2020 Acura MDX: Review, Design, and Price
Starting at $45.525
Overview
The 2020 Acura MDX doesn't draw tons of interest on the street, however, this three-row crossover is noticeably fleet-footed. With seating for up to seven and the ability to tow up to 5000 pounds, the 2020 MDX is greater than capable of ferrying households on whatever adventure they choose. While the third row is small for adults and the dual-touchscreen infotainment machine can be irritating to use, the Acura SUV has comfortable seats and perfect luxury features. It also comes with either a dutiful V-6 engine or an elective high-tech hybrid powertrain in the Sport Hybrid model. Both versions complement the MDX's fun-to-drive character, however, the Sport Hybrid is particularly sophisticated and speedy. Although it's now not as stylish or as state-of-the-art as the fantastic crossovers and SUVs in its class, the Acura MDX is a unique and enticing alternative.
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| 2020 Acura MDX: Front View |
What's New for 2020?
For 2020, the MDX incorporates over except any changes to its appearance, mechanical components, or reachable features. The lineup continues to provide a gas and gas-electric hybrid mannequin as nicely as a second-row bench that allows up to seven passengers or captain's chairs that seat up to six. However, Acura did extend the base fee of the standard MDX and the Sport Hybrid by way of $100.
The Acura MDX begins at $45,395; the Sport Hybrid prices any other at $8500. We decide on the latter due to the fact of its fantastic gasoline economic system in the metropolis and better-using character. It has popular all-wheel power ($2000 on nonhybrid models) and consists of the applicable Technology package, which otherwise costs $5000. This attire up the cabin with leather seats and wooden trim brings higher infotainment facets such as navigation and an extra powerful audio system and provides blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors. Those who favor maximizing the MDX's technological know-how and luxurious facets can choose the $6750 Advance package (adaptive suspension, second-row captain's chairs, heated and ventilated front seats, and more). Still, we would keep the money to maintain this three-row Acura's value.
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| 2020 Acura MDX: Side View |
Engines, Transmission, and Performance
The 290-hp V-6 that powers the MDX is normal for the powerplants in three-row crossovers, and it's a robust workhorse in this situation. The nine-speed transmission is basically easy and sure-footed, however, it can be gradual to downshift when you choose acceleration. The hybrid MDX is tremendously quick, and the transitions between the fuel engine and the electric motors are seamless. While the gas model can tow up to 5000 pounds, Acura does now not endorse towing with the hybrid version, which diminishes some of our praise. The MDX is also a pleasure to drive. The Acura's non-compulsory all-wheel-drive system (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive a.k.a. SH-AWD) helps it to be extra agile and enticing on the road than we assume a three-row crossover to be. Both versions provide some of their parts on the competition when it comes to braking. The hybrid stopped at 188 feet, exactly the equal distance as the trendy MDX, and we referred to some reduced braking power after successive hard stops.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The MDX has EPA fuel-economy ratings that are very similar to those of the competition, but it outperformed expectations—and its rivals—in our real-world highway fuel-economy test. The all-wheel-drive nonhybrid MDX earned 28 mpg, making it the most environment-friendly of the team we tested. The hybrid MDX, 244 pounds heavier and unable to make the most of its battery power at motorway speeds, lower back an incredibly underwhelming 25 mpg in that test. However, the hybrid version provides a sizable improvement in metropolis fuel economy, rated 26 mpg by way of the EPA versus the all-wheel-drive nonhybrid's ranking of 19 mpg.
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| 2020 Acura MDX: Back View |
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The MDX has an incredible list of popular equipment, but Acura's interior substances do not feel as upscale or as cautiously designed as these of the Audi Q7 or the Volvo XC90. Various rivals in this class offer greater legroom in each row than the MDX. Second-row passengers will appreciate that the bench seat can slide lower back and recline slightly, however that is a cold remedy for passengers in the cramped third row. There's much less space in the MDX's cargo hold than in these of its two most compelling rivals, the XC90, and the Q7, but the MDX aced our sensible storage tests.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Unfortunately, Acura's infotainment gadget is undoubtedly associated with these in Hondas, and the two-screen display is as ineffective as ever. A plethora of electricity points and the handy wide-screen leisure device make up for some of the aches of paying greater for an ill-disguised, downmarket system.
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| 2020 Acura MDX: Interior |
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
With superb scores from both crash-test companies and a suite of trendy driver-assistance elements that regularly prices lots of greenbacks in competitors, the MDX is a standout even in this safety-conscious class. Key protection features include:
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Standard automatic emergency braking
- Standard adaptive cruise control
- Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Acura's new-car guarantee is largely the preferred fare for luxury brands, but it's lacking the complimentary scheduled preservation that Lexus, Volvo, and others provide as a phase of the purchase.
- The limited guarantee covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain assurance covers 6 years or 70,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled upkeep