MSRP: $54,900

Engine/Power/Torque: 3.5 Liter V6 :: 290 hp :: 267 Torque

MPG: 19 in mixed driving

Text: Yousef Alvi // Photography: Alexander Grant

Acura brilliantly cornered the luxury three row SUV market almost 20 years ago with the first generation MDX. Before the MDX the market was saturated with body on frame derived behemoths that while looking ‘tough’ had the on road performance of an obese cow. The MDX on the other hand was based on a car. So it offered better performance, better interior space and better gas mileage. Needless to say it was and still is an runaway success. How successful you ask? To a tune of over 1 million sold successful!

To say the MDX is important to Acura’s success is a putting it lightly. The MDX allowed Acura to stay afloat through the Great Recession and I guarantee you that without it, we would be speaking about Acura in the past tense. The cornerstone of Acura is the MDX and for 2020 we have a new trim level to check out!

The A-Spec trim level of the MDX is akin to the F-Sport trim level of a Lexus RX. It is, in essence, a visual upgrade giving you is special paint, wheels, blacked out trim and gauges.  Mechanically it’s the same as the other models and that is fine.  The MDX is still equipped with a 3.5 liter V6 making 290 smooth horsepower and 267 ft/lbs of torque, bolted to a brilliantly and frankly underrated AWD system and a 9 speed auto.  All of that helps it scoot to 60 in around the low 6 second mark.  

No the specs won’t scream out at you and that is fine. It gets the job done of shuttling humans and their offspring to and fro pretty well. Does the RX350L offer more luxury, space and refinement? Yes. Yes it does. But the interior of the MDX isn’t bad per se. It’s put together nicely, the seats are comfortable and it’s quiet. It’s just not Lexus RX level of comfort, quietness and build quality.

But what the RX doesn’t offer is Acura’s brilliant SH-AWD system.  The full time AWD system continuously routes power to whatever wheel needs it the most. Making the MDX a well sorted handler and giving it tremendous traction no matter what the scenario. It’s so good in fact that it makes the RX and other competitor’s AWD systems look obsolete.

Let me explain. Most AWD systems are partial systems. Meaning they only kick in when the system senses slip (see the CX-9 Review to read about a bad system). To me, that defeats the purpose of purchasing a vehicle with AWD. If i’m paying for a system, then I want that traction ALL the time. Acura’s system continuously monitors conditions to make sure traction is at its maximum. So as the MDX’s competitors literally spin their wheels in futility, the MDX will get you home safe and sound.

So that is the good stuff. If you’re sold on the MDX, then get it! It’s a good vehicle and you will be happy with your choice. If you are still on the fence…then continue below for the bad.

First up is the third row. It’s is tiny. It’s even tiny for small humans (I think you may refer to them children). When your small humans grow above 5 feet, the third row is more cruel and unusual punishment than seating.  If you do happen to have the third row up then your then your cargo space turns into nil (15 square feet) as well.  So you either have to sacrifice cargo or humans in your quest to carry things and people.

Another issue is the infotainment system… it’s just bad.  There is no ways about it.  It’s rendered poorly, slow to respond to commands, takes 3 screens just to activate the seat heaters and it’s not very intuitive.  Moving from the infotainment to the cabin overall…it just looks old.  Especially compared to the modern and frankly beautiful looking RDX interior.

Now speaking of the RDX…that’s another issue. The RDX is brilliant. It’s so brilliant that completely outshines the MDX.  Yes technically the RDX is smaller…but it offers the same interior volume as the MDX.  No it does not have a third row but with the tininess of the third row in the MDX…it doesn’t really matter.  The RDX also produces more torque and torque is what you feel around town. Therefore it feels quicker and since it’s lighter it handles better as well.  The infotainment is improved but alas is controlled a touchpad which negates how good it is.   

So what do I think of the 2020 Acura MDX?  It’s fine.  It really is.  Are there better alternatives out there?  Surely.  But if your heart is set on one…then it won’t disappoint.