2020 Acura MDX Review
Price Range:Â $21,500 - $34,990





+313
Good
8.0
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The versatile, well-made and feature-packed 2020 Acura MDX is arguably the most sensible choice in the midsize luxury SUV segment, especially given its impressive handling. For what you get compared to what you have to pay, it's a great value.
2020 Acura MDX Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What's new
- No significant changes for 2020
- Part of the third MDX generation introduced for 2014
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Acura MDX 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.47 per gallon for premium unleaded in Mississippi.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Mississippi
$187/mo  for MDX Base
MDX Base
vs
$155/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
See Edmunds pricing data
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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Above Average
#7 out of 29 among Luxury Midsize SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Acura MDX from 2008-2022.$446/yr
vs. $602/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.24x/yr
vs. 1.09x/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).8.9%
vs. 9.4%
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Acura MDX Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(68%)
4(17%)
3(7%)
2(2%)
1(6%)
Owner Reviews Summary
The 2020 Acura MDX generally receives positive reviews for its value, spaciousness, smooth ride, and standard safety features, with particular praise for the Technology and Advance packages. However, some customers report dissatisfaction with the infotainment system, finding it outdated and non-intuitive, and there are mixed feelings about the 9-speed transmission and interior space for taller individuals. Reliability and cost efficiency are noted as strong points, contrasting with concerns over fuel efficiency and some electronic features.
This summary is AI-generated from the text of owner reviews
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Most Helpful Owner Reviews
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Previous European car owner
5 out of 5 starsSteve C., 09/15/2019
2020 Acura MDX SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD w/Technology Package (3.5L 6cyl 9A)
I've been doing a lot of research in the last few weeks on which SUV would be right for me. My past vehicles have been Saab, Mercedes, Audi, Volvo and Porsche. I've only owned 2 Japanese cars Honda & Subaru. I have to say all the European models were spot on as far as appearance and performance but one thing for sure expensive to own if your warranty runs out. Any repairs or service for … these cars can be a huge expense (Porsche oil change $275). I normally buy my cars outright and keep them for at least 8 yrs so I asked my mechanic what he thought. He told me he's been in the auto repair business for 28 yrs and while some Euro cars are beautiful looking as far as reliability, dependability and cost efficient you cannot beat Japanese cars. After checking out Lexus, Infinity and Volvo I decided to give the MDX a test drive and was very much impressed for how much value you receive at around $10,000-$15,000 less than most European models. I've only had this car for a few weeks and I can say so far I love this car. It's spacious, looks great, handles excellently for an SUV, has many standard safety features, and has a very smooth ride. After reading some reviews on this car I was a bit hesitant about remarks on the info system being non intuitive but it really wasn't that bad at all it's amazing all the features this car has. I drive to Florida once a year and like to take a lot of road trips and now I feel confident that I can do so with worrying about high maintenance cost or finding the right facility that can service my vehicles. All in all I am very please with my purchase. I will give another update in a few months..
The MDX offers the most bang for your $
5 out of 5 starsMike in Katy. Texas , 09/30/2019
2020 Acura MDX 4dr SUV w/Technology Package (3.5L 6cyl 9A)
Update to the review. I’ve now had the MDX for a year and it continues to exceed my expectations. Due to Covid, I haven’t put as many miles on it as would have been, but it was still over 10,000 miles. It drives great and came in handy when taking hurricane relief supplies to my family 500 miles away in Alabama. With all seats folded, I was able to take a generator and a week’s worth of … supplies, so it’s size really came in handy.
Overall I continue to be extremely pleased with the MDX.
I’ve owned a 2002 MDX, three Honda Pilots (2006, 2013, 2017) and they’re great SUVs. I traded my 2017 Pilot for a 2020 MDX, FWD w Technology package. The MDX is amazing. It looks fantastic and drives even better. It’s a great mix of sporty, with excellent comfort. The two screen infotainment system gets a lot of bad press, but I like it a lot. It allows me to have Apple Car Play with maps on the top screen, while showing which song I have playing on the lower screen. The single touch screen in the Pilot was excellent, but often switched to the next song, requiring me to move it back to maps on a longer trip. The dual screen MDX doesn’t require that.
The MDX drives like a dream. It’s powerful and smooth. The nine speed ZF transmission has been hammered, but it seems quite smooth to me. The sport mode is especially fun, as it tightens down the steering and makes me forget I’m driving an SUV.
The ELS stereo is outstanding, and as quiet as the MDX is, it allows the ELS to really shine. While I had to upgrade my Pilot with aftermarket speakers, the MDX Tech package removes the need for that.
The seats are amazingly comfortable and the 14 way adjustable seats makes it feel like you’re sitting in a lounge chair.
Overall, the MDX offers the most bang for the buck in the crowded luxury SUV space.
Worthwhile upgrade from Pilot.
5 out of 5 starsHoyden, 01/12/2020
2020 Acura MDX 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 9A)
Quiet, competent, quality. All of the Honda build quality and engine excellence with more sound dampening insulation and better ride than the excellent Pilot. I like the two level screens, keeps your radio info showing on the lower screen while your phone call goes onto the upper screen. Plenty of power, never gets loud, even under full throttle acceleration. 2nd gear off the line … system is smooth and quiet. I waxed the car, the paint is flawless across the body, no divots, no rough spots. Quiet sunroof at speed with the optional air deflector. I would like a roll shade over the back deck as I never use the 3rd row seats. I liked it better than the Volvo XC-90 for much less $$.
Super Impressed!
5 out of 5 starsDeb , 01/09/2020
2020 Acura MDX SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD w/Advance and Entertainment Packages (3.5L 6cyl 9A)
It took me a year to finally buy an Acura MDX- wanted one for a long time, but I am one that probably researches way too much and I kept seeing 2 main complaints... the 9 speed transmission and the infotainment!
So far I am loving the MDX it’s super smooth! Whatever refinements have been made have seemed to work so far and I really like the 2 screen infotainment! I bought the advance … AWD with Entertainment and I’m super happy- at this point... I’m still holding my breath a little hoping that I don’t have trouble with shifting, but so far it’s so smooth.
The last 3 cars I’ve bought have been the last year right before a new model change and it’s worked for me... all the kinks seem to have been ironed out.
I have no trouble with the touch screen AC controls ect and I pretty much do everything other than AC from the steering wheel... the main reason I went with Advance was the leather seats they are so soft and worth it to me to pay the extra for comfort!
I’ve had a Lexus RX 350 and it was not near as comfortable and roomy as the MDX... buying car is such a personal decision I just hope this helps someone who may be struggling as well...
2020 MDX Highlights
SUV
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $44,500 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $187/month |
Seating | 7 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 15.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the MDX models:
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Identifies lane markings and works to keep the vehicle within its detected lane if it starts to drift due to driver inattention.
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Allows you to set a speed and maintain a desired distance from the car ahead. Will bring you to a stop if needed.
- Surround-View Camera System
- Four exterior cameras create a 360-degree view of the MDX's immediate surroundings.
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover16.4%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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