2020 Acura MDX

History/Overview

Since 2001, the MDX has been Acura's entry in the mid-size luxury SUV category. It introduced the brand's mid-size utility architecture, which would later be shared with the Honda Pilot (starting in 2003) and Ridgeline pickup (in 2006). The MDX has something neither of those vehicles has, however, which is a gas-electric hybrid powertrain option, added in 2017.

What's New / Key Changes from Last Year

For 2020, the MDX replaces last year's six-seat Elite package with a new Tech Plus trim, making all MDX variants seven-seaters.

Available Trims

Trim levels begin with a base model called SH-AWD, named after the MDX's all-wheel drive system. It's followed by Tech, A-Spec, Tech Plus, Elite and Sport Hybrid. A 3.5L V6 and nine-speed transmission are shared by all but Sport Hybrid, which uses a 3.0L V6 and three electric motors and a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

Standard Features

MDX SH-AWD standard features include forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, road departure mitigation, tire pressure monitoring, 18-inch wheels, an electric parking brake, automatic high beams, heated side mirrors, headlight washers, a heated windshield, LED headlights and taillights, sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive cruise control, ambient interior lighting, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, garage door opener, a power tailgate, power tilt-and-telescopic steering column adjustments, passive keyless entry, three-zone automatic climate control, an eight-speaker stereo, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, four USB smartphone charge ports, 12-way power front seats, heated front seats and steering wheel, and leather upholstery.

Tech trim adds blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, 20-inch wheels, navigation, front and rear parking sensors, a 10-speaker stereo, AcuraLink and hard-drive media storage.

A-Spec trim adds auto-dimming side mirrors, LED fog lights, approach lighting, and ventilated front seats.

The Tech Plus package deletes ventilated front seats, but brings auto-levelling headlights, a 115-volt power outlet, and an 11-speaker sound system, a 9.0-inch rear-seat entertainment system, heated second-row seats, rear-window sunshades, and perforated leather seating.

Elite trim adds an adaptive damper suspension, roof rails, a surround-view camera system, a 12-speaker stereo, a 16.2-inch rear-seat entertainment system and wood interior trim.

Sport Hybrid trim is similarly equipped.

Fuel Economy

Acura's fuel consumption estimates for the MDX are 12.3/9.2 L/100 km (city/highway; 12.2/9.5 for the A-Spec), and 9.1/9.0 L/100 km for the Sport Hybrid.

Competition

Acura's competition for the MDX includes the Lexus RX, the Infiniti QX60, Cadillac XT6, Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, Volvo XC90, Audi Q7, BMW X5 and X7, Lincoln Aviator, and the Land Rover Discovery.