2008 Acura MDX [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 66 MDX reviews and test drives.
Acura MDX - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Acura MDX ranks 5 out of 14 Luxury Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 66 published reviews and test drives of the Acura MDX, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The MDX's ranking is based on its excellent combination of spaciousness, stellar safety and smooth handling. One of its few shortcomings is the redesigned exterior, which features a front grille that is disliked by several reviewers. Ultimately, the MDX is outranked by more well-rounded competitors, including the Lexus RX 350 and Infiniti FX.
The 2008 Acura MDX is a luxurious and performance-minded family vehicle. Introduced in 2001, the SUV received a major exterior redesign in 2007 that positions it against upscale competition like the BMW X5 and the Porsche Cayenne. "A good price, great handling, and plenty of seating makes Acura's redesigned midsize SUV a smart alternative to the BMW X5," says BusinessWeek. Reviewers are generally impressed with the interior and performance improvements. In a head-to-head test of seven luxury SUVS over $50,000, Car and Driver ranks the 2008 Acura MDX Sport first, saying it "was victorious almost everywhere it poked its gaudy grille." Among the awards won by the 2007 model is an "Editors' Most Wanted" pick for an SUV Under $45,000.
The MDX comes in only one trim, but there are three option packages available -- the Technology Package, the Sport Package, and the Entertainment Package (which requires one or both of the other packages) -- which all tack on a few thousand dollars.
- "The MDX Sport isn't cheap at nearly $50,000, but it is a comprehensively equipped, superbly performing illustration of just what a sports-luxury SUV ought to be." -- The Examiner
- "Good use of technology and traditional luxury combine in the second-generation Acura MDX." -- The Auto Channel
- "Acura's redesigned SUV offers hip styling, inspiring performance and enviable versatility." -- Chicago Tribune
- "The MDX is still a best buy, but no longer such an overwhelming deal." -- New York Times
MDX Performance - 8.7 (Very Good)
The MDX ranks near the top of its class for performance thanks in large part to sporty touches implemented last year, including a new V6 engine and Super-Handling All Wheel Drive. The Examiner says that the MDX is "quite capable of tearing around on twisting pieces of asphalt in the company of other seriously drivable SUVs like Porsche's Cayenne and the BMW X5. That is good company to be in and in many respects the MDX not only holds its own, it bests those two European thoroughbreds." Continue with our full Performance Review to learn about the MDX's impressive 0-to-60 mph times and surefooted handling. continue
MDX Exterior - 7.0 (Good)
Reviews are mixed on the 2008 Acura MDX's styling, which changed as part of the 2007 redesign, leaving the MDX in the bottom half of its class for exterior. Some find it pleasing and even innovative, but several think it's off-putting, especially with a new larger grille. "By unanimous agreement, the grille on the Acura MDX Sport is ugly and needs to be redone," says the Washington Post. Continue with our full Exterior Review to see how the car's grille is generating a hullabaloo in the auto media, or check out our Photo Gallery to see for yourself. continue
MDX Interior - 8.0 (Very Good)
The consensus on the 2008 Acura MDX's interior, restyled last year, is that designers got it right with comfortable seating and a stylish appearance -- but the control layout still continues to disappoint some. Regardless, the MDX's interior ranks within the top five in its class. While The Examiner calls the cockpit "a passenger cabin that may well be the most beautiful in any SUV," but AutoWeek finds it's "tough to decipher where everything is" on the center stack. The Acura's three seating rows can hold seven passengers, but most find the three seats in back suitable only for children. Continue with our full Interior Review to see interior photos, learn what's so special about the optional navigation system, and find out why some reviewers complain about the MDX's controls. continue
MDX Safety - 9.8 (Excellent)
The 2008 Acura MDX does extremely well in federal government crash tests. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety also named it a "Top Safety Pick" for its good performance in front, side and rear tests and for its standard electronic stability control. Continue with our full Safety Review to learn more about the MDX's array of air bags and how well it performs in crash tests. continue
MDX Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Acura MDX reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2008 Acura MDX comes with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty. Continue with our full Reliability Review to learn about Acura's good reputation for quality. continue
