Acura MDX

This functional, family-friendly luxury SUV is comfortable, quick, and quiet, with space for seven. The second row folds and slides forward with the touch of a button for easy access to the small third row. The 3.5-liter V6 engine is silky smooth and delivers ample acceleration. We measured a very commendable 21 mpg overall, but the nine-speed automatic transmission is not always smooth or responsive and its push-button shifter is unintuitive to use. We also found it frustrating to use the dual-screen control interface. The MDX has a comfortable ride, and the cabin is quiet. Handling is mundane, but it's ultimately secure. Recent freshening brought a hybrid version, as well as standard AcuraWatch, which includes safety features such as automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning.

Acura continued to tweak the third generation of their popular three-row crossover SUV. 2016 brought a new nine-speed automatic transmission that doesn't always shift smoothly, and its pushbutton shifter is annoying to use. 2017 made the AcuraWatch suite of safety equipment standard, including forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. A hybrid model was also added. A quiet interior and absorbent ride make the MDX a pleasant highway cruiser, but handling isn't particularly sharp. Fuel economy from the 3.5-liter V6 and nine-speed transmission is impressive. Inside, the seats are comfortable but Acura's dual-screen infotainment system can be confusing to navigate. The second row folds and slides forward with just the push of a button, a very clever feature. The best overall value is the Technology package, which includes blind spot monitoring. Note though that some desirable features, like second row bucket seats and a surround-view camera system, are reserved for the top-trim Advance model.

Acura's three-row crossover SUV continued to reign as one of our higher rated models in the category. While this generation lost its sporty edge and sharp steering, it made big strides in comfort. Road noise was drastically reduced, making the interior quieter, and the ride became more absorbent. Fuel economy from the 3.5-liter V6 was a big improvement over the previous 3.7-liter. Inside, the seats are comfortable but Acura's dual-screen infotainment system can be confusing to navigate. The second row folds and slides forward with just the push of a button, a very clever feature. Various levels of the optional AcuraWatch safety package add forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. The best overall value is the Technology package, which includes blind spot monitoring and the luxury equipment you'd typically expect in this class, as well as most of the available safety equipment.

Well-rounded and highly desirable, this generation of the seven-seat Acura MDX consistently outscored European luxury SUVs that cost thousands of dollars more. We like the MDX's refined powertrain, quick acceleration, responsive handling, and controlled ride, but road noise is louder than we'd like. Stability control was standard. The 3.7-liter V6 belts out plenty of power, but fuel economy is nothing special. Interior fit and finish are impressive and the first two rows of seats are very comfortable. However, the third-row seat is tight for anyone but kids. Look for an MDX with the optional rearview camera; it became standard in later years. The dashboard's array of buttons can also be daunting at first. The Acura's five-speed automatic transmission was upgraded to a six-speed for 2010. Ahead for their time, top-trim Advance models have standard blind spot monitoring and forward collision warning.

Sharing its basic structure with the Honda Pilot, the seven-passenger MDX has always been one of our Top Rated SUVs. We like its strong powertrain and standard all-wheel drive. The ride is firm but composed. Handling is capable but can get a bit twitchy in emergency maneuvers, even with the standard stability control that arrived with the 2003 model. Well appointed and mostly quiet, the spacious cabin has easy to use controls. Road noise is somewhat noticeable. While the split third-row seat is rather tight for adults, it does fold flat into the floor to expand the Acura's large cargo capacity. Power output of the V6 increased to 265 hp for 2003.