2020 Acura MDX

It’s easy to dismiss the Acura MDX three-row SUV as being a “fine” vehicle. After all, it dares to compete with the likes of Mercedes, BMW, Audi and Lexus—the world’s mac-daddies of luxury SUVs. But the fact is, the MDX has been a best-seller for Acura and a segment-leading product since its earliest days. That’s because buyers recognize that it’s a great car and a superb value. It doesn’t have the aura of opulence that the other brand’s carry, but it’s plenty luxurious and a pleasant car to be in for long durations

In terms of performance, Acura often is hit-or-miss. The 2020 MDX is a definite hit, delivering impressive handling and power for a three-row SUV. Its standard 290-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 engine is no slouch, and can achieve 20 mpg in city driving, 27 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg combined when equipped with front-wheel drive. The AWD version drops each of those figures by 1 mpg. The MDX, however, is the rare luxury SUV whose hybrid incarnation provides a sportier drive, with an advanced three-motor 321-horsepower drivetrain that boosts fuel economy to 26 mpg in city driving and 27 mpg on both the highway and combined.

The hybrid variant features an all-wheel-drive 3.0-liter V6 engine supplemented with three electric motors. One of these sits integrated into the engine, but the other two are at the rear, one driving each axle. It’s the same setup that’s in the Acura RLX luxury sedan and the NSX supercar (the configuration on the NSX is reversed with the motors upfront and the engine driving the rear tires). The system generates electrically enhanced all-wheel drive that promotes ultra-precise cornering and traction management.

For a powertrain rated at 321 horsepower, however, it’s slightly underwhelming. A three-motor hybrid system feels like it should be cranking over 400 combined horsepower, but that’s Acura’s general gestalt—it ultimately favors efficiency over raw performance. So, it will lose drag races but win at the pump.

Add its dual-clutch transmission, which is typically avoided in SUVs because they can limit towing capability, the SUV becomes fun to drive. Indeed, though the regular MDX can tow between 3,500 and 5,000 pounds and the all-wheel-drive Sport Hybrid comes notably with a “towing not recommended” designation.

Performance aside, if the third row wasn’t a giveaway, this is a family SUV. with a quiet cabin that emphasizes comfort over class and an entertainment package with roof-mounted widescreen displays. The MDX also includes Acura’s typically excellent range of standard and optional safety features, making it a solid choice for family drivers who love to drive.

Inside, the space is comfortable and well-executed, if a little generic. That’s a problem easily remedied with some thoughtful interior color choices, including browns and reds. (Black and tan interior themes are inherently the most boring.) The infotainment system represents another modest challenge. It uses two screens, one that controls vehicle functions and one that controls infotainment and navigation functions. The dual screens can be customized, a good thing for owners with enough patience to learn about the SUV’s infotainment system. For those who just want to start up and go—or for guest passengers—sorting out how it works isn’t particularly intuitive. It’s a challenge all carmakers experience when using multiple screens, and none have quite hit on the solution yet.

Fortunately, that’s a manageable problem. Once familiarized, the process becomes effortless, even when flipping back and forth between satellite radio, streaming services or content from an integrated smartphone (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard). Coupled with with the powertrain’s delivery of traction and stability and the MDX is an excellent wingman, no matter who or what it’s toting.