Introduction

Aimed at family-minded buyers, the 2020 Acura MDX crossover has three rows of seats for up to seven adults. Related to Honda's Pilot, the luxury mid-size MDX performs its transport duties effectively, while conveying a premium feel. 

Little has changed for the 2020 model year, except for the introduction of a handcrafted, limited-production PMC Edition, named for Acura's Performance Manufacturing Center. Only 300 will be available for U.S. sale. 

In addition to a base trim, the MDX is available with a choice of option packages-Advance, Technology, and A-Spec. Each dresses up the cabin, but does not affect performance. Acura also offers a more powerful Sport Hybrid, whose foremost benefit is fuel efficiency. 

Each regular MDX taps a 3.5-liter V-6 that develops 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, sent to a 9-speed automatic transmission. Front-drive is standard on most versions, while all-wheel drive costs $2,000 more. 

In the MDX Sport Hybrid, a 257-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 couples with three electric motors, producing 321 combined horsepower. Sport Hybrid models use a dual-clutch 7-speed automatic. 

All-wheel drive in the Sport Hybrid, with electric motors in the rear, is fundamentally different from the regular mechanically-based system. Both deliver seamless all-weather traction, though. 

Federal and independent testers have given the MDX impressive crash-test scores. The NHTSA rated the 2020 MDX at five stars overall, with five stars for both frontal and side-impact collisions. Only rollover prevention (a calculated figure) warranted a four-star rating. 

The IIHS has named MDX a Top Safety Pick, achieving “Good” scores in each crash-test performed. Standard automatic emergency braking helped it earn a 'Superior'? rating for crash prevention. Active-safety features also include lane control, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning. Standard adaptive LED headlights are deemed “Acceptable.”. 

Lineup

Prices do not include $995 destination charge. 

The seven-passenger MDX ($44,400 with front-drive, $46,400 with all-wheel drive) has a bench seat in the center row, with leather upholstery, 18-inch wheels, a moonroof, 12-way power front seats, three-zone climate control, eight-speaker audio, and dual-screen infotainment. The
Technology Package ($49,400 with front-drive, $51,400 with AWD) adds 20-inch wheels, navigation, 10-speaker audio, blind-spot monitors, and parking sensors. The A-Spec package ($54,900 with AWD) adds exterior and interior accents. 

A six-passenger MDX Advance ($56,150 with front-drive, $58,150 with AWD) substitutes captain's chairs for the second-row bench seat, and has perforated leather, wood accents, and a heated steering wheel. 

Acura also offers an Entertainment Package ($60,150 with AWD) with multimedia features for rear passengers, including a 16.2-inch display-and it comes in six-seat form ($53,400 with AWD). 

The MDX Sport Hybrid can be had in six- or seven-passenger versions, and in the Technology ($52,900 with AWD) and Advance packages ($59,650 with AWD) shared with the gas-only model. 

Walkaround

The 2020 MDX's tasteful body lines have aged gracefully. Despite its large proportions, the overall look is direct and delightful. 

Up front, the handsome nose centers on a diamond-patterned grille, below a creased hood. LED headlights wrap into front fenders, leading to an arch that reaches into doors. Past the long roofline, clean taillights bring up the rear. A pointed rear bumper reaches above the wheels. 

Interior

Elegantly handsome, the cabin echoes the MDX body's clean appearance, with two exceptions. The dual-touchscreen setup is outmoded, and the offbeat pushbutton shifter is complicated. 

Seat comfort, passenger space and cargo room score above average. Up to seven adults fit comfortably in the MDX, on leather-trimmed seats. Wood accents effectively complement the functional theme. 

The front seats deliver comfort for nearly any passenger. In Advance-package models, deeper buckets are more supportive, but narrower. 

Measuring 36.6 inches (sliding to 38.5 inches), the MDX's second-row leg room trails some rivals but provides comfort that's comparable to the seats up front. Acura sells a six-passenger version, and its second-row captain's chairs are more satisfying for adults than the three-place bench. 

Adults up to 6 feet tall should fit in the third row, but youngsters will fare better. The rear seating position is somewhat knees-raised. One-touch operation makes them readily accessible. 

Acura's dual-screen infotainment system has become outdated. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems, for example, require use of a console-mounted clickwheel. 

Outward vision is adequate, though compromised by chunky rear roof pillars. With all seatbacks upright, an MDX holds 15 cubic feet of cargo, though space is rather shallow on a relatively low load floor. Folding down the third row expands space to 38.4 cubic feet. With only front seatbacks upright, cargo volume reaches 68.4 cubic feet. 

Driving Impression

Quietly serene for long-haul road trips, the well-mannered 2020 Acura MDX boasts an easygoing nature and delivers a soft ride. Performance from the solid V-6 is adequate for a crossover SUV that weighs well over two tons. Acceleration is confident from a stop, and an MDX can tow up to 3,500 pounds. 

Though better-behaved than predecessors, the 9-speed automatic can get confused at times, hunting to select the best gear when passing. It functions better at steady, deliberate speeds. The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission in Sport Hybrids behaves more confidently. 

Every MDX rides calmly and comfortably, including the Sport Hybrid. The 2020 MDX is a laudable road-trip vehicle. The regular MDX's all-wheel drive is a sure-footed, mechanical system that can shuttle power left/right up to 100 percent, and front/rear to 70 percent. 

Among luxury three-row crossovers, the MDX is comparatively fuel-efficient, while the Sport Hybrid takes efficiency up a notch. With all-wheel drive, the EPA rates the MDX at 19 mpg city, 26 highway, 22 combined. Front-wheel drive raises each figure by 1 mpg: to 20/27/23 mpg. Unique wheels reduce the all-wheel-drive MDX A-Spec to 19/25/21 mpg. 

The MDX Sport Hybrid is EPA-rated at a thriftier 26 mpg city, 27 highway, 27 combined. All versions use premium gasoline. 

Summary

Handsome inside and out, the 2020 Acura MDX excels in confident power and stretch-out space. Every MDX is well-equipped, with standard active-safety features. Other luxury SUVs may look more glitzy, but the stately MDX has aged nicely. The pricey A-Spec appearance package has no impact on performance, but the Advance package is an appealing choice. 

Driving impressions by Aaron Cole, The Car Connection. James M. Flammang contributed to this report..