2018 Acura MDX

We give the MDX points above average for a good interior and exterior moves. It earns a 7. (Read more about how we rate cars.)

Last year’s redesign smoothed over the corporate “beak” (or perhaps you saw bottle opener?) that plagued Acura design for years. The new MDX hasn’t changed much else since 2014, when it was completely overhauled.

Reshaped bumpers and fenders last year helped align the MDX with its sharp LED headlight array, and better fit into the Acura stable. We think Acura has smoother moves on the horizon, but for now, the MDX looks just fine—even a little sporty.

Inside, the interior reads a little technophile with a push-button shifter and dual infotainment screens. It manages to miss the redundancy that other cars with dual screens fall victim to, but we still think one is enough.

The rest of the interior is plain and relatively straightforward, mostly missing overly complicated interior themes. Optional wood grains can add a touch of elegance to the mix without too much clutter.

Most versions of the MDX will be powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The engine has been tuned to produce more tug at lower speeds, which helps in stop-and-go daily slogs. The MDX is rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds with a trailer attached, enough for most small weekend toys.

A 9-speed automatic is standard on all models, and all-wheel drive is available with every trim level. It’s a competent transmission but not without its faults, we’ve found. The 9-speed can get confused with so many cogs available at its disposal—entering an interstate can induce momentary indecision. Toggling the transmission into “Sport” mode seems wholly unnecessary for a vehicle as large as the MDX, but opens one option: drivers can opt to select their own gears with the paddle shifters in a true “manual” mode. Lug or blitz the engine all you want, Acura presupposes a level of sophistication with its drivers that we clearly don’t meet.

The MDX benefits from special shocks that smother road imperfections. Like other tall crossovers, there’s a hint of body lean in the MDX around corners, but head toss is negligible to imperceptible in most cases.

The MDX rides on standard 18s, but opting for either Technology or Advance packages subs 20-inch wheels on each corner. They don’t ruin ride quality, even with less sidewall, and fill the wheel arches fairly well.

Although the Sport Hybrid and all-wheel drive models share similar concepts, the two systems are mechanically different.

On non-hybrid models, all-wheel drive adds cold-weather confidence thanks to a true mechanical torque vectoring system that can shuffle 100 percent of power left to right, or up to 70 percent of power to rear wheels when needed. Acura is one of the few automakers to offer mechanical torque vectoring (Mitsubishi did too) and the MDX is better for it.

Acura MDX Sport Hybrid

Beginning last year, Acura subbed in a hybrid powertrain to its MDX that was largely borrowed from its NSX supercar and RLX sedan. The system adds electric motors to power the rear wheels exclusively, which is sometimes called “through the road” hybrid system.

A detuned 3.5-liter V-6 still rides up front, a 7-speed automatic is swapped in, and the net system power output is up to 321 hp in Sport Hybrid models.

Acura says the “Sport” in Sport Hybrid is intentional—an MDX with electrons is a sportier drive, according to them. OK, sure.

But the added bonus of improved fuel economy and slightly better roadholding in our rainy drives meant that the $1,500 apples-to-apples cost for a hybrid model sounded better to us.

The base seats in the MDX are comfortable and supportive, with plenty of bolstering for long trips and adequate leg room in the first two rows. Opting for the Advance package swaps out those base seats with sportier versions, the only difference to our backsides being a little more side bolstering.

A deep and wide front bin and plenty of storage cubbies keeps small items out of the way, and an electronic shifter placed just below the touchscreen helps free room for keys and cellphones to rest on rubberized mats.

Second-row passengers are treated to a smidge more leg room than front-seat riders, which makes us wish that someone else had claimed the keys before we left. Opting for the Advance package subs out a second-row bench with captain’s chairs for better flexibility overall, but the 60/40-split bench folds easily in a pinch for better cargo room.

The third row is adequate for children or medium-sized adults, which may be surprising to buyers considering this kind of crossover. Access to the third row is relatively drama-free, the second-row seats slide out of the way easily. Two additional USB charge ports are added to the third row when the Advance package is selected.

Overall, the finish in the Acura MDX is excellent with standard leather and plenty of sound-deadening material added to keep outside din at a minimum.

With the third row in place, the MDX sports 15 cubic feet of cargo space, or 38.4 cubes when tumbled out of the way. The MDX maxes out its cargo capacity at 68.4 cubes. Opting for the hybrid model doesn’t diminish capacity.

The insurance industry-funded IIHS agreed, giving the MDX a Top Safety Pick nod. It earned top “Good” scores in every category, including a “Superior” rating for front-crash prevention that’s standard on all models. Its lone blemish is an “Acceptable” rating for its headlights, which are standard on every MDX.

Very few cars on the road today have better safety records than the MDX.

All Acura MDX crossovers leaving dealer lots are equipped with LED headlights, forward-collision warnings with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning with active lane control, and adaptive cruise control.

Opting for the Technology package adds blind-spot monitors with rear cross-traffic alert. Advance package adds to that a surround-view camera system.

Primary safety equipment includes a full complement of airbags for all passengers, stability and traction control systems, and automatic headlights.

We give the MDX points above average for its base features, good options, and standard infotainment. We’re not in love with the software, but the hardware is more than adequate for its class and can be supplemented with smartphone interfaces that consumers may be more comfortable with. It earns an 8 out of 10. (Read more about how we rate cars.)

Every MDX is equipped with leather upholstery, keyless ignition, 18-inch wheels, a moonroof, LED headlights, power-adjustable heated front seats, three zone automatic climate control, four USB charging ports, an eight-speaker audio system, an 8.0-inch information display atop a new 7.0-inch touchscreen for controls. Base models start at $45,195, including destination, which is $170 more than last year’s model.

A rearview camera and advanced safety features that we cover separately are included on all models.

From base, options for the MDX go down two roads: Advance or Technology.

A $2,400 Technology package adds 20-inch wheels, navigation, HD radio, blind-spot monitors with rear cross-traffic alert, remote start, and Acura’s telematic services. An optional rear entertainment package adds heated second-row seats, a 9.0-inch drop-down screen with Blu-ray player for rear passengers, a 110-volt power plug, and a premium 11-speaker stereo system for $2,200 on top of the Technology package.

A pricey Advance package adds $10,450 to the base price ($55,645 to start, including destination) and adds all of the features included in the Technology package and a surround-view camera system, start/stop for improved fuel economy, cooled front seats, interior wood accents, second-row captain’s chairs, sport seats, two additional USB charge ports for the third row, parking sensors, and heated second row seats.

A rear entertainment package for Advance models can add a 16.2-inch drop-down widescreen for rear passengers, 12-speaker stereo, and a 110-volt power plug for $2,000 more.

All-wheel drive can be equipped at any trim level for $2,000 more.

The MDX Sport Hybrid starts at $53,095 with the Technology package or $59,145 with the Advance package, including destination.

Adding all-wheel drive drops the rating to 18/26/21 mpg, or 19/26/22 mpg with the Advance package.

Predictably, the Acura MDX Sport Hybrid is the efficiency champ of the bunch, even with standard all-wheel drive. The EPA scores it at 26/27/27 mpg.

Other three-row crossovers such as the Volvo XC90 and Infiniti QX60 manage roughly 22 combined in normal guise. The Land Rover Discovery can do the same when equipped with its turbodiesel.