Acura says the MDX is the best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all time, and we don’t find that hard to believe. Even though the 2020 Acura MDX is still part of the third-generation model introduced in 2014, it remains a solid choice in the confusing world of midsize luxury SUVs.
But if there’s one thing that makes the MDX special is the abundant interior room and sporty driving feel. It offers three rows of seating for the entire family and has a comfortable, mildly luxurious cabin. On the other hand, the MDX also offers the athleticism and handling of a much smaller car, most especially when equipped with Acura’s sterling Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-SWD) system.
The 2020 Acura MDX is, believe it or not, a true driver’s car.
It has a powerful and fuel-efficient V6 motor
All trim models of the 2020 Acura MDX receive a 3.5-liter direct-injected V6 motor with i-VTEC. The engine produces 290-horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to a slick nine-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard while SH-AWD is optional in all trim models.
The 2020 Acura MDX with front-wheel drive achieves 20/27/23 mpg while the all-wheel-drive model is good for 19/26/22 mpg. This makes it one of the most fuel-efficient three-row midsize SUVs together with the Honda Pilot.
AcuraWatch is standard in the Acura MDX
True luxury is not only measured by interior trim and build quality. It’s also measured in terms of standard safety equipment. All trim models of the 2020 Acura MDX are equipped with standard AcuraWatch safety and driver-assistive technology. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane and road departure warning and mitigation, automatic emergency braking, and a forward-collision warning system.
The 2020 Acura MDX is also available as a hybrid
The new Acura MDX Hybrid is equipped with a smaller 3.0-liter V6 engine and three electric motors producing a combined output of 321-horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. Power is routed a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic driving all four wheels courtesy of the standard SH-SWD system.
If you want to achieve more miles to the gallon in your Acura MDX, the hybrid model is the way to go. It achieves an EPA combined fuel economy rating of 27 mpg, which is mightily impressive for a large and heavy luxury crossover.
However, the 2020 Acura MDX Hybrid starts at $52,900 (excluding handling and destination charges). But then again, you get standard AWD along with an active damper system, 20-inch wheels, power-folding side mirrors, and a premium audio system. The Technology Package also offers seven seats while the Advanced Package comes with second-row captain’s chairs and a center console for the second row.
It offers more bang for the buck
The 2020 Acura MDX FWD starts at $44,400 and includes automatic LED headlights, adaptive dampers, a sunroof and power liftgate, leather upholstery, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system. The SH-AWD model starts at $46,400 with all the niceties mentioned above.
The Technology Package raises the base price to $49,400 for the FWD model while the SH-AWD starts at $51,400. This package gives you bigger alloy wheels, blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, and a standard navigation system. The Advance Package starts at $56,150 (FWD) and $58,150 respectively. This package includes LED fog lights, front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view camera, sport seats with premium leather, and a heated steering wheel among other things.
The 2020 Acura MDX A-Spec is only available with SH-AWD
The A-Spec trim is one of the most popular trim models for the Acura MDX. This package is only available with SH-AWD and includes a comprehensive list of standard upgrades. This includes unique exterior styling, wider and sportier tires, contrasting front seat garnishes, and special door panel stitching. The A-Spec also receives a thicker-rimmed steering wheel and ventilated front seats.
