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2020 Acura MDX

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Used Car Price Range
$26,895 - $36,925
$26,895 $36,925
Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2020 Base 4dr Front-Wheel Drive
most popular
Price:   -  From $44,500
2020 Base 4dr SH-AWD Price:   -  From $46,500
2020 Technology Package 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $49,500
2020 Technology Package 4dr SH-AWD Price:   -  From $51,500
2020 Sport Hybrid Technology Package 4dr SH-AWD Price:   -  From $53,000
2020 Technology & Entertainment Packages 4dr SH-AWD Price:   -  From $53,500
2020 Technology & A-Spec Packages 4dr SH-AWD Price:   -  From $55,000
2020 Advance Package 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $56,250
2020 Advance Package 4dr SH-AWD Price:   -  From $58,250
2020 Sport Hybrid Advance Package 4dr SH-AWD Price:   -  From $59,750
2020 Advance & Entertainment Packages 4dr SH-AWD Price:   -  From $60,250
2020 PMC Edition 4dr SH-AWD Price:   -  From $61,750
Expert Rating
3.4 (Good)

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

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Overview

What's New

The 2020 Acura MDX continues to be a great option in the mid-size crossover segment. It may not be the prettiest vehicle around or the easiest to configure, but it has loads of technology and driver-assist features. It’s also one of the more affordable crossovers in its class. Despite Acura’s claims of the MDX being a performance vehicle, it lacks the grunt other luxury crossovers from BMW and Mercedes-Benz boast.

Choosing Your Acura MDX

The Acura MDX is offered in five trims: Base, Technology, Entertainment, A-Spec, and Advance. Pricing starts at $45,395 including destination for the base model and climbs to $57,145 for the Advance. A hybrid version of the MDX is available that carries a starting price of $53,895 (the $5,000 Technology Package is mandatory).

To clarify, there are no true trims on the MDX, but Acura does offer those four major packages on top of the base model that act like trims.

Engine Choices

There are two different powertrains for the MDX, one of which is a hybrid setup. The non-hybrid MDX uses a nine-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid version utilizes a seven-speed dual-clutch.

Engine TypeHorsepowerTorqueFuel Economy (Combined)
3.5L V6290 hp267 lb-ft23 mpg
3.0L V6 Hybrid321 hp289 lb-ft27 mpg

With more power, better fuel economy, and standard all-wheel drive, the hybrid MDX makes a strong case for the $3,500 premium that it commands over a base model.

With all-wheel drive only bringing combined fuel economy down by one mpg, it’s also a smart buy for drivers in snowy climates. Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive System is an extra $2,000.

Passenger and Cargo Capacity

The majority of MDX models are capable of seating up to seven, but opting for the Advance Package or the Entertainment Package with the Technology Package lowers seating capacity down to six.

Cargo capacity in the MDX is competitive for the segment. The crossover offers 15 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 38.4 cubic feet behind the second row, and a total of 68.4 cubic feet. These figures are the same for hybrid models.

Acura MDX

Safety Features

Even at the base level, the MDX comes with a long list of safety features. Standard equipment includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, road departure warning, and a multi-view rear camera.

The Technology Package add blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors. Choosing the Advance Package brings a surround-view camera system and a head-up display.

Connectivity

Every MDX comes with an 8-inch touchscreen that comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, three USB ports, and AcuraLink as standard. The Technology Package includes navigation and AcuraLink connected services, while the Advance Package adds two third-row USB ports.

Acura MDX

Base - From $45,395

The entry-level MDX is well equipped with things like a moonroof, LED headlights, heated exterior mirrors, and 18-inch wheels. On the inside, leather upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, tri-zone climate control, and heated front seats are standard.

Technology - From $50,395

The Technology Package costs $5,000, but brings a well-rounded list of extra features. Wood accents and perforated leather seats are added on the inside. Exterior features include 20-inch wheels, power-folding exterior mirrors, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Remote engine start and a multi-information display are also included.

The Technology Package is mandatory if you want any of the other three packages.

Entertainment - From $54,395

Consumers must get the Technology Package and all-wheel drive to be able to tick the box for the Entertainment Package. Heated second-row captain's chairs, a 9-inch rear screen, wireless headphones, and an 11-speaker audio system are added to the list of standard equipment.

A-Spec - From $55,895

The A-Spec Package also requires the Technology Package and all-wheel drive. This is an appearance package that gives the MDX a sportier look, adding a comprehensive body kit on the outside that includes a rear spoiler, 20-inch wheels, unique front and rear bumpers, and dark chrome finishes. Interior extras include heated and ventilated front sport seats, an A-Spec leather-wrapped steering wheel, red instrument panel illumination, and paddle shifters.

Advance - From $57,145

The Advance Package, which only requires the Technology Package, brings more tech and luxury features. Perforated Milano leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and second-row heated captain’s chairs are included. Exterior additions include LED fog lights, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, and roof rails. A more comfortable ride comes courtesy of active suspension.

Compare MDX Trims Side-By-Side

CarsDirect Tip

In spite of being a mandatory option to get any of the other available packages on the 2020 Acura MDX, the Technology Package is the most value-packed option and is reasonably priced. The hybrid MDX may seem like a large jump in pricing for a base model, but it brings more features, better performance, and better fuel efficiency. On paper, it's worth the extra cost.

author image
Automotive Editor
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Expert Review

Pros
  • Standard auto emergency braking
  • Excellent all-wheel-drive system
  • Offers a hybrid option
  • Supports Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Cons
  • Interior can feel dated
  • Infotainment system needs an upgrade
  • 9-spd automatic sometimes gets confused
Expert Rating
3.4 (Good)

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Automotive Editor

Aging favorite. Since first debuting in 2001, the Acura MDX has represented the brand at its finest: logical, comfortable, well-built, and, as a bonus, relatively athletic for its size and shape. It's ability to wear all of those hats so well has made it Acura's best seller year after year after year.

The 2020 Acura MDX, however, isn't quite the hands-down winner it used to be. The reason is time – and how much of it has passed since this three-row crossover last received a full redesign.

The 2020 model dates back to 2014, and despite getting a new grille, new transmission, and new technology over the past few years, it's not enough to keep up with the breakneck pace of the segment in general. The competition has moved ahead, and it's left Acura playing catch-up.

Dated dashboard, lackluster infotainment and interior. It doesn't matter the trim level or the interior color, the dashboard is a loud and convoluted amalgam of screens, scallops, and sculpting. Perhaps this look may have been impressive back in 2014. But when compared to the sleek, minimalist, horizontally-oriented dashboards found in the competition, the Acura MDX comes off as dated and unattractive. Even mainstream products such as the new Ford Explorer are now trumping the MDX in interior design.

Further muddling things inside is the dual-screen center stack. The upper screen, manipulated by a dial located on the console, sits recessed into the dash and is tasked with displaying the navigation and some limited vehicle information. The lower touchscreen is primarily on radio duty.

Neither screen particularly wows users with its graphics or interface, but haptic response for the touchscreen is immediate and the learning curve isn't very large. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard and manage to make this older system feel a bit fresher than it is.

The infotainment could be seen as a microcosm for the interior at large. Sure, the materials are nice, the seats are comfortable, and high-end models get all the usual luxuries like heated and cooled seats, a 10-speaker audio system, memory seats and mirrors, and so forth. But the stale design and lack of pizzazz keep it from ever feeling truly luxurious, even in the $57,145 Advance model.


Acura MDX

Well-sorted mechanicals. The standard powertrain, and the one which accounts for the brunt of all Acura MDX sales, is a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. It's enough grunt to hustle the MDX along with a quiet confidence. There's a refined smoothness even when you put your foot in it – just hope that the nine-speed automatic transmission will know how to react to such a quick surge of power. We noted more than one occasion when it stumbled about looking for the right gear.

Though front-wheel drive is standard, Acura's excellent all-wheel-drive system is worth the upgrade. Their Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive, or SH-AWD, has collected reams of well-deserved praise over the years. A purely mechanical system, SH-AWD can send up to 70% of the power to the rear axle and up to 100% of the power to either the left or right wheels.

Hustle the MDX through a few corners, and the big crossover will surprise with its agility as SH-AWD quietly does its thing. One of the selectable menus found in the driver information center keeps you privy to how power is being distributed at any given time.

Efficient and safe. The AWD-V6 combination doesn't have the Acura MDX constantly hitting the 91-octane sauce. The EPA has rated it good for 19 miles per gallon city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 combined. These numbers are right on par for the class and hold their own in a sea of tough competition. Said competition includes the Buick Enclave, BMW X5, and the new Lincoln Aviator, all of which get 18 mpg city. The Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90 match the Acura's 19 mpg city rating.

The available Sport Hybrid powertrain trumps these numbers handily thanks to dual electric motors and a hybrid battery that augment its 3.0-liter, 321-horsepower V6. Fuel economy is rated at a very impressive 26/27/27 mpg (city/highway/combined).

It's also as safe as it is efficient. The IIHS has given the 2019 model – which is nearly the same as the 2020 – a "Good" rating for all their crash testing. The NHTSA has issued the MDX their own five-star overall safety rating. Keeping accidents from happening in the first place is a whole roster of standard active safety and driver-assist equipment, including automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.

Final thoughts. Despite getting on in its years, there's no doubt the 2020 Acura MDX is a good vehicle. But a luxury vehicle cannot only be good – it must be superlative. Mercedes-Benz does this through opulent interiors; Audi through technology and minimalist design; even Lincoln is now doing this through their Black Label line. But how is Acura doing this? What's the secret sauce that makes an MDX special?

The issue is that there is no secret sauce – just the usual off-the-shelf ingredients that, on paper, make a fine luxury car. In the real world, this is a letdown. There's no experience to write home about, nor any lingering feelings that make you turn back and give this people-hauler a last look after walking away. More than its age or its outdated interior design, this Acura makes the cardinal sin of being too ordinary.

You won't regret buying an MDX. But you won't be raving about it, either. And that's the problem.

Check prices for the 2020 Acura MDX »

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Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
3.5L V-6 / 290 HP / 267 ft.lbs.
Transmission
9-spd Sequential SportShift w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
20 / 27 / 23 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
7
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
3.5L V-6 / 290 HP / 267 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
20 / 27 / 23 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Steel
Fuel Tank
19.5 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$75
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
90.9 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
133 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
196.2 "
Exterior Width
77.7 "
Exterior Height
67.4 "
Front Headroom
38.1 "
Rear Headroom
38.3 "
Front Legroom
41.4 "
Rear Legroom
38.5 "
Front Shoulder Room
61.1 "
Rear Shoulder Room
59.1 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
4,032 Lbs.
Wheel Base
111 "
Turning Radius
19.4 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
18.0 " Machined W/painted Accents Aluminum / 20.0 " Black Aluminum / 20.0 " Dark Chrome Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Pearlcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote W/tilt Down Heated, Convex Spotter Driver
Bumpers
Front Body-colored With Chrome Insert
Grille Moldings
Black W/chrome Surround
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel With Chrome Tailpipe Finish
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
7
Seat Trim
Leather
Front Seat Type
Sport Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Driver And Front Passenger Heated-cushion, Heated-seatback
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
(8-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
(8-way Power)
Front Armrests
(8-way Power)
Rear Armrests
Center
Rear Seats
60-40 Split-bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Siriusxm Am/fm/satellite, Seek-scan
Speakers
8
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Power Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Express Open/close
Rearview Mirror
Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Front And Rear
Tinted Windows
Deep
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
3
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Smartvent Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Driver
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Smartvent Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Collision Mitigation Braking System (cmbs) Forward Collision Mitigation
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Keeping Assist System (lkas) Lane Departure
Autonomous Cruise Control
Hands-on Steering Assist
Pedestrian Detection
Front Pedestrian Detection Prevention
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Auto High-beam
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Rear / Front And Rear
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Major Components Months
72 Months / 70,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months
48 Months / 50,000 Miles

Used 2020 Acura MDX for Sale

10 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area
Acura
3.5L
Price

$26,895

Mileage

56,258 mi

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Acura of Alhambra (19 mi)

Phone: (626) 380-9170
Acura
with Technology Package
Color: Platinum White Pearl
Price

$26,998

Mileage

52,900 mi

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DCH Tustin Acura (38 mi)

Acura
3.5L w/Advance Package
Color: White
Price

$27,848

Mileage

78,521 mi

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Honda Santa Monica (8 mi)

Phone: (310) 961-3998
Acura
3.5L
Color: White
Price

$28,987

Mileage

43,085 mi

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Cerritos Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM (18 mi)

Phone: (855) 760-0460
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