2020 Acura MDX SUV. 4th generation
First introduced to the market in 2000, the mid-size Acura MDX SUV immediately earned positive and often rave reviews from car enthusiasts. Acura, Honda’s luxury car division, has maintained a high reputation for three generations for good reason: the MDX has received many awards. In 2020, a new, fourth generation Acura MDX was released. The SUV has not received as much attention from developers as before, but it has acquired Acura’s flagship model status and has become significantly better in some aspects.
Glorious MDX
The 2020 Acura MDX SUV is positioned as a technologically advanced and dynamic SUV designed for family adventures, and not for sports or public image. It has retained a 3-row layout, and the third row, judging by the reviews, is more suitable for children than adults.
However, some critics believe that such an interesting positioning of the SUV is due to the fact that by 2020 the initially very progressive vehicle lagged slightly behind such powerful competitors as the Audi Q7 or Volvo XC90 and was forced to somehow justify a number of weak points, including average quality interior trim materials, not exemplary smooth running, powerful but not strong enough V6 engine. The conditional flaws of the MDX are noticeable if you want to find them, but if you do not succumb to the teenage habit of comparison, then the 2020/2021 Acura MDX remains a cool versatile SUV, which is a good choice.
Engine and chassis
The new Acura MDX is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 hp, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission with front or all-wheel drive. There is also the entry-level all-wheel drive Sport Hybrid, which is equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 in combination with three electric motors (a total output of 321 hp) and a 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. Both engines are not segment leaders in terms of dynamics, although the A-Spec MDX accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.3 seconds. The engines also provide a strong towing capacity of up to 2.2 tons. However, Acura car owners do not recommend using the hybrid MDX for towing.
Exterior and interior
The 2021 Acura MDX looks heavier than its predecessor, but at the same time more luxurious, featuring more elaborated elements and smoother contours. The interior is large and spacious, with comfortable seats and many options. At the same time, there is an ill-conceived infotainment system with two touchscreens, which does not correspond to luxury status, which is quite logical, since it is carried over from Honda cars of less high-end class. The infotainment interface is split between an upper display (operated with a knob on the dashboard) and a lower touchscreen display, and data is arranged in a somewhat confusing way.
Competitive models offer more legroom in each row, but the MDX has a second row seat that can slide back and recline slightly. And the third row will be comfortable for kids or, for example, cats. In addition, there is a spacious storage compartment between the front seats and a hidden pocket under the rear cargo compartment. And additional 0.4 cubic meters of cargo space are available behind the third row.
Safety
All versions of the new SUV have received top ratings during the IIHS tests in all categories, except for the ‘good’ rating for the headlights, which the developers may have simply made too difficult. NHTSA has awarded the new Acura MDX the highest ratings. The safety system of the model is based on a robust and well-built modern body, consisting of quality materials.
Each 2020/2021 MDX comes with a comprehensive package of safety and driver assistance options, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning system with corrective power steering, blind spot monitoring system, forward collision warning system and collision avoidance braking.
Trim levels
The 2021/2022 Acura MDX comes in several trim levels: Base, Technology, A-Spec and Advance. The base mode has the following options and functions:
- 18-inch wheels;
- LED headlights;
- heated mirrors;
- electric tailgate;
- sunroof;
- keyless entry and ignition system,
- adjustable front heated seats;
- driver’s seat memory settings;
- adjustable steering wheel;
- three-zone automatic climate control;
- auto-dimming rearview mirror and so on.
The Technology trim level includes 20-inch wheels, automatic wipers, front and rear parking sensors, power folding side mirrors, blind spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, improved interior trim, navigation system, color information display, premium sound system with 10 speakers and HD radio.
The A-Spec is similar to the Technology, but has a darkened exterior design, wider wheels and tires, front seat ventilation and a number of not the most important, but beautiful options.
The Advance version additionally features adaptive suspension dampers, wider wheels and tires, roof rails, auto-dimming mirrors, a 360-degree parking camera, a heated steering wheel and several other comfort options.
