Acura MDX Full Review – Is This the Best Luxury SUV Under $60k?

Acura MDX 2024 Full Review

The 2024 MDX has a 290- horsepower V6 engine that's paired with a front suspension that can handle sharp turns. If you want an even more intense ride, the Type S version has an optional 355-horsepower turbocharged V6 and an air suspension that makes every drive more exciting. The Integrated Dynamics System, which includes Lift mode on the Type S, improves handling, and the optional 21-inch wide alloy wheels give you an adrenaline rush.

POWERTRAINS

FWD

The V6 motor with 290 horses, paired with a 10-speed auto, gives you serious power and speed. You shift gears using the steering wheel buttons, so it's like driving a sports car.
This thing weighs up to 3500 lbs and can tow stuff. It gets about 19 miles per gallon in city driving, 26 on the highway, and 22 in mixed conditions.
It's a 3.5-liter engine that makes 290 HP and 270 lb-ft of twist, and the transmission has ten gears.

SH-AWD.

The MDX has super-handling all-wheel drive! It sends power to all four wheels, giving you precise control. The 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters keeps you in the power zone when you need it. The max towing capacity is up to 5k lbs., so the MDX can handle any challenge.
Gas mileage is 19 city / 25 highway / 21 combined. The engine is a 3.5-liter with 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque.

TYPE S.

The MDX has an all-wheel drive that sends power to all four tires for precise control. It also has a 10-speed auto transmission with paddle shifters for quick and easy gear changes. With its max towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, the MDX can handle any challenge.
Under the hood, it has a 3.0-liter engine that produces 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a 10-speed transmission that allows for smooth and efficient gear changes. Whether you're towing or just cruising, the MDX will get the job done.

EXTERIOR.

Driven Design.

The Chicane's LED daytime running lights kind of flow into the prominent beltline, which continues all the way to the back, giving the car a sense of dynamic movement.
LED Lighting.
The Jewel Eye LED headlights and Chicane LED tail lights on the MDX really make it stand out with their sculpted styling. The 3D light blades on the Chicane tail lights add a cool depth to the already modern and precise exterior design.

A-Spec Styling.

The A-Spec package is all about performance. It has glossy black accents, 20-inch Shark Gray wheels, and LED fog lights for a sleek and stylish look. Inside, the aggressive design continues with a flat-bottom steering wheel, metal paddle shifters, and metal sport pedals, creating a cockpit that's all about driving.

Premium Paint Technology.

Enhance your MDX with a top-of-the-line paint job in Performance Red Pearl, Liquid Carbon Metallic, Majestic Black Pearl, Platinum White Pearl, Phantom Violet Pearl, the exclusive Apex Blue Pearl, or Tiger Eye Pearl. This robust pigment is applied in a sequence of tinted clear coats, resulting in a stunning chromatic hue with a deep, lustrous finish.

Type S.

Every time you embark on a journey in the MDX Type S, make a declaration. The bold quad exhaust outlets and the rear diffuser will continue to make a lasting impression long after you have departed. The exclusive front fascia and the Type S badge accentuate its performance-oriented design.

MDX- Wheels.

Each MDX comes with a custom performance-oriented wheel design. You can customize your MDX even more with Acura's genuine accessory wheels.

INTERIOR & COMFORT.

Premium Design.

For those who want to go fast, the MDX has got you covered with an ultra-cool, tech-filled cabin. The Precision Cockpit puts all the driving info right in front of you in high definition. Get lost in a custom atmosphere with the Iconic Drive Ambient Lighting and a premium leather interior.

Authentic Materials.

The cabin is loaded with high-quality, authentic materials. Open-pore wood accents and a leather-wrapped dash with French stitching emphasize the premium craftsmanship of the MDX.

Panoramic Moonroof.

Check out the amazing view through the huge panoramic moonroof! With CabinControl, you can easily adjust the shade of the moonroof to get the perfect lighting and temperature inside your MDX.

Three-Row Seating.

The seats are all top-notch, able to fit up to seven people. They're adjustable, so you can get comfortable however you like. The middle seat in the back is removable, so it's easy to get to the last row. High-quality leather and real wood add to the overall feel, making it a great ride for everyone.

Type S Design Details.

Enjoy the ultimate in luxury with the 16-way adjustable power front seats. They have nine different massage modes, so you can find the perfect relaxation for you. The premium leather options in Orchid and Azurite blue are incredibly comfortable, and the dark wood trim just adds a touch of class.

Integrated Dynamics System.

Choose from seven different driving modes for a truly unique driving experience.

Snow.

Snow mode helps you stay in control and feel confident by distributing power to each wheel so you're prepared for winter conditions.

Comfort.

With easier steering and a quieter engine, Comfort mode provides a smooth ride with great handling and efficient performance.

Normal.

Find the perfect balance between a comfortable ride, agile handling, and responsive throttle for your daily commute.

Sport.

Turn on the MDX's Sport mode and unleash its full performance. You'll hear a sporty engine sound, feel more steering feedback, and get more torque vectoring if you have Super Handling All-Wheel Drive available.

Sport+

Why not take your ride to the next level with Sport+ mode? This exclusive feature on the Type S is all about heightening the excitement. With firmer dampers and a quicker throttle response, you'll get a lower ride height and more performance at higher speeds. Every ride will be a thrill!

Lift.

Acura introduces a groundbreaking feature — the dynamic Lift mode, which is available exclusively for the Type S. This mode provides enhanced ground clearance, making it ideal for driving in challenging off-road conditions. Whether you’re tackling sandy or snowy terrains, the additional 50mm of height can make all the difference.

High-Performance Accuracy.

Handling.

The double-wishbone front suspension system ensures that your MDX remains firmly in contact with the ground, thanks to the use of larger and wider wheels, which enhance its responsiveness even when pushed to the edge of its capabilities.

Chassis.

The combination of a solid frame and an extended wheelbase enhances the ride experience by minimizing vibrations and external noise. The chassis also enhances the vehicle's responsiveness and performance, resulting in a superior driving experience.

Steering.

For a seamless driving experience, the variable-ratio steering system provides precise control. The tuned electric power steering booster enhances agility, allowing for superior maneuverability. To further enhance the steering feel, switch to Sport mode for a more dynamic driving experience.

Type S.

The first SUV to bear the Type S badge, the MDX Type S elevates your daily driving experience to new heights. The large Brembo front brake calipers, equipped with oversized rotors and NSX-inspired Electro-Servo brakes, provide reliable braking performance. The dynamic air suspension system allows for adjusting the ride height, providing extra ground clearance when needed. The quad exhaust outlets symbolize the perfect blend of Type S power, performance, and aesthetics.

CARGO & VERSATILITY.

Intelligent Versatility.

The MDX has a maximum cargo space of 2700 liters when all the seats are folded. Its hidden cargo area has a clever flip-down lid that's easy to clean and great for storing messy things. Even if all three rows are up, you can flip the lid down to make room for bigger items, like a stroller.

AUDIO & CONNECTIVITY.

HD Center Display.

The 12.3-inch center display is massive, and it's seamlessly integrated into the dashboard. It's the biggest screen you'll find in an Acura, and the images are crystal clear. You can see the rear camera, music, and navigation controls with ease, and you can easily control them using the True Touchpad Interface.

Apple CarPlay Integration.

Stay connected wirelessly using Apple CarPlay and access your music, messages, and navigation with ease on the 12.3-inch HD screen. Control everything with the Touchpad Interface and use Siri Eyes Free to stay focused on the road.

Android Auto Integration.

Keep in touch with your MDX with wireless Android Auto integration. Listen to music, check messages, and navigate with the 12.3-inch HD central display. Control everything with ease using the True Touchpad Interface and Google Assistant at your fingertips.

Alexa Built-In.

Alexa* seamlessly connects you to your MDX. Through voice activation, easily control music, use navigation, check the weather, search the internet, and connect to smart home devices by simply saying “Alexa”.

ELS STUDIO 3D Signature Edition.

Upgrade your audio game with the ELS STUDIO 3D Signature Edition. It's got 25 speakers and over 1000 watts of power, and it's been created by Elliott Scheiner, the eight-time Grammy winner. This bad boy will give you an immersive listening experience like never before, thanks to its high-quality carbon speakers. And get this - it has six Highline overhead speakers that will bring vocals and instruments to life with clarity.

AcuraLink Connected Services.

AcuraLink allows you to stay connected to your Acura through your smartphone. Experience the convenience of features such as Remote Start, Find My Car, Automatic Collision Notification, and Enhanced Roadside Service during the complimentary three-year trial. Discover the full range of features at acuralink.com.

Precision Cockpit.

The 12.3-inch Precision Cockpit™ can be customized to suit your preferences, providing a tailored digital experience. Choose the layout that best suits your driving style, and view the advanced driver assistance system alerts right in front of you. The MDX Type S greets you with a distinctive and contemporary startup sequence when you press the ignition button.

Head-Up Display.

Designed to keep you fully engaged in the driving experience, the MDX presents essential information prominently on the 10.5-inch Head-Up Display. This includes your speed, AcuraWatch warnings, turn-by-turn navigation, and music, all projected onto the windshield.

Wi-Fi Hotspot Capability.

Stay connected with Wi-Fi hotspot capability and receive over-the-air updates for your MDX. Your passengers can also stream HD video on up to three devices. To get started, choose an AT&T data plan.

Wireless Charging.

Experience the ease of wireless charging with Qi-enabled devices and ensure your smartphone remains charged.