• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability

Acura MDX - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Acura MDX ranks 1 out of 17 Luxury Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 78 published reviews and test drives of the Acura MDX, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The MDX continues to offer one of the best combinations of a high-tech cabin and smooth handling in its class. For 2010, it receives much-needed updates, including a new six-speed transmission, modified exterior and new interior technology.

The MDX has an average price for the luxury midsize SUV class, and most reviewers say that with features like a standard all-wheel drive system, it packs a lot of value. "The MDX is arguably the most fun-to-drive, most comfortable and nicest looking car in Acura's range," says Jalopnik. That's a big compliment considering that Acura also builds several sporty, stylish sedans.

The MDX’s 300-horsepower V6 engine is especially powerful for its class. Plus, it earns pretty good fuel economy -- 16 miles per gallon in the city and 21 on the highway. Sporty performance may be the MDX’s calling card, but it also impresses reviewers with its luxurious interior and comfortable seats.

The MDX even provides a standard third row, which, while cramped for adults, could be a very useful feature for families with a brood of young kids. Note that one downside of the interior is that reviewers find the controls confusing -- even with a new layout for 2010.

Other Luxury SUVs to Consider

Though the MDX is an excellent choice within its class, there are several more affordable options. The Cadillac SRX will save you a whopping $9,000 and even boasts a higher 18/25 mpg base fuel economy rating. Its cabin materials are top-notch and many will probably finds its controls easier to use than the MDX’s. Another good choice is the Lexus RX 350, which starts at about $5,000 less than the MDX and also earns a base 18/25 mpg fuel economy rating. However, neither the RX nor SRX provide a third-row seat.

If you need that third row, consider the Volvo XC90. Like the MDX, it seats seven with a standard third row, but it costs about $4,500 less. However, its fuel economy rating isn’t as high (15/22 mpg) and reviewers complain about its sub-par handling and sluggish base engine.

Details: Acura MDX

The MDX comes in only one trim, but there are several option packages available -- the Technology, Sport and Entertainment. New for 2010 is the Advance package, which adds an adaptive suspension and several safety systems.

• "We can't say the new exterior touches of the MDX are our cup of tea, but the mechanical improvements over last year's model make this luxury ute an absolute bargain. Throw in an incredible amount of available technology, and we're hard-pressed to figure out why anyone would go for the SUV's pricier competition, such as the Audi Q7, BMW X5 or Mercedes-Benz M-Class." -- MSN
• "This SUV has contemporary styling and thoughtful features. MDX is a highly desirable blend of luxury, performance, and convenience. Among its highlights are a strong and surefooted powertrain, good 1st- and 2nd-row seat comfort, and urbane cabin appointments." -- Consumer Guide
• "For a big crossover, the MDX has a surprisingly sporting feel combined with a high level of luxury." -- Autoblog
• "Notwithstanding the underwhelming center stack, this may be your best choice in a medium-large luxury SUV in the seven-passenger class, meaning two rows of decent seating and a third row you wouldn't wish on anyone over five feet tall." - Gear Log
• "We're anxious to see if the MDX's measurables have improved with the new transmission and suspension, and it seems Acura has taken one of our favorite luxury SUVs and made it incrementally better." -- Car and Driver

MDX Performance - 8.9 (Very Good)

The MDX has always received praise for its sporty performance, which has become even more impressive with this year's transmission and handling improvements. "Put together, it makes the MDX both more capable and more refined," says Jalopnik of the upgrades. Read More

MDX Exterior - 7.5 (Good)

The Acura MDX's styling receives an update for 2010 that includes reworked headlamps. But it still features Acura's shield-like grille, which continues to alienate some reviewers. "Although we must say the new look is more glitzy and expressive, especially with the larger 19-inch wheels, the end result is just as funky as most other Acuras," writes Car and Driver. Read More

MDX Interior - 8.3 (Very Good)

The 2010 Acura MDX's cabin is stylish, comfortable and better equipped than ever. However, despite Acura's attempts to better organize the dashboard controls, several reviewers still find the layout confusing. "The interior has been upgraded with a thicker steering wheel, new wood trim, and LED lighting," explains Car and Driver. "Acura says it also made the plethora of center-stack buttons easier to understand, but frankly, we didn't notice-the dash looked as busy and complicated as ever." Read More

MDX Safety - NA

The 2010 Acura MDX does very well in federal government and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests. New for 2010, the Advance package comes with several innovative safety systems. Read More

MDX Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)

The 2010 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 2010 Acura MDX comes with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty. Read More