2018 Acura MDX

Pros: Good fuel economy for the class; surprisingly sporty driving character; quiet cabin; addition of hybrid model

Cons: Unexceptional comfort and space in 2nd and 3rd rows; complicated control layout; steep sticker prices on high-end models

CG Says: After last year’s refresh, the 2018 Acura MDX is little changed. The touchscreen control system has been revised and has a 30% faster response time. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard. The Acura MDX is a premium midsize crossover SUV with three rows of seating. The 3.5-liter V6 has a fuel-saving automatic start/stop feature in topline Advance models and is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are available. The Sport Hybrid is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 engine mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automated-manual transmission with an integrated electric motor powering the front wheels; a Twin Motor Unit with two electric motors powers the rear wheels. Total horsepower output is 321, an increase of 31 hp over the regular MDX. Available features include lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control with low-speed-follow functionality, and a collision-mitigating automatic emergency braking system. The MDX is an exceptionally well-balanced premium midsize SUV. The cabin is quiet and refined, and the driving character is surprisingly sporty for a vehicle of this size. Rear-seat room and comfort are not outstanding. Still, this Acura deserves a top spot on your shopping list. Topline versions are quite pricey, but the Base and Technology models deliver lots of safety, convenience, and luxury features at reasonable-for-the-class prices. The Sport Hybrid model offers a real improvement in fuel economy.