Quick Drive: 2017 Acura MDX

[William Maley]

When I last reviewed the Acura MDX back in 2014, I mentioned that it and the RDX crossover made up a majority of the brand’s sales. That’s still true in 2017 as both models currently make up 63.8 percent of Acura’s sales through the end of March. In closing my review, I said Acura focused on fixing the issues that hurt the MDX before and left other things well alone, creating a balanced luxury crossover. But does that still hold up in a field that has become very competitive in the past couple of years? It seemed a revisit was in order.

• Acura did a significant refresh for the 2017 MDX with the biggest change being the design. Up front, Acura has swapped the shield grille for a larger pentagonal grille from the 2016 Precision Concept. While the shield was considered by many to a bit polarizing and a turn-off, I find the new grille to be a bit cartoonish. It doesn’t really work with the rest of the MDX’s design. At least certain traits such as the ‘Jewel Eye’ headlights and sloping roofline are still here and still work.
• The interior hasn’t changed much since our last test and that’s both a good and bad thing. The good is the MDX’s material quality is towards the top of the class with a fair amount of leather and wood trim used throughout. Although considering the price tag of just over $59,000, it would have been nice if Acura added some more luxury touches. Those sitting up front or in the second-row will find plenty of room and a set of supportive seats. The MDX is one of the few models in the class that offers a third-row as standard, but it is best reserved for small kids or being folded into the floor to increase cargo space.
• The bad mostly deals with the AcuraLink infotainment system. This dual screen setup brings more headaches than any other system I have used. A perfect example is when you want to switch from music to a podcast on your USB device. You need to use the top screen and a control knob to go through the various menus to find the show you want to listen to. Not only is this pain, but it also creates a distraction when driving as your eyes are taken off from the road. I wish Acura would scrap this system and start back from square one.
• Power still comes from a 3.5L V6 offering 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic routes power to either the front-wheels or all four-wheels via Acura’s super-handling all-wheel drive (SH-AWD). Advanced models like ours come standard with a stop-start system. 
• The V6 in the MDX is such an impressive motor. Power delivery is quite strong throughout the rev band and the engine doesn’t make much noise during acceleration. However, the stop-start is a bit of a mess. It takes a few seconds for the system to realize that you took your foot off the brake before it restarts the engine. The system can be turned off which we recommend doing.
• The nine-speed automatic needs a bit work as well as we found shifts to be somewhat clunky at low speeds. Also, the transmission is slow to downshift when you need to make a pass. At least paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel solves this issue somewhat as you can do it yourself.
• EPA fuel economy figures stand at 19 City/26 Highway/22 Combined when the MDX is equipped with SH-AWD. I got none too shabby 23 MPG average for the week.
• One area we’re glad to see Acura not messing with the MDX refresh is the suspension tuning. The MDX has stuck the right balance of comfort and handling. Some of this is credited to the Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) that alters various settings for the suspension, steering, and a few other items. This means the MDX can be tailored to deliver a sporty ride when driving down a curvy road and ironing out road imperfections when commuting.
• There is one big issue for the MDX, price. Our MDX Advance & Entertainment tester came with an as-tested price of $59,475 with destination. Considering what you get for the price and compare against other models, the MDX is a bit of a poor value. Stick with one of the lower trims.
• The Acura MDX stands in a bit of an odd middle ground, where it is above the mainstream, but below luxury competitors. It remains a very competent crossover that seems to do most things right. But we can’t help but wonder if Acura was given a bit more time to mess with the stop-start system and automatic transmission, along with making it slightly more luxurious, it could take it a bit further from the middle ground the MDX currently sits in.

Disclaimer: Acura Provided the MDX, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas

Year: 2017
Make: Acura
Model: MDX
Trim: Advanced Entertainment SH-AWD
Engine: 3.5L 24-Valve SOHC i-VTEC V6
Driveline: Nine-Speed Automatic, All-Wheel Drive
Horsepower @ RPM: 290 @ 6,200
Torque @ RPM: 267 @ 4,700
Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 19/26/22
Curb Weight: 4,292 lbs
Location of Manufacture: Lincoln, AL
Base Price: $58,500
As Tested Price: $59,475 (Includes $975.00 Destination Charge)

Options: N/A

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[G. David Felt]

Yawn, I will pass, they are not taking enough risk or pushing the limits of what is needed and can be done in an AWD CUV.  hard core Acura fans afraid of change will for the most part love it.

[A Horse With No Name]

14 minutes ago, dfelt said:

Yawn, I will pass, they are not taking enough risk or pushing the limits of what is needed and can be done in an AWD CUV.  hard core Acura fans afraid of change will for the most part love it.

I have seen what Acura does when it takes risks and pushes limits and there is a link to C and G.  Obviously they are smoking the same stuff our posters in the politics thread are enjoying so heavily...

[G. David Felt]

20 minutes ago, A Horse With No Name said:

I have seen what Acura does when it takes risks and pushes limits and there is a link to C and G.  Obviously they are smoking the same stuff our posters in the politics thread are enjoying so heavily...

 +1

[ykX]

I think it is great mommy mobile, my wife loves previous generation and would love this one.  But as was said in the review I think MDX with Technology package is where the sweet spot is for the best value, not the top of the line. I think out of all the AWD CUV's up to $50k MDX is probably has the best driving dynamics.

[A Horse With No Name]

Just now, ykX said:

I think it is great mommy mobile, my wife loves previous generation and would love this one.  But as was said in the review I think MDX with Technology package is where the sweet spot is for the best value, not the top of the line. I think out of all the AWD CUV's up to $50k MDX is probably has the best driving dynamics.

All joking aside it is a really decent vehicle.

[Drew Dowdell]

reliable and boring appliance... nothing more..... and perfectly acceptable if you're into that sort of thing

[G. David Felt]

2 hours ago, A Horse With No Name said:

All joking aside it is a really decent vehicle.

True as long as your under 6' tall. My coworker has one, loves it but I only rode in it once. With the front seat all the way back, it was still tight and only kids could sit behind me. Acura has missed building something for big americans.

[smk4565]

$59k for a Honda Pilot?  No thanks.  And 290 up and 267 lb-ft is all they can muster?  What hurts Acura is having the exact same engine as Honda.  At least Lincoln has a more powerful ecoboost V6 than the Ford.  Infiniti, Lexus and Cadillac have the same problem with their crossovers, it is a corporate V6 you get on a car costing 50% less.  And Infiniti and Cadillac both have a turbo V6 but yet it isn't put in the crossovers.  Meanwhile the Europeans will put 500 hp in a compact crossover, they don't care.

[Robert Hall]

My 77yr old uncle and his wife have a '14 MDX, rode in it last year in Ohio.   It's a pleasant, comfortable midsize SUV, but I wouldn't take it over my Grand Cherokee...

[A Horse With No Name]

1 hour ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

My 77yr old uncle and his wife have a '14 MDX, rode in it last year in Ohio.   It's a pleasant, comfortable midsize SUV, but I wouldn't take it over my Grand Cherokee...

The Grand Cherokee is a really under rated vehicle.

2 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

reliable and boring appliance... nothing more..... and perfectly acceptable if you're into that sort of thing

...And what would you like to see people in that market buy?

[Drew Dowdell]

I think other vehicles offer more value for the money, Jeep being one, the Mazda CX-9 is another.  But what the MDX is best at is square foot for the luxury dollar.... For some customers that might matter.

[A Horse With No Name]

I personally like the Jeep better myself.

[oldshurst442]

Grand Cherokee.

All. The. Way.

[Intrepidation]

Acura still hasn't figured out how to style a car I see. They used to be so good at it.

[ykX]

Jeep GC does not have third row so it can not be compared to MDX.  

Personally, I would go for CX-9 over MDX.

Edited April 27, 2017 by ykX

[Drew Dowdell]

2 minutes ago, ykX said:

Jeep GC does not have third row so it can not be compared to MDX.  

Personally, I would go for CX-9 over MDX.

Quite true about the Jeep... But I don't think it can't be compared... Lots of people who don't need a 3rd row still buy the MDX.

[A Horse With No Name]

19 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

Quite true about the Jeep... But I don't think it can't be compared... Lots of people who don't need a 3rd row still buy the MDX.

Sadly a lot of people won't even cross shop...

[Robert Hall]

Forgot about the third row in the MDX, I'm never sure which have them and which don't since I wouldn't use one.      The Ford Edge and Explorer seem so close, it's the 3rd row that differentiates the Explorer, for example. 

[A Horse With No Name]

1 minute ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

Forgot about the third row in the MDX, I'm never sure which have them and which don't since I wouldn't use one.      The Ford Edge and Explorer seem so close, it's the 3rd row that differentiates the Explorer, for example. 

Agreed....although I would take the MDX over the explorer...not really down with the Ford, but that is just personal preference.

Edited April 27, 2017 by A Horse With No Name

[Robert Hall]

Just now, A Horse With No Name said:

Agreed....although I would take the MDX over the explorer...not really down with the Ford, but that is just personal preference.

It is funny, about cross shopping, etc.  Though I've had a history w/ Fords and plenty of them in my family, I just can't get into their current crop of CUVs and SUVs.    My past experience w/ the GC and fondness for the model steered me towards another GC without much consideration of other models.   Though I briefly considered going new and getting an Equinox (because of my sister's experience w/ the Trax and the particular dealer), I found them too drab and dour inside.  (didn't want a gloomy black or gray cave for NE Ohio).   Also considered a used Tahoe, but the ones in Phoenix tend to be high mileage and 2WD. 

I know people that have had good experiences w/ Acuras, but just not for me. 

[Drew Dowdell]

23 minutes ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

Forgot about the third row in the MDX, I'm never sure which have them and which don't since I wouldn't use one.      The Ford Edge and Explorer seem so close, it's the 3rd row that differentiates the Explorer, for example. 

Explorer has more cargo space in the back too though, its definitely a bigger vehicle if you're going to be traveling in it a lot. 

22 minutes ago, A Horse With No Name said:

Agreed....although I would take the MDX over the explorer...not really down with the Ford, but that is just personal preference.

I'd go the other way... the MDX felt really cheap to me for what was supposed to be a luxury vehicle. The Ford Explorer in Platinum trim has a lot more power and a lot more kit for less money.... plus, they drive really well for an SUV. 

[A Horse With No Name]

17 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

Explorer has more cargo space in the back too though, its definitely a bigger vehicle if you're going to be traveling in it a lot. 

I'd go the other way... the MDX felt really cheap to me for what was supposed to be a luxury vehicle. The Ford Explorer in Platinum trim has a lot more power and a lot more kit for less money.... plus, they drive really well for an SUV. 

Jeep Grand Cherokee for me all the way in this segment though...

34 minutes ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

It is funny, about cross shopping, etc.  Though I've had a history w/ Fords and plenty of them in my family, I just can't get into their current crop of CUVs and SUVs.    My past experience w/ the GC and fondness for the model steered me towards another GC without much consideration of other models.   Though I briefly considered going new and getting an Equinox (because of my sister's experience w/ the Trax and the particular dealer), I found them too drab and dour inside.  (didn't want a gloomy black or gray cave for NE Ohio).   Also considered a used Tahoe, but the ones in Phoenix tend to be high mileage and 2WD. 

I know people that have had good experiences w/ Acuras, but just not for me. 

This would echo my thinking...and yes, nothing wrong at all with the current Ford SUV lineup, just not my cup of tea.

[ykX]

I have not driven Explorer so can't say how it drives but every comparison  many car magazines ran rated it quite poorly,  

Explorer Platinum starts at $50k, MDX with technology package is $48k and I am not sure that Explorer will have more equipment from a quick look on the website.

I do like how Explorer looks, and personally I like it more then MDX but I don't think I would buy it over MDX.

I also would like to say that showing my wife a bunch of three row CUV's and asking her to rate them just based on their appearances I learned that women look at exterior very differently then men, and since most of these CUV's are driven by women our opinion is irrelevant.

If my wife says she likes MDX better I will get MDX even though it might not be my choice

 

Edited April 27, 2017 by ykX

[Drew Dowdell]

The Explorer, GC, Durango, and Tahoe are my current top three choices in no particular order.  I'm interested to see what the new Traverse will be like.... I do like it's looks, but I wasn't a big fan of how the new Acadia drives, so that leaves me wondering about where that will leave me with the Traverse. 

 

[G. David Felt]

1 hour ago, ykX said:

Jeep GC does not have third row so it can not be compared to MDX.  

Personally, I would go for CX-9 over MDX.

I would have to disagree as the two would be cross shopped and based on my own personal experience, I could never recommend the CX-9. If you want to understand why, read my review on it.

Jeep Grand Cherokee is far better than either the MDX or CX-9.

[Drew Dowdell]

1 minute ago, ykX said:

I have not driven Explorer so can't say how it drives but every comparison  many car magazines ran rated it quite poorly,  

Explorer Platinum starts at $50k, MDX with technology package is $48k and I am not sure that Explorer will have more equipment from a quick look on the website.

I do like how Explorer looks, and personally I like it more then MDX but I don't think I would buy it over MDX.

I also would like to say that showing my wife a bunch of three row CUV's and asking her to rate them just based on their appearances I learned that women look at exterior very differently then man, and since most of these CUV's are driven by women our opinion is irrelevant.

If my wife says she likes MDX better I will get MDX even though it might not be my choice

 

The Explorer drives big, I'll give you that. It feels big like a Tahoe.  But for it's class, it does drive very well for what it is.

Too often I find that reviewers tend to try to compare everything to a mid-90s BMW.... and that's just not what these vehicles are.

The MDX too, drives really well.  It was the interior on the MDX that felt like a letdown, far too much Pilot in there.   The Explorer Platinum comes with just about everything you can get. 

I know what you mean about the wife thing though.... part of the reason I'm not allowed to get a Tahoe. 

[ykX]

1 minute ago, dfelt said:

I would have to disagree as the two would be cross shopped and based on my own personal experience, I could never recommend the CX-9. If you want to understand why, read my review on it.

Jeep Grand Cherokee is far better than either the MDX or CX-9.

As was said before GC does not have a third row, we occasionally use third row so GC is not good for our needs.  

I have ridden in CX-9 and I disagree with your review.

[G. David Felt]

35 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

Explorer has more cargo space in the back too though, its definitely a bigger vehicle if you're going to be traveling in it a lot. 

I'd go the other way... the MDX felt really cheap to me for what was supposed to be a luxury vehicle. The Ford Explorer in Platinum trim has a lot more power and a lot more kit for less money.... plus, they drive really well for an SUV. 

Agree with what you say about the Explorer. Having test drove them with my son and family. It was interesting to see that the XLT and Platinum are bigger compared to the Sport model. Sport and Platinum both have the turbo V6 but clearly interior size and exterior is different. Even the sales person pointed this out, you want more room inside, XLT or Platinum. Want fun factor but with less interior and exterior size, you go sport.

Was interesting, but after then going and test driving the Jeep GC, I would take the GC over the Explorer or MDX, but take the Explorer in Platinum over the MDX.

Just now, ykX said:

As was said before GC does not have a third row, we occasionally use third row so GC is not good for our needs.  

I have ridden in CX-9 and I disagree with your review.

I can understand the need for a 3rd row. Must be the difference in size of family members.

[ykX]

Also would like to mention , that personally we usually buy CPO and let somebody else take the big depreciation hit.  Luckily with big popularity of leases on these expensive CUV's there is plenty to choose from when shopping used.

[oldshurst442]

Ford Explorer...HA! and YUCK!

 

My TL was in the shop sometime in November for an airbag issue of some sort...I don't think it was a Takata thing and Acura was being very vague about it...but anyhoo, Acura tweaked something about my airbags all for free...like a recall...

Anyway. The dealership gave me an Explorer  to drive around in for a couple of days...new car. It only had 250 kilometers on it.

WHAT A CRAPPY RIDE!!!

Nothing against Ford...just against how crappy SUVs actually ride...

The Explorer itself is well built. Fit and finish is standard within the industry.

I don't know what trim Explorer I had...but it had the base wheels...whatever they might have been. 15 inchers...16 inchers...they looked small compared to what the vehicle size is...

No...that is not a complaint...

 

The complaint is that it rode very mushy. Unlike my 1985 Oldsmobile Delta 88 that was a joy to cruise around in, this wallowed and did not turn. It hardly braked and stopped. God...vintage American land yachts did a better job than this shyte! I mean...I had a blast doing that in the Oldsmobile...somehow, in the Explorer, there is a lost in translation somewhere. 

Never again will I ever drive an Explorer or a similar riding experience SUV...

 

 

[ykX]

3 minutes ago, dfelt said:

 

I can understand the need for a 3rd row. Must be the difference in size of family members.

We use it only occasionally for kids and for short trips, so even though third row of something like MDX or CX-9 is cramped for grown people, it is perfectly fine for kids.

[Drew Dowdell]

Just now, ykX said:

As was said before GC does not have a third row, we occasionally use third row so GC is not good for our needs.  

I have ridden in CX-9 and I disagree with your review.

I think the CX-9 is fabulous. I'm a little let down by the engine as I am with nearly all turbo-4-bangers.  The only reason it's off my list is space, I need cubic feet.   The new Traverse supposedly has the largest cargo area of all of the crossovers though, so that's why it's still on the list. 

If I were to rank my personal preference for an actual purchase

1. Tahoe (but not allowed)

2. Explorer

3. Durango

4. Jeep Grand Cherokee (but probably not large enough, might go to my partner)

5. Traverse (maybe.... if I like it)

[ykX]

@Drew Dowdell

Just curious, have you driven the new Pilot?  If you did what's your opinion against others in the segment? It does have a lot of space.

[G. David Felt]

5 minutes ago, oldshurst442 said:

Ford Explorer...HA! and YUCK!

 

My TL was in the shop sometime in November for an airbag issue of some sort...I don't think it was a Takata thing and Acura was being very vague about it...but anyhoo, Acura tweaked something about my airbags all for free...like a recall...

Anyway. The dealership gave me an Explorer  to drive around in for a couple of days...new car. It only had 250 kilometers on it.

WHAT A CRAPPY RIDE!!!

Nothing against Ford...just against how crappy SUVs actually ride...

The Explorer itself is well built. Fit and finish is standard within the industry.

I don't know what trim Explorer I had...but it had the base wheels...whatever they might have been. 15 inchers...16 inchers...they looked small compared to what the vehicle size is...

No...that is not a complaint...

 

The complaint is that it rode very mushy. Unlike my 1985 Oldsmobile Delta 88 that was a joy to cruise around in, this wallowed and did not turn. It hardly braked and stopped. God...vintage American land yachts did a better job than this shyte! I mean...I had a blast doing that in the Oldsmobile...somehow, in the Explorer, there is a lost in translation somewhere. 

Never again will I ever drive an Explorer or a similar riding experience SUV...

It was probably the base ford explorer or at best xlt. Both drive like a pig compared to the Sport. If you get a chance, drive a sport Explorer. Handles very well.

[Drew Dowdell]

2 minutes ago, ykX said:

@Drew Dowdell

Just curious, have you driven the new Pilot?  If you did what's your opinion against others in the segment? It does have a lot of space.

I have driven the new Pilot. It was remarkably fast for a regular V6 and felt very light on its feet.  What I didn't like was the interior (a trend for me across the Honda lineup) and that there was very limited sound deadening. You hear everything.  I have an odd sense of hearing, so noises really bother me to the point of causing stress. I have a hard time in crowds for the same reason.  I like the quiet of Buick and Lexus.   I wanted to like the Pilot... but I just couldn't.  Not only is it the roomiest of crossovers until the new Traverse arrives, it would be the easiest for me to sell at home since he likes Hondas. 

[riviera74]

Given the assessment of the current MDX, maybe the tweener aspect can be solved with a discount...... say $3000 off MSRP across the board.  I know luxury and value don't mix, but it would allow the MDX to be less at cross-purposes and a little clearer for all to see.  I do agree with the notion that the MDX needs a stronger engine.  Why pay $60K for an MDX when you can buy a Pilot for around $40K for similar equipment and features?

[loki]

On 4/26/2017 at 0:22 PM, A Horse With No Name said:

I have seen what Acura does when it takes risks and pushes limits and there is a link to C and G.  Obviously they are smoking the same stuff our posters in the politics thread are enjoying so heavily...

what political threads? 

[A Horse With No Name]

7 hours ago, loki said:

what political threads? 

Pretty much all of them...

[Drew Dowdell]

28 minutes ago, A Horse With No Name said:

Pretty much all of them...

He was making a joke since they are no longer visible. 

[A Horse With No Name]

1 minute ago, Drew Dowdell said:

He was making a joke since they are no longer visible. 

...and I was making a joke based on the lack of sentient responses to rational arguments that caused them to be no longer visible...