Acura MDX

The 2011 Acura MDX ranks 1 out of 17 Luxury Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 83 published reviews and test drives of the Acura MDX, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Acura MDX performs admirably for a seven-seat SUV and includes a luxurious and high-tech interior. In addition to this performance, the MDX is still a family vehicle - the back seat has room for three car seats, including LATCH connectors.

The Acura MDX should appeal to a wide range of people. It has a powerful engine and nimble performance, making it a good SUV for driving enthusiasts who need extra passenger and cargo space. Its luxurious interior is stuffed with cutting-edge features that will have no problem keeping technophiles happy. And, with its seating for seven and space for three car seats, the MDX makes a strong case for itself as a family vehicle. Consumer Guide says the MDX “has contemporary styling and thoughtful features. MDX has a highly desirable blend of luxury, performance, and convenience.” Most car reviewers wholeheartedly second that take.

On the road, the Acura MDX shines with its powerful V6 engine. While its fuel economy isn’t the best in the class, the power is so good that you may think it’s worth the tradeoff. Handling is also good, even in tight spaces like parking lots. Acrua’s Super-Handling All-Wheel drive system is standard, and the MDX does well in crash tests.

Inside, reviewers like the MDX’s comfortable first and second row seats. While the MDX is full of high-tech features, a few reviewers complain that because of all the bells and whistles, the dash is cluttered and confusing. Still, no one complains about the standard leather seats. Though the Acura MDX has a standard third row seat, reviewers point out that it’s best-suited for kids – adults will find it too cramped. The MDX checks off its family car requirements by having three sets of LATCH connecters for car seats in the second row. If you have three little kids and need a little luxury in your life (and with three kids, who doesn’t?) the MDX is the car for you.

Other Luxury SUVs to Consider

The MDX is a great luxury midsize SUV, but if you don’t need a third row, you can save on price and gas mileage by looking at other options. The Lexus Rx is a perennial reviewer favorite because, like the MDX, it has an upscale, high-tech cabin. It starts at about $5,000 less than the MDX does and gets better gas mileage, but it doesn’t have all-wheel drive standard. If you absolutely need all-wheel drive, you can get it on the RX. Just know that all-wheel drive RXs only undercut the MDX by about $3,000.

If you need that third row, consider the Volvo XC90. It has a standard third row seat and a lower price tag than the MDX. However, the XC90 is dated compared to the MDX, and many reviewers say it’s time for the XC90 to get a refresh. The XC90 is one of the least expensive options in the class, and you’ll feel it in its lack of refinement and somewhat dated optional features.

MDX Performance - 8.7 (Very Good)

If you think SUVs aren’t any fun to drive, you haven’t driven the Acura MDX. Reviewers say that it’s light on its feet, with a powerful motor and smoothly responsive six-speed automatic transmission. Standard all-wheel drive and performance options like an adaptive suspension are icing on the cake.

MDX Exterior - 7.5 (Good)

The Acura MDX doesn’t win a lot of points for its unconventional looks. Reviewers tend to see it as the Sarah Jessica Parker of the automotive world: they either think it’s unconventionally beautiful or just plain ugly. Despite updates in 2010, Car and Driver says “the end result is just as funky as most other Acuras.

MDX Interior - 8.4 (Very Good)

Reviewers love that the 2011 Acura MDX has two rows of comfortable seats and tons of high-tech features. The downside to all that technology, however, is a dashboard that some may find tough to figure out. Consumer Guide points out that “the vast array of similarly sized and shaped controls is confusing.

MDX Safety - 10.0 (Excellent)

The 2010 Acura MDX does very well in federal government and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests. The Advance package comes with several innovative safety systems.

MDX Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)

The 2011 Acura MDX reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates.This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2011 Acura MDX comes with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty