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2020 Acura MDX review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

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

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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

Curious how Acura MDX trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base:

Technology:

  • Adds 20-inch wheels, automatic wipers, front/rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and more.

A-Spec:

Advance:

Sport Hybrid:

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

2020 Acura MDX Review:Front Seats | CarMax

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

2020 Acura MDX Review:Back Seats | CarMax

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

2020 Acura MDX Review:Engine | CarMax

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.

That's the equivalent of a tent trailer or a small boat. Switch to SH-AWD and towing capacity is an estimated 5,000 lbs. with the 3.5L engine, when properly equipped.
This is great news for your next camping trip or house move.

5. Style and substance

2020 Acura MDX Review:Third Row | CarMax

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.

Image of Acura RDX

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

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4
Above Average

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 MDX

Acura MDX features and specs

Advance 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • A/C Seat(s)
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Fold-Away Third Row
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Head Up Display
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Quad Seats
  • Rear Air Conditioning
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Rear Sunshade
  • Rear View Camera
  • Remote Start
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Third Row Seat
  • Traction Control
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Quad Seats
  • 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

P265/45HR20

Rear tires

P265/45HR20

Seating capacity

6

Max towing capacity

350/3500 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2020 Acura MDX FAQ

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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