The 2024 Acura MDX is a premium three-row SUV for drivers who value athletic handling over luxury.
A 290 hp V-6 engine powers most models and makes a lot of noise. Every MDX provides an enjoyable experience for those behind the wheel, but this is especially true of the sportiest Type S trim, which comes standard with all-wheel drive, a 355-hp turbocharged V-6 and an adjustable air suspension system. Seating is spacious for adults in the first and second rows, but the rear row of the MDX is only suitable for children. The interior design is classy and offers several nice tech features, but if you're looking for luxury and top-of-the-line materials, you'll be better served by competitors like the Genesis GV80, Mercedes-Benz GLE-class, and Volvo. XC90. Acuras are cheaper than the alternatives, so if you're not fussy, they'll save you a lot of money and bring a more satisfying driving experience to your driveway.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The MDX's cabin has a premium look and feel, especially in the upscale trim, which features French-stitched leather on the dash and open-pore wood mixed with metal and piano-black accents. Acura also equips the MDX with plenty of creature comforts, such as dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and leather upholstery. The front seats are supportive and comfortable and can be equipped with amenities such as 16-way power adjustment and massage. The first and second rows offer ample passenger space, but the MDX's third row is still reserved for children. While the interior is well-designed and offers plenty of comfort options, the cabin doesn't feel as luxurious as those of competitors like the Genesis GV80 or Volvo XC90.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The regular MDX is powered by a 290-hp 3.5-liter V-6 engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The sporty Type S model is powered by a 355-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine and comes standard with all-wheel drive. Our test drive of the all-wheel-drive Advance model with the standard powertrain revealed surprisingly nimble handling and excellent acceleration. When we sampled the Type S, we praised it for its similarly nimble feel on the road and appreciated its extra power, but wondered whether the model deserved its Type S badge. However, the Type S is much quicker than the standard model, and on our test track, it took just 5.5 seconds to reach 60 mph while the less powerful variant needed 6.4 seconds.Real World Fuel Economy and MPG
The base MDX offers EPA fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway; The Type S is rated at 17 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. On a fuel-efficient 75 mph highway route, our all-wheel-drive A-Spec test vehicle returned a disappointing 22 mpg. The Type S model does slightly better and returns 23 mpg. For more information about the MDX's fuel economy, visit the EPA website.Infotainment and Connectivity
The 2024 MDX features a large 12.3-inch infotainment screen with a center console-mounted touchpad controller, which we're afraid to report is a bit frustrating to use. A reconfigurable 12.3-inch digital gauge display is also standard, as are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, in-dash navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. An ELS Studio stereo system is included on the Technology trim while A-Spec and Advanced models get a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D setup.Specification
2022 Acura MDX SH-AWDTYPE
VEHICLE Front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE AS TESTED
$58,625 (base price: $49,925)MACHINE TYPE
SOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block, and heads, direct fuel injection
Capacity
212 in 3, 3471 cm 3
Power
290 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque
267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
TRANSMISSION
10 speed automaticCHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): control arm/ multilink
Brakes (F/R): 13.8 inch ventilated disc/13.0 inch disc
Tires: Bridgestone Alenza Sport A/S, 255/50R-20 105H M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 113.8 inchesLength: 198.4 inches
Width: 78.7 inches
Height: 67.1 inches
Passenger volume: 139 3ft
Cargo volume: 16ft 3
Curb weight: 4514 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 6.4 seconds100 mph: 17.6 seconds
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 6.6 seconds
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.6 seconds
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 5.2 seconds
1/4 mile: 15.1 seconds @ 112 mph
Top speed (limited by governor): 112 miles/
Braking hours, 70–0 mph: 170 ft
Acceleration time from a standing start eliminated a 1-foot launch from 0.3 seconds.
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Recorded: 16 mpg75-mph highway driving speed: 22 mpg
Highway range: 400 miles
EPA FUEL ECONOMICS
Combined/city/highway: 21/19/25 mpg2022 Acura MDX Type S Vehicle Type
: front-engine, all-wheel drive, 7 passengers, 4-door wagon
PRICING BASIS
/As Tested: $67,895/$73,745MACHINE
turbocharged and inter-cooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block, and heads, direct fuel injectionDisplacement capacity: 183 in 3, 2997 cm 3
Power: 355 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque: 354 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm
TRANSMISSION
10 speed automaticCHASSIS SUSPENSION
, F/R: control arm/multilink brakes, F/R: 14.3-inch ventilated discs/13.0-inch discs
Tires: Continental CrossContact RX ContiSeal
275/40R-21 107H M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 113.8 inchesLength: 198.4 inches
Width: 78.7 inches
Height: 67.1 inches
Passenger Volume: 139 ft. 3
Cargo Volume: 16 ft. 3
Curb Weight: 4712 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.5 seconds100 mph: 14.1 seconds
1/4-Mile: 14.1 seconds @ 100 mph
The above results eliminate a 1-foot launch from 0.3 seconds.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.9 seconds
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.4 seconds
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.2 seconds
Top Speed (gov ltd):
111 mph braking, 70–0 mph: 180 ft braking
, 100–0 mph:
Roadholding 352 ft., Skidpad 300 ft.: 0.87 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Recorded: 17 mpg75-mph Highway Driving: 23 mpg
75-mph Highway Distance: 420 miles
EPA FUEL ECONOMICS
Combined/City/Highway: 17/19/21 mpg
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 113.8 inchesLength: 198.4 inches
Width: 78.7 inches
Height: 67.1 inches
Passenger Volume: 139 ft. 3
Cargo Volume: 16 ft. 3
Curb Weight: 4712 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.5 seconds100 mph: 14.1 seconds
1/4-Mile: 14.1 seconds @ 100 mph
The above results eliminate a 1-foot launch from 0.3 seconds.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.9 seconds
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.4 seconds
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.2 seconds
Top Speed (gov ltd):
111 mph braking, 70–0 mph: 180 ft braking
, 100–0 mph:
Roadholding 352 ft., Skidpad 300 ft.: 0.87 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Recorded: 17 mpg75-mph Highway Driving: 23 mpg
75-mph Highway Distance: 420 miles
EPA FUEL ECONOMICS
Combined/City/Highway: 17/19/21 mpg
