Acura MDX
Pros and cons
- One model with six packages including hybrid
- Impressive all-wheel drive system
- Quiet, spacious cabin
- Adaptive cruise control responds abruptly
- Voice recognition system can be difficult to use
- Limited cargo space behind third row
Safety
Safety ratings provided by NHTSA
- Number of airbags7
Specifications
Key specifications available across all trim levels- Seats6 - 7
- Doors5
- Fuel typeGas or Hybrid
- TransmissionAutomatic or Manual
- City consumption9.1 - 12.7 L/100km
- Highway consumption7.7 - 9.5 L/100km
- Width1962 - 1975 mm
- Length4917 - 4984 mm
- Trunk space447 L
- Cargo space2575 L
Trims
What is a trim? Trims are different options of the same car with different features and equipment. The specs depend on the trim you choose.This version of the Acura MDX 2014 - present is available in 6 trims:Basic trim features and specs
Available with the Basic trim:
- Passenger seat has lumbar support (optional)
- Sport seats in the front (optional)
Available across all trims:
- 3 climate zones
- Air conditioning (automatic)
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Driver seat has lumbar support
- Electric windows
- Emergency wheel
- Front seats electrically adjustable
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- ISOFIX installation points
- Leather steering wheel
- Multifunction steering wheel
- Paddle shifters
- Power steering
Available with the Basic trim:
- Headlight cleaners
- High-beam assist (optional)
- LED daytime running lights (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Alloy wheels
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- Four-wheel drive
- LED headlights
- Short wheel base
- Standard roof
- Sunroof
Available with the Basic trim:
- Collision warning system (optional)
- Collision warning system with automatic braking
- Fatigue warning system (optional)
- Lane departure warning (optional)
- Rain sensor (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- Dimming interior mirror
- Disc brakes
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Four-wheel drive
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Knee airbag
- Side airbag
- Side curtain airbag
- Stability control
- Tire pressure indicator
Available with the Basic trim:
- Adaptive cruise control (optional)
- Start stop system (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Bluetooth
- CD player
- Computer
- Cruise control
- Digital cockpit
- Electric tailgate
- Hill start assist
- Keyless entry
- MP3-CD player
- Power door locks
- Radio
- Rear sensors
- Rear view camera
- Touchscreen
- USB port for front passengers
Navi Package trim features and specs
Available across all trims:
- 3 climate zones
- Air conditioning (automatic)
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Driver seat has lumbar support
- Electric windows
- Emergency wheel
- Front seats electrically adjustable
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- ISOFIX installation points
- Leather steering wheel
- Multifunction steering wheel
- Paddle shifters
- Power steering
Available with the Navi Package trim:
- Headlight cleaners
- High-beam assist (optional)
- LED daytime running lights (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Alloy wheels
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- Four-wheel drive
- LED headlights
- Short wheel base
- Standard roof
- Sunroof
Available with the Navi Package trim:
- Collision warning system
- Collision warning system with automatic braking (optional)
- Fatigue warning system (optional)
- Lane departure warning
- Overtaking sensors
- Rain sensor
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- Dimming interior mirror
- Disc brakes
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Four-wheel drive
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Knee airbag
- Side airbag
- Side curtain airbag
- Stability control
- Tire pressure indicator
Available with the Navi Package trim:
- Adaptive cruise control (optional)
- Digital radio
- Navigation system
Available across all trims:
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Bluetooth
- CD player
- Computer
- Cruise control
- Digital cockpit
- Electric tailgate
- Hill start assist
- Keyless entry
- MP3-CD player
- Power door locks
- Radio
- Rear sensors
- Rear view camera
- Touchscreen
- USB port for front passengers
A-Spec trim features and specs
Available with the A-Spec trim:
- Passenger seat has lumbar support
- Sport seats in the front
- Ventilated front seats
Available across all trims:
- 3 climate zones
- Air conditioning (automatic)
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Driver seat has lumbar support
- Electric windows
- Emergency wheel
- Front seats electrically adjustable
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- ISOFIX installation points
- Leather steering wheel
- Multifunction steering wheel
- Paddle shifters
- Power steering
Available with the A-Spec trim:
- Fog lights
- High-beam assist
- LED daytime running lights
Available across all trims:
- Alloy wheels
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- Four-wheel drive
- LED headlights
- Short wheel base
- Standard roof
- Sunroof
Available with the A-Spec trim:
- Collision warning system
- Collision warning system with automatic braking
- Lane departure warning
- Overtaking sensors
- Rain sensor
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- Dimming interior mirror
- Disc brakes
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Four-wheel drive
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Knee airbag
- Side airbag
- Side curtain airbag
- Stability control
- Tire pressure indicator
Available with the A-Spec trim:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Digital radio
- Front sensors
- Navigation system
- Start stop system
Available across all trims:
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Bluetooth
- CD player
- Computer
- Cruise control
- Digital cockpit
- Electric tailgate
- Hill start assist
- Keyless entry
- MP3-CD player
- Power door locks
- Radio
- Rear sensors
- Rear view camera
- Touchscreen
- USB port for front passengers
Technology Package trim features and specs
Available with the Technology Package trim:
- Heated rear seats (optional)
- Passenger seat has lumbar support (optional)
- Sport seats in the front (optional)
Available across all trims:
- 3 climate zones
- Air conditioning (automatic)
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Driver seat has lumbar support
- Electric windows
- Emergency wheel
- Front seats electrically adjustable
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- ISOFIX installation points
- Leather steering wheel
- Multifunction steering wheel
- Paddle shifters
- Power steering
Available with the Technology Package trim:
- Headlight cleaners
- High-beam assist (optional)
- LED daytime running lights (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Alloy wheels
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- Four-wheel drive
- LED headlights
- Short wheel base
- Standard roof
- Sunroof
Available with the Technology Package trim:
- Collision warning system
- Collision warning system with automatic braking (optional)
- Fatigue warning system (optional)
- Lane departure warning
- Overtaking sensors
- Rain sensor
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- Dimming interior mirror
- Disc brakes
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Four-wheel drive
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Knee airbag
- Side airbag
- Side curtain airbag
- Stability control
- Tire pressure indicator
Available with the Technology Package trim:
- Adaptive cruise control (optional)
- Digital radio
- Front sensors
- Navigation system
- Start stop system (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Bluetooth
- CD player
- Computer
- Cruise control
- Digital cockpit
- Electric tailgate
- Hill start assist
- Keyless entry
- MP3-CD player
- Power door locks
- Radio
- Rear sensors
- Rear view camera
- Touchscreen
- USB port for front passengers
Elite Package trim features and specs
Available with the Elite Package trim:
- Heated rear seats
- Passenger seat has lumbar support
- Sport seats in the front (optional)
- Ventilated front seats
Available across all trims:
- 3 climate zones
- Air conditioning (automatic)
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Driver seat has lumbar support
- Electric windows
- Emergency wheel
- Front seats electrically adjustable
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- ISOFIX installation points
- Leather steering wheel
- Multifunction steering wheel
- Paddle shifters
- Power steering
Available with the Elite Package trim:
- Fog lights (optional)
- Headlight cleaners
- High-beam assist (optional)
- LED daytime running lights (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Alloy wheels
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- Four-wheel drive
- LED headlights
- Short wheel base
- Standard roof
- Sunroof
Available with the Elite Package trim:
- Collision warning system
- Collision warning system with automatic braking
- Fatigue warning system (optional)
- Lane departure warning
- Overtaking sensors
- Rain sensor
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- Dimming interior mirror
- Disc brakes
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Four-wheel drive
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Knee airbag
- Side airbag
- Side curtain airbag
- Stability control
- Tire pressure indicator
Available with the Elite Package trim:
- 360 degree camera
- Adaptive cruise control
- Digital radio
- Front sensors
- Front view camera
- Navigation system
- Side sensors
- Start stop system (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Bluetooth
- CD player
- Computer
- Cruise control
- Digital cockpit
- Electric tailgate
- Hill start assist
- Keyless entry
- MP3-CD player
- Power door locks
- Radio
- Rear sensors
- Rear view camera
- Touchscreen
- USB port for front passengers
Sport Hybrid trim features and specs
Available with the Sport Hybrid trim:
- Heated rear seats
- Passenger seat has lumbar support
- Sport seats in the front (optional)
- Ventilated front seats
Available across all trims:
- 3 climate zones
- Air conditioning (automatic)
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Driver seat has lumbar support
- Electric windows
- Emergency wheel
- Front seats electrically adjustable
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- ISOFIX installation points
- Leather steering wheel
- Multifunction steering wheel
- Paddle shifters
- Power steering
Available with the Sport Hybrid trim:
- Fog lights
- Headlight cleaners
- High-beam assist
- LED daytime running lights
Available across all trims:
- Alloy wheels
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- Four-wheel drive
- LED headlights
- Short wheel base
- Standard roof
- Sunroof
Available with the Sport Hybrid trim:
- Collision warning system
- Collision warning system with automatic braking
- Fatigue warning system
- Lane departure warning
- Overtaking sensors
- Rain sensor
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- Dimming interior mirror
- Disc brakes
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Four-wheel drive
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Knee airbag
- Side airbag
- Side curtain airbag
- Stability control
- Tire pressure indicator
Available with the Sport Hybrid trim:
- 360 degree camera
- Adaptive cruise control
- Digital radio
- Front sensors
- Front view camera
- Navigation system
- Side sensors
- Start stop system
Available across all trims:
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Bluetooth
- CD player
- Computer
- Cruise control
- Digital cockpit
- Electric tailgate
- Hill start assist
- Keyless entry
- MP3-CD player
- Power door locks
- Radio
- Rear sensors
- Rear view camera
- Touchscreen
- USB port for front passengers
Overview
Learn about the Acura MDXSummary
The Acura MDX is classified as a luxury midsize SUV. Its basic trim level has a wealth of safety and tech features, as well as accents that lend itself to refined driving, such as extra seating, optional all-wheel drive, ample head and cargo room and a comprehensive navigation system. Drivers appreciate its impressive fuel economy, especially on models after the 2014 redesign. With six trim levels including the recent hybrid model, the Acura MDX gives you plenty of luxury options with lots of bells and whistles and not very many flaws.
Safety
If you're looking for a safe SUV, the Acura MDX offers impressive safety features on basic trim levels. For instance, the 2012 model comes loaded with traction control, dusk-sensing headlights and a passenger head restraint whiplash protection system. As you get into more recent models, like with the 2016 Advance package, you'll find features like:
- Blind Spot and Lane Departure Warnings Accident Avoidance System, which alerts you when an object is approaching your blindspot and when your car is veering out of your lane
- Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (2017), which automatically applies your brakes to help you avoid hitting the car in front of you
- Adaptive cruise control, which adjusts your settings based on the distance of the car in front of you—although some drivers claim it can be jerky and respond abruptly
Interior
The Acura MDX offers passengers a spacious interior that seats up to seven. Leather trim is available on the base models as well as a rearview camera (as of 2016), heated front seats and air conditioning. Higher trim models offer leather seating, rear sunshades and heated second-row seats.
Technology
The Acura MDX's infotainment system has become standard, and if you have kids, advanced packages offer backseat passengers a built-in DVD player. The 2018 touchscreen and navigation is more responsive than the 2016 model. However, the 2017 infotainment system has been described as confusing and its voice command difficult to use. As a luxury SUV, the Acura MDX offers other standard and optional technologies, such as:
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with Bluetooth
- AcuraLink, an optional app that gives you up-to-date information about your car's status and lets you control certain functions remotely (i.e. lock the doors)
- A subwoofer speaker for better sound quality
The Acura's 2018 Technology package brings you plenty of added features, including an impressive 529-watt and 11-speaker audio system.
Space
The first and second row will appreciate the spacious cabin, but passengers in the rear may find it a little cramped. Cargo space is compromised when the third-row seats are up. Seating is comfortable, whether you're sitting on premium cloth or leather interior, and there's plenty of leg, shoulder and headroom for the first two rows.
Comfort
As a luxury vehicle, the Acura MDX offers comfort, style and smooth handling. Expect a quiet ride. Although it's not a 4x4 SUV, its impressive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) makes you feel in control. The nine-speed automatic transmission or the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission lets you choose how you want to drive.
Frequently asked questions
Premium gas is not required, but the recommended fuel type for the Acura MDX is premium unleaded gas for optimal performance.
The Acura MDX offers more luxury than the Honda Pilot, which is a more basic-level vehicle. But both of these SUV models are similar.
The Acura MDX is equipped with seven seats in total, with three seats in the second row and two seats in the third row.
Yes. The Acura MDX released their 2018–19 models with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as part of their suite of tech features.
To represent its high-end status, Acura named this model the MDX after the term "multidimensional luxury".