Pros: Good fuel economy for the class; surprisingly sporty driving character; quiet cabin; all-wheel drive is no longer mandatory
Cons: Unexceptional comfort and space in 2nd and 3rd rows; complicated control layout; steep sticker prices on high-end models
CG Says: The 2014 MDX drives and handles exceptionally well and boasts a quiet, refined cabin that has pretty much everything you need and nothing you don’t. Rear-seat room and comfort are not great, despite the redesigned models’ longer wheelbase and overall length. Further, the control interface still has a couple usability issues, but the design is much improved over the outgoing MDX. Still, this Acura deserves a top spot on your shopping list, especially since you can now buy one with front-wheel drive. The top-line Advance Entertainment version is a bit pricey for what it offers, but the Base and Technology models deliver lots of safety, convenience, and luxury features at reasonable-for-the-class prices.