Verdict
B
Mid-size SUV · Canada/USA · 2001-present
Acura MDX
Acura's three-row family SUV — four generations, one of the most consistently good luxury SUVs since 2001.
Years
2001-present
Generations
4
Segment
Mid-size SUV
The MDX has been Acura's three-row luxury SUV since 2001 — when it launched it was the first luxury SUV with three-row seating standard, and it picked up Motor Trend SUV of the Year and North American Truck of the Year awards. First generation (2001-2006) was Canada-built, used a 3.5-litre V6, and replaced the slow-selling Isuzu-Trooper-based SLX. Second generation (2007-2013) was longer and wider, got the SH-AWD system, and grew the engine to 3.7 litres / 300 hp. Third generation (2014-2020) lost weight, switched to a 290-hp 3.5-litre with 9-speed transmission later in the run, and added a Sport Hybrid variant 2017-2020 with 321 hp. Fourth generation (2022-present) added a Type S with a 355-hp turbo V6, double-wishbone front suspension, Brembo brakes, and adaptive air suspension — the most performance-focused MDX ever. Has been Acura's best-selling vehicle since 2007.
Generations
Click any generation for the deep dive
2001-2006
1st Gen (YD1)
First three-row luxury SUV with three rows standard. Canada-built, 3.5L V6, won Motor Trend SUV of the Year.
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2007-2013
2nd Gen (YD2)
SH-AWD arrived. 3.7L V6 making 300 hp. Heaviest, most luxurious MDX yet at the time.
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2014-2020
3rd Gen (YD3)
Lighter, more efficient. Hybrid added 2017-2020. The post-Power-Plenum redesign that didn't quite stick.
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2022-present
4th Gen (YD9)
Type S returns to MDX. 355 hp, double-wishbone front, Brembos. Acura's flagship now that the RLX is dead.
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Known issues by generation
Common faults reported on each generation — useful when shopping the used market.
2001-2006 · 1st Gen (YD1)
- 5-speed automatic torque-converter judder (extended warranty)
- Power steering pump whine
- Rear differential bushings wearing out
- Sunroof drains blocking
- Aging suspension bushings
2007-2013 · 2nd Gen (YD2)
- Front upper control arm bushings wear early
- VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) oil consumption
- Power steering pump leaks
- Rear differential bushings
- Takata passenger airbag recall on some years
2014-2020 · 3rd Gen (YD3)
- Early 9-speed automatic harsh shifts (software updated)
- Push-button shifter occasional false neutral
- VCM oil consumption on V6
- Infotainment occasional reboots
- Battery drain on Hybrid if left unused
2022-present · 4th Gen (YD9)
- Touchpad infotainment learning curve criticism
- Standard 3.5L V6 has VCM (oil consumption to monitor)
- Some owners report air suspension air-spring leaks
- Driver-assistance occasional false warnings
Rivals
Lexus RX · BMW X5 · Audi Q7 · Volvo XC90 · Genesis GV80