2020 Acura MDX

The Acura MDX SUV range starts with the standard MDX at an MSRP of $44,400, excluding a destination fee of $995 as well as tax, licensing, and registration. Next is the MDX with the Technology Package at $49,400 followed by the MDX with the Technology and Entertainment Packages at $53,400. Next is the sporty Acura MDX A-Spec priced at $54,900, and at the higher end of the range is the Advance Package at $56,150, the Advance and Entertainment Package tops the range at $60,150.

Acura's SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive system) is standard on models equipped with the Entertainment or A-Spec packages but is available for an additional $2,000 on other versions which are FWD by default.

Acura's SH-AWD system isn't just fanciful marketing speak (even if "super handling" is a bit of a stretch for a midsize SUV) because the MDX genuinely handles well, with torque vectoring able to send extra power to the outside wheel when cornering. In its sportier driving modes, the steering has a welcome added weightiness to it - combined with the crossover's ability to resist body roll and the V6's responsiveness, the MDX is more enjoyable to drive than most others in this segment.

Ride comfort is generally absorbent and the MDX feels suitably buttoned-down. Not all bumps are kept at bay, however, as the slightly firm MDX has traded some smoothness in favor of its admirable handling qualities. It's far from uncomfortable, of course, and excellent sound-deadening helps to make this quite a serene cruiser. Around town and in normal driving mode, the steering is also light enough to make parking an effortless affair while top speeds see a bit more weight attributed to the steering. Although it's no NSX, overall the MDX's dynamics strike a good balance between handling, ride quality, and refinement.

There are a few clear reasons that the Acura MDX remains a strong seller for the brand. With its solid V6 engine and surprisingly entertaining dynamics (especially when equipped with AWD), this is a three-row SUV that's far from a bore behind the wheel. It's also well-priced and offers loads of convenience and safety features. It's also brilliantly versatile, with good space for seven passengers and a roomy cargo area, even with all seven seats in place. If only some more attention was paid to its build quality and the implementation of technology (the dual-screen infotainment system can't be replaced soon enough), this would be a class-leading SUV. At the top-end of the range, these flaws are hard to overlook as the MDX's price begins to overlap with the superb Mercedes-Benz GLE and BMW X5, both of which offer greater refinement and peerless quality, easily outclass the Acura. At a base level, the MDX has to contend closer to home with the cheaper and equally competent Honda Pilot. That leaves Acura's midsize SUV in a bit of a predicament - it's a good SUV surrounded by competitors with a more consistent spread of abilities.

You'll want to shop carefully when purchasing your MDX. Although the A-Spec package initially seems appealing at $3,500 when building your ideal MDX, it requires you to add both the Technology package ($5,000) and SH-AWD ($2,000), upping the Acura MDX's cost by a total of $10,000 over the standard model. That said, you do get plenty of kit. However, our choice would be the MDX SH-AWD with the Technology package at $51,400. Not only do you get the dynamic benefits of the AWD system, but many additional creature comforts, too.

With a base price of almost $7,000 less than the MDX, the RDX is likely to be an appealing alternative to anyone considering an entry-level MDX. You do lose the benefit of seven seats, however, as the RDX only offers seating for five. In comparison, there's also a drop in overall cargo capacity, although the RDX's 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats is still generous. Disregarding the lack of a third row, it's the RDX that has a superior cabin. It feels more upscale than the MDX and the touchpad infotainment system, while not perfect, is much better than what's in the MDX. Both SUVs are available with Acura's Super-Handling AWD system, but the MDX's naturally-aspirated V6 engine is a bit stronger than the RDX's turbo-four. Even considering that, we'd pick the RDX between these two. The MDX's additional seating capacity and cargo space are its only real advantages.

With pricing that's well over $10,000 cheaper than the base MDX, the Honda Pilot offers the same seating capacity, similar V6 power, comparable fuel efficiency, and many of the same safety features. One would think that going for the MDX would get you a significant bump up in quality, but the well-built Pilot hardly feels like a step down, particularly if you go for one of the higher trims. For instance, the $42,620 Honda Pilot Touring still costs less than the cheapest MDX, yet offers a premium ten-speaker sound system, a Blu-ray rear entertainment system, and navigation, all of which you won't get on the base MDX. The Pilot is quite simply the better buy here, and if you choose the MDX instead, you'll be paying for little more than the badge.