The Acura MDX is a stylish sport utility vehicle that can be a reliable workhorse as well.
The 2020 Acura MDX demonstrated its versatility on a weather-challenged December ski day to Lake Tahoe and back. The trip to Tahoe was done on dry roads and this driver’s focus was on the comfort this midsize luxury SUV delivered. The driving felt effortless.
With the road conditions turning nasty on the afternoon trip home, the MDX utilized the optional Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system that enhances handling and traction. It efficiently traveled in snowy and wet weather, giving us a feeling of total control while going over some steep mountain passes and navigating past a couple dozen semi-trucks that were in a hurry to escape any issues that might arise in the high country.
We’ve been a fan of the family-friendly SUV for years. It has three rows of seating and can haul up to seven people, so it can be appropriate transportation for kids and their many activities. But it can also be the cool SUV that one uses for the daily commute or the comfortable, classy mode of travel for a small family.
A major redesign hasn’t taken place since 2015, yet the MDX has aged well and remains at or near the top among luxury midsize crossover SUVs. Now in its third generation, the MDX is nearing the 1 million mark in sales and reportedly is the top-selling luxury three-row SUV of all-time.
Our Acura MDX was the A-Spec trim model, which starts at nearly $56,000, yet is worth consideration. This appearance package features a sportier exterior, 20-inch wheels, all-wheel drive, and a cool-looking front grille.The Acura MDX has one very solid standard engine, a 3.5-liter, V6 that generates 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. It travels 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds and is fairly fuel efficient (19-25 mpg). The engine is paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission that has standard front-wheel drive. The MDX can tow up to 3,500 pounds and that figures swells to 5,000 pounds with all-wheel drive.
2020 Acura MDX
- Performance: 3.5-liter, V6, 290 horsepower
- Mileage estimate range: 19-25 mph
- Price: $44,500 to $60,300
- Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles; drivetrain 6 years/70,000 miles; roadside assistance 4 years/50,000; corrosion 5 years/unlimited
A smart interior characterizes the MDX. It has an appealing look with leather upholstery, high-quality material, and a sensible layout. It has a dual-touchscreen infotainment system that is somewhat intuitive in nature, but takes some time to master. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support is standard.
Comfort is also a plus with the MDX, with the exception of the third row, which is better suited for children, yet does provide easy access even for adults. Up front, there is considerable leg and head-room space. The second row could use a little more leg room. The third row eats up much of the cargo space (15 cubic feet), but folded down and it expands quite a bit (38 cubic feet).
The 2020 Acura MDX provides considerable value for the price. It has a solid upside, serving as a fun SUV to drive that has good performance, strong handling, comfortable ride, and very few flaws.
Weidel on Wheels is featured regularly on www.tahoeskiworld.com. Auto writer Jeffrey Weidel can be reached at skiweidel@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter at @jeffweidel.
