Pros

• A lot of room for bags and a lovely house
• Combines a smooth ride with quick steering.
• A reasonable price for a lot of functions.

Cons

• Standard engines have less power than boosted engines.
• The touchscreen touchpad takes a long time to get used to.

What moves the MDX? The MDX’s most amazing dynamic features are how it steers and drives. The latest version of Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive makes the MDX more agile and gives it a better grip when wet. Even though the MDX is easy to drive, it can turn as well as an SUV half its size. Accurate and natural steering makes all kinds of moving better, from turning corners to long trips on the highway.

The V6 engine in the base MDX could be more assertive. It revs quickly and has a lot of energy, but it lacks power in the end. On our test track, it took an MDX Advance 7.5 seconds longer to go from 0 to 60 mph than almost every other luxury three-row midsize SUV we’ve tried, including the previous MDX. We also don’t like how smooth or fast the 10-speed automatic transmission is. The MDX Type S, on the other hand, is more fun to drive because its engine is turbocharged and is tuned to go faster.

How easy to use is the MDX? The MDX has some of the most comfy front seats in the class. They are beneficial and easy to work with. The chairs in the second row can move and lay back, but they are not as comfortable as the seats in the front. Surprisingly, the ride comfort is good because the suspension smooths out most of the bumps in the road.

The climate control system was easy to use and ensured we were comfy even on long trips. On the other hand, there is only one vent in the middle centre for the second row and none for the third row in the back. The seat vents don’t work well, but the seat heaters are great. Even though the cabin didn’t seem too loud, we measured noise levels higher than most other cars in the same class, especially when driving at full speed on the highway.

How does the inside look? Even though we like new ideas in the car business, they only sometimes work out. True Touchpad Interface, part of Acura’s entertainment system, is an apparent mistake that could turn off many potential buyers. The design is complicated to get used to. The system’s design is beautiful and user-friendly, which is a shame.

There are some great things inside the MDX. The first and second rows of seats are very roomy. Adults might find the third row tight, but kids should be OK. The car is easy to get in and out of, and Acura’s push-button system for the second-row seat release makes it easy to use. You can take out the middle seat in the second row to make a captain’s chair layout and a centre pass-through, making getting to the third row even easier.

Large windows help you see everything, and a surround-view camera system gives you even better bumper-level vision in every direction. Curbing the wheels and cleaning the fenders should no longer be done.

How good is the tech? Even though the MDX’s navigation system is hard to use, it still has a lot of helpful Technology. The built-in tracking system works well, and the big screen in the middle is nice to look at and easy to read. The optional 16-speaker ELS sound system is impressive and can fill the cabin with much music without making it muddy.

The top trim level of our Advance test car had USB ports in all three rows. The Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration systems can be used without a USB cord because every MDX has wireless access to these features. You also get many high-tech driving tools that all work well. For example, the easy-to-use adaptive speed control makes driving much easier during rush hour.

What about putting things away? The ability to carry items and store things are essential traits. The MDX has 18.1 cubic feet of storage room behind the third row, which is more than what many similar three-row midsize luxury crossovers have. There is also more storage space under the back cargo floor; the second and third rows of seats can be folded flat. Behind the second row is a room of at least 39.1 cubic feet and as much as 71.4 cubic feet.

Even though the old MDX didn’t have a customizable compartment any more, it did have big door bins and a large bin in the front centre armrest. Three sets of car seat pins are in the middle seats, so three child safety seats can be put across.

The all-wheel-drive MDX can pull up to 5,000 pounds when set up correctly. Even though rival European SUVs like the Audi Q7 can pull more than 7,000 pounds, this is enough for a small trailer.

How well does it use gasoline? The EPA says that the all-wheel-drive MDX we tried should get 21 mpg when driving in the city and on the highway together. This number is about the same as what other high-end SUVs get, but we had trouble getting it consistently while moving.

Should you buy the MDX? Value remains an essential motivation for MDX. The MDX is made more luxurious using soft leather and trimmings like open-pore wood. It’s great that the MDX has many features that usually come with competing models. The guarantee covers the usual things. European cars have better basic warranties and powertrain warranties, and they also have better roadside help.

We like the way the MDX looks. Even though the engine isn’t as strong as a rocket, it is firing with purpose. This latest makeover shows that a lot of thought went into it. The MDX is also fun to drive because it can turn quickly.

We like how the A-Spec’s body has been updated with extras like ventilated front seats, a quality sound system, and a sporty steering wheel. All-wheel drive is also part of the package. Even though the Type S is a more exciting option, the significant price difference between it and the regular MDX is only sometimes justified.

Acura MDX model differences

The MDX is a large SUV with seven seats. In 2024, it will come in six trim levels, which Acura calls packages: MDX, Technology, A-Spec, Advance, Type S, and Type S Advance. Front-wheel drive is standard on the base and Technology trims, but all-wheel drive can be added as an extra. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard on all other MDX types.