2019 Acura MDX

In its cheapest guise, the Standard Acura MDX will set you back $44,300 before the addition of licensing, registration, tax, and destination charges, the latter a standard $995 fee. From there, the Technology Package carries an MSRP of $49,300, while the A-Spec as tested here is priced from $54,800 in the USA. The Advance Package starts at $56,050 in FWD guise, while the Entertainment Package can be equipped with the Technology Package starting at $51,300 or with the Advance Package, carrying a price tag of $58,050. All-wheel-drive can be added to all models except the A-Spec Package, on which it's standard, but adds an extra $2,000 to the asking price.

Acura has no trouble admitting the A-Spec package is only for appearance and is not meant to be a performance upgrade. Despite this, the MDX is still a very enjoyable SUV to drive. The suspension sits on the firmer side of the SUV spectrum but limits body roll to an enjoyable level. Those who are simply seeking a comfortable ride may want to opt for the Advanced Package, which adds adaptive dampers. We were very impressed with Acura's SH-AWD, which is able to torque vector, sending additional power to the outside wheel through corners. In layman's terms, the AWD system can nudge the MDX around corners more gracefully than most SUVs of this bulk. Acura likes to compare the MDX's AWD to the system found in the NSX supercar and although the comparison is a stretch, it is possible to sense how the two are connected.

Acceleration feels strong from the 3.5-liter V6, though it does beg to be revved out. Even in normal mode, the transmission will often let the engine rev to 3,000 to 4,000 rpm under light throttle, which can feel disconcerting to anyone just hoping for a quiet, uneventful trip to the pickup line at school. For gearheads, the experience is pretty fun and might be just the experience you are looking for after trading in a two-seat sports car for a more practical family runabout.

The Acura MDX A-Spec is an enjoyable SUV to drive but it is let down by a number of crucial shortcomings. It has a wonderful engine but the transmission does a poor job allowing the driver to access it. The technology feels years out-of-date and the cabin materials feel like they should be compared with Toyota more so than Lexus.

It is clear Acura has paid more attention in recent years to the smaller RDX and we think the best-selling MDX is in need of an update to remain on top. Lexus has recently added a three-row RX to the lineup, which could steal a lot of the MDX's thunder. We love the look of the MDX A-Spec but feel there are better options in the three-row crossover segment, including its own corporate sibling, the cheaper Honda Pilot.

We feel the A-Spec package adds enough visual excitement to warrant its $3,500 cost over a standard MDX. However, the MDX Hybrid is more powerful and provides improved fuel economy over the gas mode, so it should also be worth consideration. In all truthfulness, the MDX we'd buy is the Honda Pilot, which offers similar packaging, powertrain, practicality, and premium feel all at a lower cost.

If you'd rather stay within the Acura brand, the smaller RDX may be of serious consideration, and judging by the sales records, for many buyers its been the more enticing option. Key to the decision might be price, with the RDX priced $7,000 cheaper than the MDX, for the loss of the third row of seating. Those five seats in the RDX feel more premium and more comfortable than the MDX, and the cabin space is put to better use for passengers, and while the MDX may offer more overall cargo volume, the RDX bests its direct rivals by a substantial margin. The RDX pulls further ahead with a more premium interior look and feel, compared to the MDX which feels like a redesigned Honda Pilot. The RDX may make do with less power at 272 horsepower, but its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and refined ten-speed automatic gearbox are better performers in a lighter body while providing comparable gas mileage. There's really not much going for the MDX in this comparison, and unless you desperately need three rows of seating, you're better off opting for the RDX in just about every aspect.

As corporate siblings, there's much shared between the Acura MDX and the Honda Pilot, including three-row seating for up to seven occupants, a potent 3.5-liter V6 engine, and much of the same safety equipment. However, the MDX gets a little more grunt from the engine to the tune of 10 hp more. Where the Honda has more, though, is in the third-row space, which can accommodate adults more comfortably so than the MDX's third row. Both offer comparable cargo volume, too, and similar gas mileage estimates. The biggest difference is in price, with the MDX nearly $14,000 more expensive than the Pilot in base guise. Is it $14,000 better, though? We're inclined to say no, as the Acura's interior quality feels far too close to the Honda's to justify a premium price-tag for what is essentially a premium-badged Pilot itself. Our recommendation, opt for a well-specified Pilot and save yourself a big chunk of change.