Acura MDX Specs: An Impressive Mid-Size Luxury SUV

Sandy B
Feb 25, 2021

White 2020 Acura MDX From Front-Driver Side

When you’re thinking about purchasing a car like the Acura MDX, you know quality. You expect reliability and safety, too. This vehicle has much to offer, depending on the year of purchase. Yet, getting the MDX specifications are an important part of making any buying decision about a new or used model.

What are the key features of the Acura MDX?

There are a few key Acura MDX specs you should consider for the 2020 model:

  • Standard 290 horsepower engine with a V6 engine
  • Available Active Damper System
  • Honda’s Superior Handling All-Wheel Drive System
  • Towing capacity up to 5000 pounds
  • Top driver-assist features
  • Spacious interiors

The best route to finding the vehicle right for you is to compare these specs carefully. There are a few key things to look for before buying, which we’ll break down for you here. You can check the Acura MDX specs and reports from consumers at Vehicle History.

Overview of the Acura MDX

The Acura MDX, sometimes known just as the Honda MDX, is one of the most recognized in the manufacturer’s lineup. It has been produced since 2000 by either Acura itself or Honda later. The vehicle is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV, and it packs in the features to reach that level. It is one of the best-selling vehicles from the manufacturer.

There are a few things that make the Acura MDX stand out over the years. For example, it was the first crossover SUV that had three-row seating. It seats up to seven people, though there is limited overall room in the third row.

The SUV has seen its fair share of recognition over the years. That includes being named the 2020 Best Family Luxury Car by Parents Magazine. It was also named the 2020 5-Year Cost to Own Awards, winning from Kelley Blue Book. Vincentric, an automotive analysis company, also named its 2020 model the “Best Value in America” for a luxury SUV and crossover.

Performance Features and Specs of the Acura MDX

The MDX is a luxury vehicle, and with that should come some exceptional performance features. This vehicle does well in various areas, including offering several trim options, including the MDX and the MDX Sport Hybrid.

The standard model offers a 290-horsepower engine with a V-6 onboard. It is a good workhorse option for this SUV. It also features a 9-speed transmission that is fairly smooth and comfortable to operate.

The MDX hybrid also offers a bit of a faster feel to it and easily moves from the gas engine to the electric motors with ease. Hybrid models are not recommended for any towing, but the gas engine can pull as much as 5000 pounds, and that’s pretty impressive.

The vehicle offers a 3.5L engine with forward front-wheel drive. It also offers an Intelligent Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC) system.

The hybrid model features a three-motor Sport Hybrid SH-AWD powertrain. This is an efficient system that is very easy to handle. It is a continuously active system with high-performance results.

Most of today’s drivers want fuel efficiency, and the Acura MDX offers it. One key reason for this is Idle Stop technology that’s built into the vehicle. This helps to improve fuel efficiency.

The vehicle’s hybrid model gets 27 combined highway/city miles per gallon with 26 city and 27 highways. The standard model gets a combined 23 city/highway with 20 city, and 277 highways, according to EPA estimates.

It’s also worth showcasing the styling of the Acura MDX. It has a nice, sleek design with an NSX-inspired interior. It’s available in various colors but looks the luxury part. It also offers Jewel Eye LED headlights. This provides a more elegant look. They also provide a longer and wider surface area level of coverage.

The 2020 model comes with the following warranty offers:

  • Limited warranty for 4 years or 50,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty for 6 years or 70,000 miles
  • This new car warranty is pretty standard overall for luxury crossover SUVs

Other Notable Features of the Acura MDX

Stepping inside the Acura MDX opens the door to luxury as well. The interior is rather impressive, though the materials are not necessarily elegant. The bench seat in the second row offers a nice benefit of added room overall, and it can recline some. The third-row passengers are not as lucky.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives the Acura MDX a 5-star safety rating. That includes a 40star rollover resistance test rating.

When it comes to infotainment, the vehicle has a variety of features. This includes the Acura ELS Studio Premium Audio System, eight speakers, and SirusXM satellite radio. The Acura Navigation System with 3D view is an available option. There is also an available rear entertainment system available.

The vehicle features an On Demand Multi-Use Display with an 8-inch color display. AcuraLink Connected Services are available on the standard model.

The Pros and Cons of the Acura MDX

Making that decision about whether to buy a vehicle or not is always a big one, but you don’t have to make it on your own. You can check out the reviews left by Acura MDX users by checking the Vehicle History.

Pros:

  • Luxury and comfort are present
  • Leather seats are comfortable and supportive
  • The engine is smooth, and the transmission is reliable
  • Electronics are numerous and modern
  • Driver-assist features are available and easy to use
  • Good looking vehicle for everyday use

Cons:

  • Some report problems with electronics and managing use of them
  • The braking system is not as reliable as some would like
  • Some wish fuel economy was improved on this model

Should I Buy the Acura MDX?

When it comes to picking your next car, focus on the driving quality, fuel efficiency, and the power behind it. Is the Acura MDX right for you? To find out, read through the customer reviews and comments on its Vehicle History. It takes minutes to get the insights you need to make better decisions.

avatar Sandy B
Sandy B. has written for The New York Times, Cleveland Magazine, and many online publications. She long-ago ditched the minivan life for the off-roading Ford Explorer (and hoping to restore a Shelby Mustang!)
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