it didn’t always shift smoothly and the pushbutton gear selector is annoying to use. Still, we saw a small bump in our fuel-economy tests, up to 21 mpg overall. In 2017 the AcuraWatch suite of safety equipment, which included forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, was made standard. A hybrid model was also added. The MDX’s interior remained quiet and the absorbent ride makes the MDX a pleasant highway cruiser, but handling isn't particularly sharp. Note though that some desirable features, like second row bucket seats and a surround-view camera system, are reserved for the top-trim Advance model.

Well-rounded and highly desirable, this generation of the seven-seat Acura MDX consistently outscored European luxury SUVs that cost thousands of dollars more. We like the MDX's refined powertrain, quick acceleration, responsive handling, and controlled ride, but road noise is louder than we'd like. Stability control was standard. The 3.7-liter V6 belts out plenty of power, but fuel economy is nothing special. Interior fit and finish are impressive and the first two rows of seats are very comfortable. However, the third-row seat is tight for anyone but kids. Look for an MDX with the optional rearview camera; it became standard in later years. The dashboard's array of buttons can also be daunting at first. The Acura's five-speed automatic transmission was upgraded to a six-speed for 2010. Ahead for their time, top-trim Advance models have standard blind spot monitoring and forward collision warning.

Sharing its basic structure with the Honda Pilot, the seven-passenger MDX has always been one of our Top Rated SUVs. We like its strong powertrain and standard all-wheel drive. The ride is firm but composed. Handling is capable but can get a bit twitchy in emergency maneuvers, even with the standard stability control that arrived with the 2003 model. Well appointed and mostly quiet, the spacious cabin has easy to use controls. Road noise is somewhat noticeable. While the split third-row seat is rather tight for adults, it does fold flat into the floor to expand the Acura's large cargo capacity. Power output of the V6 increased to 265 hp for 2003.