The 2021 Acura MDX continues to flaunt a fine balance of luxury and exploitable performance that is rare to come by in this segment and price point. A total of 5 trims are offered with the new Acura MDX, however, a new Type S model slated for 2022 will take the count to 6. It will also ride on a platform the same as the new 2021 Acura TLX and the 2022 Acura MDX.
The 2021 Acura MDX will mark the end of the ongoing generation
Prices for the 2021 Acura MDX, meanwhile, are expected to begin from $46,000 and could go past the $60k mark for the top trim. If you want to lease an MDX, the 2020 model can be yours for roughly around $419/month for 36 months with a premium of $2,999 due at signing for the FWD models. For the SH-AWD MDX models, the amount due at signing rises to $3,499.
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
Ratings
Pricing And Features
8.3
Engine And Performance
8.4
Fuel Economy
7.1
Interior
7.8
Exterior
8.0
Safety
9.8
Competition
8.0
Final Verdict
7.3
8.1
OVERALL RATING
Expert Review, Pricing Analysis and Buying Guide
8.1
Overall Rating
In its relentless pursuit of "Precision Crafted Performance" Acura is also going to offer a spicier MDX Type S, a sportier variant that will be powered by a turbo 3.0-liter V6 - MotorTrend.com
Acura is yet to reveal the entire spec-sheet for the 2022 MDX Type S but there are rumors that the Type S trim will get a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine making 355 hp. And till we get on the much-anticipated ones, the 2021 Acura MDX will be the last year for the current generation.
the 2020 MDX is more than capable of ferrying families on whatever adventure they choose - Caranddriver.com
Acura has kept the 2021 MDX line-up unchanged and is available with just one powertrain - a standard 290 hp 3.5L V6. The 2022 update of MDX is the most intriguing in the lineup's history, and so Acura has decided to let go of any major updates for 2021. The 2021 MDX starts from an MSRP of $44,500 and tops out at $53,500.
The 2021 Acura MDX is offered in the same 5 trims as before
As for the 2021 Acura MDX, the Standard trim's prices start from $44,500. For that you get features like Jewel Eye LED headlights, heated leather seats with 12-way power adjustability, tri-zone automatic climate control, 8-speaker Acura audio system, leather interior trim, and dual exhaust outlets.
Trim
Standard
Technology Package
A-Spec Package
Advance Package
Entertainment Package
MSRP (FWD)
$44,500
$49,500
-
$56,250
-
MSRP (SH-AWD)
$46,500
$51,500
$55,000
$58,250
$53,500
Key Features
Tri-zone Automatic Climate Control
Add/Upgrades to Standard
Add/Upgrades to Technology Package
Add/Upgrades to A-Spec Package
Add/Upgrades to Advance Package
Power Moonroof
Rain-sensing Wipers
Dark-chrome Lighting Details
Auto-dimming Side Mirrors
11-speaker w/Technology Package/12-speaker w/Advance Package; ELS Premium Audio System
Power Tailgate
LED Puddle Lights
LED Fog Lights
Body-color Lower Trim
9-inch LCD Overhead Rear Entertainment Console w/Technology Package
Jewel Eye LED Headlights
Power-folding Mirrors
A-Spec Exclusive Dual-exhaust Outlets
Sport Seats w/Perforated Milano Premium Leather-trimmed Interior w/Contrast Stitching and Piping
16.2-inch Extra-wide LCD Overhead Rear Entertainment Console w/Advance Package
The Technology Package trim will start from $49,500 for the base 290 hp 3.5L V6 and FWD configuration. This trim gets additional features like a 10-speaker premium ELS audio system, navigation system with a 3D view, natural wood trim, and LED puddle lights. The A-Spec package is only available as an all-wheel-drive only.
2021 Acura MDX SUV's prices could start at over $46,000
This trim gets A-Spec seats with perforated Milano premium leather and Alcantara-trimmed interior, heated and ventilated front seats, A-Spec exclusive dual exhaust outlets. Features offered with this trim include 2nd-row sunshades, heated steering wheel, surround-view camera, head-up warning, and 2nd-row captain’s chairs among others.
If you’re in the market looking for a functional and practical luxury family SUV, then the Standard trim of the MDX should be good enough. It comes with a plethora of features at a reasonable price tag and offers all the things in the world that you would expect from a luxury family SUV. So, our pick here is the Standard trim level of the MDX with all-wheel drive.
If you're looking for more power, check out the 2022 MDX Type S, with its 3.0-liter turbo engine. This SUV should offer roughly 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, along with the company's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive - Cnet.com
2022 Acura MDX's V6 or turbo V6 comes paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission!
The engine delivers power smoothly and in a linear fashion and feels super refined. The 9-speed gearbox is not the quickest around but is not a deal-breaker. However, the 2022 MDX will be based on the same platform as the new TLX. Accordingly, the transmission could also be swapped with a 10-speed automatic unit.
The time required to reach the quarter-mile in 14.6 seconds. The Acura MDX gets 12.6 inches discs at the front and 13.0-inch discs at the rear. The SUV comes to a complete halt within a distance of 116 feet when stopping from 60 MPH. But the Cadillac XT5 gets the largest set of brakes, and hence, has the lowest stopping distance in the competition of 111 feet.
This vehicle rides smoothly over most roads, though a few critics comment that some road flaws make their way into the cabin - Cars.usnews.com
MDX delivers big when it comes to all-around efficiency. In the city, the car goes for about 20 miles on a gallon of fuel, while on the highway it returns 27 miles to the gallon. The 2021 MDX gets a combined EPA rating of 23 MPG, which is pretty impressive for an SUV of this size and performance.
Sure efficiency is affected with the SH-AWD setup but not by a lot. One can also opt for an Acura MDX with a Hybrid engine if efficiency stands high on your priority list. The 19.5-gallon fuel tank returns a satisfactory driving range of 429 miles which helps it stay clear of the last spot in the segment.
Models
Acura MDX
Cadillac XT5
Buick Enclave
Jaguar F-Pace
MPG (City)
19
18
17
22
MPG (Highway)
26
25
25
27
MPG (Combined)
22
20
20
24
Fuel Capacity
19.5 gallons
21.7 gallons
21.7 gallons
21.7 gallons
Range (City/Highway/Combined)
371/507/429 miles
391/543/434 miles
369/543/434 miles
477/586/520 miles
The Jaguar F-Pace has the best fuel economy figures, thanks to its all-aluminum construction which keeps the weight in check. The XT5 and the Enclave, on the other hand, deliver the lowest fuel economy numbers despite having fuel tanks of size the same as the F-Pace.
Acura also outfitted the MDX with plenty of creature comforts, such as dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and leather upholstery." - Car And Driver
The MDX is beautifully crafted on the inside and the materials used feel simply premium. The dashboard and the center console are nicely laid out and you have natural wood and leather trim all around. Leather seats come as standard and so does the heating feature on the front seats. The front seats also can be power adjusted in 12 different ways.
The amount of head, shoulder, and legroom is great on both the rows and even tall passengers shall comfortably accommodate themselves. The third row of seats is one of the better ones and offers room for small adults. With that said, there’s not much room for your cargo. The MDX offers just 15.0 cubic-feet of cargo volume behind the 3rd row of seats.
Models
Acura MDX
Cadillac XT5
Buick Enclave
Jaguar F-Pace
Seating Capacity
7
5
7
5
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)
38.1/61.1/41.4
37.9/58.3/41.2
41.0/62.4/41.2
37.8/57.7/40.3
Second Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)
38.8/59.1/38.6
36.6/56.3/39.0
39.9/61.7/38.9
37.5/55.8/37.2
Third Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)
35.6/54.7/28.1
N/A
37.6/57.3/33.5
N/A
Trunk Capacity
15.0 cu-ft
30.2 cu-ft
23.6 cu-ft
33.5 cu-ft
In comparison, the large exterior dimensions of the Buick Enclave help it offer better space on the inside. The Enclave has the most spacious interior in the competition and also offers a decent trunk capacity of 23.6 cubic-feet in spite of having three rows of seats. The standard infotainment system offered with the current MDX makes do with an 8 speaker audio system.
It is combined with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display. Features like Siri Eyes Free, Apple Carplay, Android Auto, Pandora compatibility, and a CD player all come as standard. Acura offers a premium ELS audio system as an option and we totally recommend you to get that as it takes the in-car audio experience to the very next level.
The MDX is relatively old compared to others in its class, but its lines have aged gracefully - Thecarconnection.com
The MDX is a handsome-looking brute. It has the giant signature Acura chrome-clad diamond pentagon grille at the front and is accompanied by those Jewel LED headlights. The front facia has enough drama to attract attention and turn heads as it drives past.
Dimensions of the 2021 Acura MDX are proportionately laid out. That gives it a big, boxy, and rugged SUV stance. Further, the car gets a ground clearance of 7.3 inches which is good enough to take for some light weekend off-roading. Now, from the spy shots of the 2022 MDX, it could be made out that the new model will look a lot similar to the 2021 TLX.
Models
Acura MDX
Cadillac XT5
Buick Enclave
Jaguar F-Pace
Curb Weight
4,264 lbs
N/A
4,568 lbs
3,870 lbs
Length
196.2"
189.6"
204.3"
186.0"
Width
77.7"
74.9"
78.8"
81.5"
Height
67.4"
66.1"
69.9"
65.0"
Ground Clearance
7.3"
7.8"
7.7"
8.4"
Wheelbase
111.0"
112.5"
120.9"
113.1"
The Buick Enclave is the longest and tallest SUV in the competition. The F-Pace, on the other hand, gets the highest ground clearance in the competition, which makes it most suitable for off-roading. The MDX has the lowest ground clearance in the competition, and there are chances that you may scrape the floor if you happen to take it off-roading.
Many advanced driving aids are standard, but their operation can seem half-baked - Edmunds.com
Acura equips the MDX with plenty of safety features as standard. The MDX gets full 5 stars and a ‘Good’ overall rating in almost all the crash tests conducted by the NHTSA and the IIHS respectively, and that speaks a lot about the safety quotient of the car.
2021 MDX's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure enhances safety!
The Cadillac XT5 can only accommodate 5 passengers, while the MDX can haul 7. But on the other hand, the Cadillac XT5 offers a better cargo area and more passenger space. The XT5’s V6 puts out slightly more power but in the real world, the MDX feels more athletic. The MDX is also cheaper by almost about $6000. Clearly, the Acura makes sense over the Cadillac
2021 Cadillac XT5
2021 Acura MDX Vs 2021 Buick Enclave
The 2021 MDX offers the better snob value credit to the Acura badge as opposed to Buick. The 2021 Buick Enclave, on the other hand, offers more passenger room and trunk volume, and at the same time is cheaper than the MDX. If you want a functional SUV and don’t really care about luxury, then the Buick makes more sense than the Acura. But otherwise, for a few extra dollars, the MDX offers more features
2021 Buick Enclave
2021 Acura MDX Vs 2021 Jaguar F-Pace
The Jag F-Pace can accommodate only 5 passengers and is down on power when compared to the 2021 Acura MDX. On the flip side, the 2021 F-Pace has better fuel economy figures. The comparison here is a little bit tight but the Acura gets a slight upper hand since it can accommodate 7 passengers and offers a larger number of tech features onboard at a significantly lower price.
2021 Jaguar F-Pace
2021 Acura MDX Final Verdict
7.3/10
The Acura MDX performs really well on almost all fronts and there’s nothing one can complain about. It hauls 7 passengers, has a powerful engine, is luxurious, and has got tonnes of features and options on offer.
The Acura lineup for 2021 has a lot to look forward to
The 2021 Acura MDX offers much more than what you would expect from a car in this segment and indeed is a great proposition. If you happen to be in the market hunting for a midsize, luxury family SUV, then you should highly consider buying the MDX as it offers very good value for your money.
Reliability is never a reason to worry about the Acura MDX due to its deep-rooted Honda connection. The J.D. Power Report has rated the hybrid model a commendable 76 out of 100 and as the standard model is no different it will share the same score. Acura has also compiled a wholesome warranty package for the 2021 MDX that includes:
Basic Warranty of 4 years/50,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty of 6 years/70,000 miles
Free Roadside Assistance for 4 years/50,000 miles
Which cars does Acura MDX compete against?
Acura MDX is a midsize luxury SUV that competes against the likes of Audi Q7, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class and Lexus RX350.
Is Acura MDX AWD or FWD?
Acura MDX is available in both FWD and AWD configurations. The 3.5L naturally aspirated V6 motor is available with both FWD and AWD options but the 3.0L Hybrid V6 comes only in AWD.
How much will it cost to lease an Acura MDX?
Acura MDX can be leased from your nearest dealership for a minimum amount of $409 with $2,999 to be paid upfront. This is the lease value for the base MDX and will cost you $419 per month for the SH-AWD trims.
Does Acura MDX come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes, all the trims of the 2021 Acura MDX come equipped with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Pros - Quiet cabin, comfortable, great reliability
Cons - Confusing tech, transmission, cabin needs an update
Better than most
9/10
Features
8/10
Interior
9/10
Design
10/10
Safety
10/10
Reliability
9/10
Deal Value
9/10
Dealer Review
MS
Manish Sharma
2015 Acura MDX
SH-AWD 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
4
User Overall Rating
Posted On: November 3, 2020
Best performance and comfort in mid size SUV segment
Pros - Acura MDX has very spacious interiors ensuring a comfortable ride , It has excellent fuel economy both on highway and in the city , it has larger cargo space compared to other mid size SUV
Cons - Using the dashboard control panel is not very intuitive The third row is only good for kids and not have enough space for kids It does not have USB charging port on 2nd row.
Acura MDX is the best mid size SUV for family and it is great to drive. The interiors are luxurious and comfortable. The design is also high end and classic.
3/10
Features
4/10
Interior
4/10
Design
4/10
Safety
3/10
Reliability
4/10
Deal Value
9/10
Dealer Review
DW
Dennis V. Williams
2020 Acura MDX SUV
4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 9A)
9
User Overall Rating
Posted On: February 9, 2021
refinement redifined
Pros - Enhanced digital screen, trunk space, comfortable seats
Cons - Nothing
One of the most comfortable car available in the market. it provides ride quality like no other, with a superb suspension and comfortable seats.
Best performance and comfort in mid size SUV segment
Acura MDX is the best mid size SUV for family and it is great to drive. The interiors are luxurious and comfortable. The design is also high end and classic.
by Manish Sharma
9
User Overall Rating
refinement redifined
One of the most comfortable car available in the market. it provides ride quality like no other, with a superb suspension and comfortable seats.
by Dennis V. Williams
7
User Overall Rating
So much fun on the drive!!
Took the 2020 Acura MDX up north for some end of winter season fun and driving was a breeze. The powerful 3.6l V6 engine is a charm to drive on high revs and has enough low end torque to get this big suv going.
by David N. Bruton
7
User Overall Rating
Best looking performance SUV.
It drives smoothly and turns well. It? comfortable and sometimes I feel like I? gliding on the road instead of driving.