- Model-year changes
- Change the battery
- Transmission checkup
- Reliability — buy the hybrid?
- Other checks
- Final thought
Competing with machines like the BMW X5, Lexus RX L, GMC Acadia Denali, and Infiniti QX60, the third-generation Acura MDX hit the road in 2013 for the 2014 model year, bringing the brand’s seven-passenger luxury performance SUV into its most cutting-edge form yet.
For this redesign, safety-system performance and fuel efficiency were high on the list of engineering goals. Compared to its predecessor, the latest MDX boasted a nearly 3-inch longer wheelbase and sits about 1.5 inches lower to the ground, while giving passengers a nearly 2-inch reduction in step-in height. Width was reduced slightly, engineers capitalized on this by creating a front end with nearly 2 percent less surface area, to the benefit of aerodynamics, fuel efficiency and on-board noise levels.
Elsewhere, look for improved rear seat access with a wider step-in zone and improved legroom in rear seating rows. Added up, this generation MDX weighs 275 pounds less than the second-generation machine, despite improvements to its structure, suspension and drive.
You’ll find Acura’s first direct-injection engine under the hood, a free-breathing V6 of 3.5 litres’ displacement generating 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. A new i-VTEC valvetrain helps keep the power flowing strong at high revs, and active motor mounts keep this V6 running smooth.
Look for an automatic transmission on all models, and Super-Handling AWD on most used examples.
Check out the links below for more reviews, information, pictures, videos and specs on this generation of Acura MDX, and read on for 5 tips to help find the best used example you can for the dollar.
Model-year changes
2020 Acura MDX Photo by Stephanie Wallcraft
For model-year 2016, the six-speed transmission was booted in favour of a nine-speed automatic with push-button drive selector and improved performance and efficiency.
For 2017, the MDX got a complete styling overhaul including a new pentagon fascia that conveyed the new face of Acura brand right where everyone would see it — on the mug of this hot-selling SUV. The available Sport Hybrid powertrain came online this year as well, adding a new hybrid system for improved fuel mileage alongside a 35-horsepower boost in output.
Elsewhere for 2017 and 2018, a lot more luxury and tech features became standard, adding value to match the new sense of style. Model year 2019 focused on updating the MDX’s interior and available colours and materials. If you’re shopping for an Acura MDX A-Spec, you’re looking at model-year 2019 or later.
- 2016: new 9-speed automatic
- 2017: new look, Sport Hybrid available
- 2018: upgraded tech, more standard features
- 2019: upgraded interior, A-SPEC available
Change the battery
2017 Acura MDX Photo by Greg Williams
I harp a lot about batteries in these used car columns because I care about you. According to this lengthy owner forum discussion about earlier MDX’s from this generation, this machine is another excellent candidate for an important assumption.
Assume the battery in the MDX you’re considering is weak, dying, and planning to cause you a lot of irritating electronic problems — at least until you’ve got proof to the contrary.
Ask the seller how old the battery is. If it’s original, budget for a new one. If they don’t know, budget for a new one (or have the battery tested professionally) to avoid unpleasant surprises and visits from electronic gremlins.
Multiple warning lights, forgotten memory-seat settings, a backup camera that stays on all the time, and even wonky car-alarm operation — as well as plenty more — can all be caused by a weak or dying battery. Don’t underestimate the difference a fresh battery can make to the overall health of all of your vehicle’s electronics.
- New battery highly recommended
- Battery test highly recommended
Transmission checkup
2020 Acura MDX Photo by Stephanie Wallcraft
Remember that new nine-speed automatic transmission installed from model-year 2016? Some owners have reported problems with theirs.
A service bulletin was provided to dealers in late 2016 to help customers address complaints of sloppy or hard shifting, surging, a bogging sound or sensation, slow-to-engage gears, and an assortment of other operability problems reported by drivers. In most cases, the solution was to reset a few computer modules and perform a software update for improved shift quality and more refined operation.
Many owners say they prefer the older six-speed automatic for towing.
Regardless of model year, be sure to test the transmission of the MDX you’re considering at light, moderate and full throttle, multiple times on your test drive. If the transmission in the MDX you’re considering seems rough, inconsistent, noisy, or harsh, have it inspected by a professional before buying.
- Software updates improve transmission performance
- Carefully assess operation before you buy
Reliability — buy the hybrid?
2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid Photo by Greg Williams
How reliable is the RDX Sport Hybrid? In simple terms, it’s tough to say because this relatively low-volume seller doesn’t have a lot of owners talking online about potential problems and concerns. Of the few that have, most report a positive and trouble-free experience with religious observance of regular maintenance, and many have opted for an RDX Sport Hybrid as part of a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program for the added confidence and coverage offered.
Before buying any used hybrid, a full inspection and diagnostic scan by a trained technician in a dealer setting is strongly advised to prevent unpleasant surprises.
- CPO models come with added confidence
- Always have a hybrid inspected before you buy
- Regular maintenance is very important
Other checks
2017 Acura MDX Photo by Greg Williams
Though thinking ‘battery’ and ‘transmission’ as you test drive and shop for a used MDX should help avert most commonly-reported issues, it’s important to check a few additional areas on your test drive too.
Look for signs of a bad alignment—specifically, any driver workload required to keep the vehicle centred within its lane, or any sign of uneven wear across the treads of one or more tires.
Be sure to triple-check for proper operation of the MDX’s backup camera, automatic wipers and all seat controls including memory, heat and ventilation functions.
A power tailgate that suddenly reverses direction or fails to latch closed properly may need anything from a simple reset to new hardware as a fix, so be sure to find out before you buy.
- Check for signs of alignment trouble
- Check all seat electronics
- Check the rear camera
- Check the rear power tailgate
Final thought
These tips were designed to help test-driving shoppers more easily identify potential trouble reported by some owners. A careful test drive and shopping process that focuses on the areas we just covered can help you find a first-class example of a second-hand MDX.
Keyword: Used SUV Guide: 2014-2020 Acura MDX