2020 Acura MDX

2020 Acura MDX Overview

Is the 2020 Acura MDX a Good Used SUV?

Yes, the 2020 MDX is a great used SUV. It has an energetic powertrain and spirited handling, both of which help make it fun to drive. Furthermore, this vehicle gets good gas mileage and has low five-year cost-of-ownership estimates. Inside, the MDX has a classy cabin. Its third row isn’t huge, but it’s roomier than those of many other luxury three-row SUVs , and its overall cargo capacity is one of the largest in the luxury midsize SUV class .

Why You Can Trust Us

Our goal is to make shopping for your next car as easy as possible. You'll find everything you need to know about this vehicle in our comprehensive review. It combines concrete data like fuel economy estimates, horsepower specs, and cargo space dimensions with 48 professional reviews.

U.S. News Best Cars has been ranking and reviewing vehicles since 2007, and our staff has more than 75 years of combined experience in the auto industry. To ensure our objectivity, we never accept expensive gifts from carmakers, and an outside firm manages the ads on our site.

Pricing

How Much is a 2020 Acura MDX?

Based on listings for the 2020 Acura MDX, the average list price is $30,355. Prices range from $30,355 to $41,099 and vary depending on the vehicle’s condition, mileage, features, and location.

See the Best Used Car Deals »

How Much Does the 2020 Acura MDX Cost to Own?

The 2020 MDX’s five-year costs for gas, insurance, taxes, fees, repairs, and maintenance are projected to be about $34,837, or $6,967 per year. These ownership costs are low for the class.

2019 vs. 2020 Acura MDX: What's the Difference?

There are no notable differences between the 2019 and 2020 Acura MDX.

Compare the 2019 and 2020 MDX »

Here are the key changes for the MDX over the last few years:

• 2017: AcuraWatch suite of driver aids became standard; exterior styling refreshed; MDX Sport Hybrid debuted
• 2018: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto introduced as standard (previously unavailable)
• 2019: A-Spec package added to lineup
• 2020: no major changes

If you're considering an older model, be sure to read our 2017 MDX , 2018 MDX , and 2019 MDX reviews to help make your decision. You can learn about savings and discounts on used vehicles on our Best Used Car Deals page. Also, check out our review of the new Acura MDX, and take a look at our Best New Car Deals and Best New Car Lease Deals pages to see how much you can save on a new vehicle.

How Reliable Is the 2020 Acura MDX?

The 2020 Acura MDX has a predicted reliability score of 80 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.

Read more about MDX reliability »

2020 Acura MDX Recalls

There are no major recalls for the 2020 Acura MDX at this time.

See more information on Acura MDX safety recalls »

Which Used Acura MDX Trim Is Right for Me?

Only one trim is available for the 2020 MDX. When the vehicle was new, however, several option packages were available. For this review, we’ll treat each package like its own trim. Every 2020 MDX comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and either front- or all-wheel drive (SH-AWD).

We cover the 2020 Acura MDX Hybrid in a separate review.

• Acura MDX: Standard equipment in this Acura includes a dual-screen infotainment system, an eight-speaker stereo, satellite radio, six USB ports, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, leather-trimmed seats, heated and 12-way power-adjustable front seats, proximity keyless entry, tri-zone automatic climate control, a power liftgate, alloy wheels, and a moonroof. The standard AcuraWatch suite of driver-assistance features includes a forward collision mitigation and braking system, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, road departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control. Automatic high-beam headlights and a rearview camera are standard too.
• Acura MDX with Technology Package: The MDX with Acura’s Technology package gains a 10-speaker ELS stereo, HD Radio, navigation, GPS-linked climate control, remote start, perforated leather seats, front and rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
• Acura MDX with A-Spec Package: In addition to the Technology package, A-Spec models feature sport seats with Milano leather and Alcantara trim, a few other styling elements, and ventilated front seats. All A-Spec models come with all-wheel drive.
• Acura MDX with Advance Package: With the Advance package, the MDX adds ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain’s chairs, a heated steering wheel, two USB ports for the third row, a surround-view parking camera system, and a head-up display.
• Acura MDX with Entertainment Package: The MDX with Entertainment package only comes on models with AWD and either the Technology or Advance packages. With the former, it has an 11-speaker stereo, a 9-inch rear-seat DVD player, and second-row captain’s chairs. With the latter, it has a 12-speaker stereo, a 16-inch DVD player, and a second-row bench seat.

See 2020 Acura MDX trims and specs »

What Does Acura's Certified Pre-Owned Warranty Cover?

Acura offers a certified pre-owned program for cars six years old or less and with fewer than 80,000 miles. Eligibility is determined by the vehicle’s initial sale date. Qualifying vehicles get a limited warranty that is good for up to two years or 100,000 miles after the four-year/50,000-mile new-car warranty has expired. Acura covers the powertrain for seven years or 100,000 miles. These CPO models must pass a 182-point inspection. Additional benefits are available, including roadside assistance and the first scheduled maintenance. 

Among luxury car manufacturers, Acura’s CPO program is well above average, according to our research, surpassing Audi, BMW and Infiniti.

See the best CPO programs »

Extended Warranties for Acura Cars and SUVs

Not every used Acura will qualify for a certified pre-owned warranty. However, there are options available if you want additional coverage after the manufacturer’s warranty has expired. 

Read more about extended car warranties »

2020 Acura MDX Safety

Score: 9.8/10

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2020 Acura MDX the highest rating of Good in the five crash tests it conducted. The vehicle’s headlights received the second-highest rating of Acceptable for forward visibility.

The IIHS uses a different scale for grading collision avoidance features. This Acura earned the highest rating of Superior for its standard front crash prevention system.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the MDX an overall safety rating of five out of five stars, with five stars in the frontal and side crash tests and four stars in the rollover test.

Standard driver assistance features:

• Forward collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking
• Rearview camera
• Adaptive cruise control
• Road departure mitigation
• Lane keep assist
• Lane departure warning
• Automatic high-beam headlights

Available driver assistance features:

• Blind spot monitoring
• Rear cross traffic alert
• Surround-view parking camera system
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Head-up display
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers

2020 Acura MDX Versus the Competition

2020 Acura MDX vs. 2020 Lexus RX 350

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 is an appealing SUV, and it’s similar to the Acura in some ways. For example, both vehicles have fuel-efficient and sufficiently muscular powertrains. However, the MDX comes out slightly ahead in our rankings. It has a higher safety score and lower five-year ownership costs. Its sportier handling makes it more fun to drive too.

Compare the MDX and RX 350 »

2020 Acura MDX vs. 2020 Audi Q7

The 2020 Audi Q7 finishes neck and neck with the MDX in our luxury midsize SUV rankings . Both vehicles have well-rounded performance and a high-class cabin, though the Q7 has the edge in both, thanks to its gentler ride, premium materials, and state-of-the-art tech features. On the other hand, the MDX has more overall cargo room, better fuel economy estimates, and lower ownership costs. The Acura will likely be less expensive to purchase too. Choosing between these two is a matter of preference.

Compare the MDX and Q7 »

Compare the MDX, RX 350, and Q7 »

2020 MDX Performance

How Does the 2020 Acura MDX Drive?

It may not have the strongest engine in the class, but the MDX gets around fine. Acceleration comes quickly, whether you need to pass another vehicle on the freeway or take off from a stoplight. The automatic transmission is a good match for the engine, and it makes smooth, prompt shifts.

While you won’t forget you’re driving an SUV, the MDX has decent handling. It tackles corners eagerly and confidently, especially with Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive system (SH-AWD). The ride is usually comfortable, but an occasional bump may slip through and jostle the cabin.

• Engine: 3.5-liter V6 with 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque
• Drivetrain: standard front-wheel drive; available all-wheel drive
• Transmission: nine-speed automatic

2020 Acura MDX Gas Mileage

The front-wheel-drive MDX earns great EPA estimates for the class, and models with all-wheel drive are still fairly fuel-efficient.

• FWD: 20/27 mpg city/highway
• AWD: 19/26 mpg
• MDX A-Spec, AWD: 19/25 mpg

2020 Acura MDX Towing Capacity

When properly equipped with Acura’s SH-AWD, this vehicle can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Models with FWD can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Read more about MDX performance »

2020 MDX Interior

2020 MDX Interior Quality

This Acura has high-grade fit and finish, and its cabin is furnished with premium materials.

How Many People Does the 2020 MDX Seat?

The 2020 MDX seats seven people in three rows. Models with second-row captain’s chairs can seat six. The first two rows are roomy and comfortable for most adults. Accessing the third row is easy, as you can press a button to fold and slide the second row. There’s enough space back there for kids, and even some adults can sit there for short trips.

Standard seating features:

• Leather upholstery
• Heated front seats
• 12-way power-adjustable front seats

Available seating features:

• Upgraded leather upholstery
• Ventilated front seats
• Heated second-row captain’s chairs
• Heated steering wheel

How Many Child Car Seats Fit in the 2020 Acura MDX?

This vehicle has three complete sets of LATCH connectors for the second-row seats and a tether anchor for each third-row seat. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave this LATCH system the second-highest rating of Acceptable for its ease of use, noting that the second-row tethers were hard to find and the third-row tethers were easy to confuse for other hardware.

2020 Acura MDX Features

Once you get the hang of which screen controls what, using Acura’s two-screen infotainment system is easy. The screens have quick responses, and the menus are well laid out. Only the lower screen has touch capability, though.

• Standard infotainment features: an 8-inch upper screen, a 7-inch lower touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, six USB ports, Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free, satellite radio, and an eight-speaker stereo
• Available infotainment features : a 10, 11, or 12-speaker ELS stereo, HD Radio, navigation, a 9- or 16-inch rear-seat DVD player, and two more USB ports
• Additional standard features: tri-zone automatic climate control, proximity keyless entry, push-button start, and a moonroof
• Other available features: remote start and GPS-linked climate control

See 2020 Acura MDX specs »

Read more about MDX interior »

2020 Acura MDX Dimensions

Acura MDX Cargo Space

The 2020 MDX has 15.8 cubic feet of space behind the third row, which is small for a luxury midsize SUV . Fold down the third row, however, and you get 45.1 cubic feet of space, and with both the second and third rows folded, you get an impressive 90.6 cubic feet, which is huge for the class. A power liftgate is standard.

Acura MDX Length and Weight

• Length: 16 feet, 4 inches
• Curb weight: 4,032 to 4,486 pounds

Where Was the 2020 Acura Built?

Acura built the 2020 MDX in Alabama and Ohio.