2025 Acura MDX: A Refined Ride With Room For Improvement

2025 Acura MDX: A Refined Ride with Room for Improvement

The 2025 Acura MDX, a mid-size luxury SUV, continues to hold its ground as a strong contender in a competitive market. While it boasts a refined interior, potent powertrain, and a comfortable ride, it faces stiff competition from rivals like the BMW X5 and Audi Q7. This review delves into the 2025 MDX’s strengths and weaknesses, analyzing its performance, features, and overall value proposition.

Performance: Power and Handling

The 2025 MDX comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain provides ample acceleration for everyday driving and highway merging, but it lacks the exhilarating performance of some rivals. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, offers a significant boost in power, making the MDX a more engaging driver’s car.

A nine-speed automatic transmission pairs with both engines, providing smooth and responsive gear changes. The MDX’s handling is composed and predictable, with a well-balanced chassis that absorbs bumps and imperfections with grace. However, some drivers might find the steering to be a bit numb and lacking feedback.

Interior: Luxury and Comfort

The 2025 Acura MDX’s interior is a haven of luxury and comfort. The cabin is meticulously crafted with high-quality materials, featuring soft leather upholstery, wood trim, and elegant metal accents. The spacious front seats provide ample support and adjustability, while the second and third rows offer comfortable seating for passengers of all sizes.

The MDX’s interior is packed with features, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system. The infotainment system is intuitive and responsive, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

Safety: Comprehensive Protection

Acura prioritizes safety in the MDX, equipping it with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. The AcuraWatch suite includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, road departure mitigation, and a blind spot information system. The MDX also offers optional features like a driver attention monitor, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system.

Fuel Economy: Moderate Efficiency

The 2025 Acura MDX’s fuel economy is decent but not exceptional. The standard V6 engine achieves an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. The turbocharged V6 engine delivers slightly lower fuel economy ratings: 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. While these figures are acceptable for a vehicle of this size and power, competitors like the Volvo XC90 offer better fuel economy.

Reliability: A Mixed Bag

Acura has historically been known for its reliable vehicles, but the MDX’s reliability record has been mixed in recent years. Consumer Reports gives the MDX an average reliability rating, while J.D. Power ranks it below average in terms of dependability. Some owners have reported issues with the transmission, electrical system, and infotainment system.

Value: Competitive Pricing

The 2025 Acura MDX’s starting price is competitive with its rivals. The base model starts at around $48,000, while the fully loaded model can reach over $65,000. The MDX offers a good balance of features, performance, and luxury for the price, but some buyers might find more value in competitors like the Lexus RX 350 or the Lincoln Aviator.

Pros:

• Refined interior with high-quality materials
• Spacious and comfortable seating for up to seven passengers
• Powerful and responsive turbocharged V6 engine option
• Comprehensive suite of safety features
• Competitive pricing

Cons:

• Standard V6 engine lacks the performance of some rivals
• Fuel economy is average compared to some competitors
• Reliability has been inconsistent in recent years
• Steering lacks feedback and engagement

Ratings and Reviews:

Consumer Reports:

• Overall Score: 4 out of 5 stars
• Reliability: Average
• Road Test Score: 4 out of 5 stars

J.D. Power:

• Overall Quality: Below average
• Dependability: Below average

Car and Driver:

• Overall Score: 7 out of 10
• Performance: 7 out of 10
• Interior: 8 out of 10

Edmunds:

• Overall Score: 4 out of 5 stars
• Performance: 4 out of 5 stars
• Value: 4 out of 5 stars

Conclusion:

The 2025 Acura MDX is a solid choice for families and individuals seeking a comfortable and well-equipped mid-size luxury SUV. Its refined interior, spacious cabin, and comprehensive safety features make it a compelling option. However, its lackluster performance, average fuel economy, and inconsistent reliability record might give some buyers pause. If you’re looking for a luxurious SUV with a more engaging driving experience and better fuel efficiency, competitors like the BMW X5 or the Volvo XC90 might be better suited for your needs. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual priorities and preferences.

Detailed Analysis of Ratings and Reviews:

Consumer Reports:

Consumer Reports praises the MDX’s spacious and comfortable interior, as well as its smooth ride and quiet cabin. However, they criticize the lack of driver engagement and the average reliability record. The overall score of 4 out of 5 stars reflects their mixed opinions on the MDX.

J.D. Power:

J.D. Power’s below-average ratings for overall quality and dependability highlight the MDX’s inconsistent reliability in recent years. This suggests that some owners have experienced problems with the vehicle, which could be a concern for potential buyers.

Car and Driver:

Car and Driver appreciates the MDX’s comfortable interior, spacious cabin, and powerful turbocharged V6 engine. However, they find the handling to be somewhat numb and the steering to lack feedback. The overall score of 7 out of 10 reflects their positive but not entirely enthusiastic assessment.

Edmunds:

Edmunds highlights the MDX’s strong value proposition, offering a good balance of features, performance, and luxury for the price. They also commend the comfortable ride and spacious interior. However, they note that the standard V6 engine is not as powerful as some rivals.

Comparison with Competitors:

BMW X5:

The BMW X5 offers a more engaging driving experience with sharper handling and a more powerful engine. It also boasts a luxurious interior and a comprehensive suite of safety features. However, it is more expensive than the MDX and its reliability record has been mixed.

Audi Q7:

The Audi Q7 provides a refined and luxurious interior, a comfortable ride, and a powerful engine. It also offers a comprehensive suite of safety features. However, it is slightly more expensive than the MDX and its interior is not as spacious.

Volvo XC90:

The Volvo XC90 offers a luxurious and stylish interior, a comfortable ride, and excellent fuel economy. It also boasts a comprehensive suite of safety features. However, it is more expensive than the MDX and its performance is not as impressive.

Lexus RX 350:

The Lexus RX 350 offers a luxurious and comfortable interior, a smooth ride, and a reliable powertrain. It is also known for its excellent reliability and fuel efficiency. However, it is less spacious than the MDX and its performance is not as sporty.

Lincoln Aviator:

The Lincoln Aviator offers a luxurious and stylish interior, a powerful engine, and a comfortable ride. It also boasts a comprehensive suite of safety features. However, it is more expensive than the MDX and its reliability record has been mixed.

Conclusion:

The 2025 Acura MDX is a competent mid-size luxury SUV that offers a comfortable ride, a spacious interior, and a comprehensive suite of safety features. However, it faces stiff competition from rivals that offer more engaging driving experiences, better fuel efficiency, and more consistent reliability records. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and priorities.