2020 Acura MDX review
Acura MDX highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Swift-off-the-mark acceleration from the base V6
- Feature-rich as standard
- Useful SH-AWD system option for challenging driving conditions
Cons
- Missing the deluxe finish of competitor models
- Inconsistent reactions from the adaptive cruise control
- Infotainment menus and setup are not intuitive
Mileage (EPA estimate)
19 city, 25 highway, 21 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
Ride in luxury and comfort
Luxury doesn't have to mean bling. In fact, you're probably more interested in an SUV's comfort and practicality, along with some great tech features. If that's the case, the 2020 Acura MDX is a great choice, as it exudes quiet confidence. From the wonders of Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD®) to timeless design and a swath of interior technology features, the MDX ticks all the boxes for a luxury crossover.
All Acura MDX years
What is new for the 2020 Acura MDX?
- The MDX is available in a variety of new trims, including the PMC Edition and SH-AWD.
- MDX trims have been upgraded with Head Up Display and Leather & Suede Seats as standard equipment this year.
- Blu-ray Video System features are now available as options on select trims.
2020 Acura MDX trims
Base:
Includes 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, power liftgate, sunroof, and keyless entry and ignition.
Technology:
Adds 20-inch wheels, automatic wipers, front/rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and more.
A-Spec:
Adds a blacked-out exterior trim, wide wheels and tires, faux-suede seat inserts, and front-seat ventilation. (AWD only)
Advance:
Adds roof rails, auto-dimming mirrors, 360-degree parking camera, and heated second-row captain's chairs.
Sport Hybrid:
Standard with the Technology trim, adaptive suspension dampers, and additional Sport+ driving mode.
Acura MDX photos
5 reasons to buy the 2020 Acura MDX
1. Super handling all-wheel drive
Do you appreciate the grip of all four wheels on the road—particularly in unpredictable weather? The 2020 Acura MDX offers Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) as an optional system to give you more confidence on the road. SH-AWD works by balancing power to the wheels with weight distribution, available traction, and other variables. It's designed to provide enhanced handling in optimal driving conditions and assistance in poor conditions.
2. Room to stretch out and get comfortable
With room for up to seven passengers, the 2020 Acura MDX is a comfortable family luxury hauler. In fact, front-row passengers in the base model will delight in sport-seat comfort that features 12-way power adjustments, with power lumbar support. Both front seats are also heated as standard. Plus, second-row bench-seat passengers can slide the seat back and recline slightly for added comfort.
3. Seats up to six or seven
Hauling an SUV full of people? The 2020 Acura MDX offers room for seven with three rows of seating. If you only need room for six, you can opt for captain's chairs in the second row and score some extra leg and shoulder room. Note that if you select the Entertainment package on the Technology trim, the MDX adds sunshades and replaces the standard second-row bench seat with heated captain's chairs.
4. Towing capacity
If you have a small boat, camper, or trailer to tow, the MDX has you covered. Towing capacity is an estimated 3,500 lbs. with FWD and the 3.5L engine, when properly equipped.
5. Style and substance
The last major change to the Acura MDX was in 2015, yet the SUV shines with a timeless design. The look of the vehicle is decidedly modern, with sweeping lines and an aggressive grille. And behind those good looks lies a machine of substance, with a long list of driver-assistance technology, including forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2020 Acura MDX, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
Composed, nimble, and stylish, the third generation (2019-present) Acura RDX is poised for adventure. It's a good thing, then, that cargo volume includes 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 58.9 cubic feet total. The room-for-five SUV includes optional AWD and driver-assistance features such as automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. Standard 2019 equipment includes:
19-inch alloy wheels
LED headlights
Panoramic moonroof
Synthetic leather upholstery
12-way heated front seats
The Highlander's unwavering focus on usability and convenience makes it an ideal family SUV or rugged adventuring partner. It has three rows that fit up to eight passengers, and cargo room that measures 14 cubic feet behind the third row and 42 cubic feet with the third row folded. With the second row folded, you can fit 83 cubic feet of stuff inside. Powered by a 2.7L four-cylinder engine or a 3.5L V6 engine, the 2019 Highlander also boasts ample power. Tech features include Toyota's Entune® audio system, a 6.1-inch touchscreen, and Bluetooth® connectivity. Standard driver-assistance features include a rearview camera, hill-start assist, and more. Standard features for 2017-2019 models also include:
18-inch alloy wheels
LED taillights
Cloth upholstery
Five USB ports
Six-way manually adjustable driver seat and four-way passenger seat
Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot seats eight, boasting 18.5 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the third row and 55.9 cubic feet behind the second row, with 109.2 cubic feet in total. Standard driver-assistance equipment includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and active lane control. Inside the cabin, you can expect Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity (standard from 2019) with a navigation system. The 2017-2019 base model comes with:
17-inch wheels
Cloth seats
Seven-speaker 200-watt sound system
Five-inch color touchscreen with USB port
Bluetooth capability
Shop with your budget in mind
Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Acura MDX an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Acura MDX 7th out of 29 among Luxury Midsize SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Acura MDXAcura MDX features and specs
Base 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Front Seat Heaters
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Sunroof(s)
- Third Row Seat
- Traction Control
- Full Roof Rack
- Rear Entertainment System
- Running Boards
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
3.5L
Horsepower
290
Torque (ft-lbs)
267
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
19.5
Wheelbase
111"
Overall length
196.2"
Width
77.7"
Height
67.4"
Leg room
F 41.4"/M 38.5"/R 28.1"
Head room
F 38.1"/M 38.3"/R 35.6"
Front tires
P245/60HR18
Rear tires
P245/60HR18
Seating capacity
7
Max towing capacity
350/3500 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2020 Acura MDX FAQ
The 2020 Acura MDX is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- PMC Edition : 19 MPG City and 25 MPG Highway
- SH-AWD A-Spec : 19 MPG City and 25 MPG Highway
- SH-AWD Advance : 19 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway
- SH-AWD : 19 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway
- Base : 20 MPG City and 27 MPG Highway
- Technology : 20 MPG City and 27 MPG Highway
- SH-AWD Technology : 19 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway
- Advance : 20 MPG City and 27 MPG Highway
The Acura MDX received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Acura MDX as 6 out of 29 among Luxury Midsize SUV
The 2020 Acura MDX has received an average 4.7 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2020 Acura MDX, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2020 Acura MDX Reviews.
The 2020 Acura MDX has a maximum towing capacity of between 3500 and 5000 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2020 Acura MDX:
- PMC Edition
- SH-AWD
- SH-AWD Advance
- Technology
- Head Up Display
More about the 2020 Acura MDX
Color options
Exterior colors:
Apex Blue Pearl
Canyon Bronze Metallic
Fathom Blue Pearl
Gunmetal Metallic
Lunar Silver Metallic
Majestic Black Pearl
Modern Steel Metallic
Performance Red Pearl
Interior details
Total cargo capacity measures 90 cubic feet, with 15 cubic feet available behind the third row.
Seats up to seven passengers with a bench seat in the second row, or six passengers when fitted with captain's chairs.
Standard infotainment system includes a dual-screen system with a seven-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability.
The Technology trim adds a navigation system, color driver-information display, and 10-speaker audio system.
Available Acura Entertainment Package for extra speakers and a larger touchscreen.
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Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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