Used Acura MDX Quick Facts
- The best years to buy a used Acura MDX are from 2017 to 2020. This period is the sweet spot for price, features, safety, and reliability.
- It’s the second-best-selling midsize luxury SUV in the United States.
- The MDX was the first luxury SUV to offer standard 3-row seating. It consistently ranks high in areas of resale and reliability.
The Acura MDX is one of the most respected luxury SUV names on the planet. Since its debut in 2001, the MDX has been a favorite of luxury buyers, offering plush interiors, strong performance, and an enviable history of reliability and strong resale. Over the years, the Acura MDX has remained true to its original concept: a 7-passenger midsize luxury SUV that’s easy to park and maneuver and comes loaded with the latest technology and safety equipment. Because of Acura’s consistent approach to the MDX’s mission, even a 10-year-old model makes a good used car choice, something that can’t be said of many used vehicles.
- What Is the Best Model-Year Used Acura MDX?
- Acura MDX by Generation: Which Should You Buy?
- Is the Acura MDX a Good SUV?
- Does the Acura MDX Have a Hybrid Option?
- How Much Can the Acura MDX Tow?
- What Are the Most Reliable Years for the Acura MDX?
- What Are the Worst Years for the Acura MDX?
What Is the Best Model-Year Used Acura MDX?
While you certainly can’t go wrong with a late-model MDX, we think the sweet spot for price, features, safety, and reliability resides in the third generation from 2017 to 2020. These years offer advanced driver assists and a hybrid engine option. They also hold up well with relatively few issues outside those covered by a few recalls issued for these years.
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Acura MDX by Generation: Which Should You Buy?
Fourth Generation: 2022-Current
The fourth-generation Acura MDX improves on the previous, adding more features and a slightly better infotainment interface. Standard on the base model and its three trim packages (Technology, A-Spec, and Advanced) is a 290 horsepower, 3.5-liter V6, one of the best six-cylinder power plants known to man. The sporty Type S trim gets a 355-horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged engine, a first for the MDX. Power runs to the front wheels, with Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) an option on the base and Technology Package models, and standard on everything else. Sadly, the third-generation’s hybrid engine doesn’t carry over.
The fourth-gen MDX is slightly larger in all directions, with improved suspension tuning for better ride and handling. It has a vastly better interior, touting a more modern look and a new infotainment interface. Unfortunately, Acura didn’t quite nail the whole “touchscreen and knobs” concept until 2025; everything previous to 2025 uses a clunky touchpad controller to operate most functions. Likewise, a push-button gear selector replaces the traditional stalk, a design that frees up space in the console but may not be to everyone’s liking.
The base MDX comes nicely equipped. Standard equipment includes tri-zone climate control, power front seats, faux leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, 19-inch alloy wheels, a power tailgate, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are here, along with a wireless charging pad, first and second-row USB charge ports, and CabinTalk that uses the MDX’s speakers to communicate the driver’s voice to the third-row occupants.
On the safety front, the AcuraWatch suite includes forward collision warning and automatic braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, road departure mitigation, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver attention monitor.
The Technology Package adds 20-inch alloy wheels, power-folding side mirrors, perforated Milano leather seats, 3-position passenger seat memory, and GPS-linked climate control that tracks the sun’s position relative to the MDX and adjusts the climate control accordingly.
Also included are second-row sunshades, an Acura/ELS Studio audio upgrade with 12 speakers, a voice-activated 3D view navigation system, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, and low-speed brake control that can prevent a possible front or rear collision by sensing danger and automatically applying the brakes.
The A-Spec adds standard SH-AWD, fog lights, and an appearance package with exterior trim in piano black. A set of sports seats includes cooling ventilation. They accompany a black headliner, sport pedals, and a 16-speaker ELS audio system.
The Advanced Package builds on the Technology Package, adding SH-AWD, a hands-free power liftgate, 16-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with power thigh extensions, heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, a head-up display, and a surround-view monitor.
The Type S brings a 355-hp turbocharged engine, SH-AWD, an air suspension with adaptive dampers, Brembo brakes, and 21-inch wheels.
The fourth-gen MDX has a pretty good reputation for reliability. However, there was one recall regarding an engine stalling issue and numerous complaints about the speed and reliability of the entertainment interface. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website has a complete list of MDX recalls and complaints.
Model-Year Changes:
2025: The MDX gets a new infotainment system heavy on touchscreen technology and no touchpad interface. New options include massaging front seats and two Bang & Olufsen audio systems. Acura’s semi-autonomous AcuraWatch 360 driving assistant becomes part of the top-of-the-line Advanced trim’s standard equipment.
2024: No significant changes.
2023: Acura adds a 2-year free maintenance program and three years of Acuralink.
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Third Generation: 2014-2020
As used MDX models go, this generation makes the most sense as a used purchase. It’s old enough that the price won’t be too exorbitant, and most of its issues are known to Acura and covered by a series of recalls. As the original warranty will likely have expired, we’d also suggest buying a certified pre-owned (CPO) MDX from an authorized Acura dealer. This will ensure the vehicle gets a thorough inspection and extend the warranty to seven years or 100,000 miles from the date the vehicle entered service.
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This generation builds off the last, with improved body rigidity resulting in a quieter cabin and better ride and handling. Access to the third-row seat is made easier thanks to a sliding second-row seat. The interior materials are of a higher standard, and the dash and audio controls are simplified, with fewer buttons and knobs. A two-tier monitor setup dominates the center dash, with the upper screen for infotainment and the lower controlling climate and other features.
One base trim and three packages (Technology, Entertainment, and Advanced) feature a 290 hp 3.5-liter V6 engine. Front-drive comes standard, with SH-AWD optional. Debuting in 2017, the MDX Sport Hybrid features a 3.0-liter V6 engine and two rear-mounted electric motors for a combined 321 hp. The combined fuel economy for the Sport Hybrid is 27 mpg vs the non-hybrid with AWD at 22 mpg.
The base MDX’s standard equipment includes LED headlights, keyless access and start, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power liftgate, and an eight-speaker audio system. The Technology package adds forward collision warning (but not braking), lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also adds rain-sensing wipers, navigation, and 19-inch wheels.
Moving to the Advanced Package brings automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, a rear seat DVD entertainment system, and a 12-speaker ELS audio system.
Now, about those recalls. There are several over the lifetime of the third-generation MDX, some quite serious. They include an issue where the fuel pump may fail, engine damage due to a faulty connecting rod, and loss of the rear tailgate lid light. However, as most owners probably received notices and had their vehicles checked, the issues mentioned are not a significant concern. Even if your used MDX suffers an issue related to the recall, the manufacturer must fix the problem at no cost to you.
Model-Year Changes:
2021: Acura did not build a 2021 MDX.
2020: No significant changes.
2019: The A-Spec trim joins the lineup, featuring aggressive styling and standard all-wheel drive.
2018: A new audio interface improves functionality and speed. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay debut.
2017: The MDX undergoes a midcycle refresh, with updated styling, the AcuraWatch driver-assist suite made standard, and the introduction of the Sport Hybrid model.
2016: Changes include a new 9-speed transmission, a new AWD system, and an optional AcuraWatch driver assist suite that includes forward collision warning and braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, a blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic detection.
2015: No significant changes.
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The MDX Early Years: Generations One and Two (2001-2013)
Second Generation: 2007-2013
The second-generation MDX fills in the few shortcomings of the first-gen MDX, adding a 300-hp 3.7-liter V6 engine, available SH-AWD, an available active suspension, and, later in the model run, the first adoption of advanced driver assists. This generation MDX offers more interior room and a quieter cabin. It also features luxury touches such as heated front seats, HID headlamps, a power moonroof, Bluetooth, navigation, and a rear seat entertainment system.
As for reliability, this generation has a pretty good record, with only a few issues dealing with faulty sensors, hard starts due to a stuck evaporation valve, and older transmission torque converters going bad.
Model-Year Changes:
2013: No significant changes.
2012: No significant changes.
2011: No significant changes.
2010: The MDX gets an exterior freshening, a new 6-speed sequential shift automatic transmission, a revised rear suspension, and new navigation and audio options. A new Advanced Package adds active dampers, collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot monitor, ventilated front seats, and 19-inch wheels.
2009: A power liftgate joins the Technology Package.
2008: No significant changes.
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First Generation: 2001-2006
The original MDX is an oldie but a goodie. It has a 240-hp 3.5-liter V6, 3-row seating, a good batch of luxury amenities, and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). While you won’t find modern driver assists here, the MDX still satisfies the tech itch with things like DVD navigation, a 200-watt Bose audio system, heated front seats, and a memory driver’s seat linked to the remote key fob.
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Is the Acura MDX a Good SUV?
As used luxury SUVs go, the MDX makes an excellent choice. Most model years have excellent reliability and resale history, and even those with a few problem areas are not major money pits, with many of the issues covered by recalls.
PRO TIP: Remember, before buying any used Acura MDX, check the vehicle identification number (VIN) and use it to obtain the value of the vehicle.
RELATED: Where Is the VIN on a Car?
Does the Acura MDX Have a Hybrid Option?
Yes. The third-generation MDX offers a hybrid option, aptly named the MDX Sport Hybrid.
How Much Can the Acura MDX Tow?
The front-drive MDX is rated at 3,500 pounds for all generations, while the AWD models can pull up to 5,000 pounds with the proper accessories. The Sport Hybrid is limited to 3,500 pounds.
What are the Most Reliable Years for the Acura MDX?
Generations two and four have the least reported issues, but even generation three, with its few recalls and known issues, is still a great buy.
What Are the Worst Years for the Acura MDX?
There aren’t any bad years for the MDX. Older models may suffer electronics issues and normal wear and tear on things like the transmission, oil seals, and electronic modules, but that’s par for the course for most vehicles in the 15-to-25-year-old range.
See used Acura MDX SUVs for sale near you.
