A Safe Bet for No-Fuss Buyers | 2020 Acura MDX A-Spec Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.ย. 2024
- The Acura MDX is one of the best-selling 3-row crossovers of all time, it's taken us long enough to finally feature it. Our Spotlight is on this 2020 Acura MDX A-Spec SH-AWD.
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Acura's MDX is one of the most popular vehicles ever sold by the Honda Motor Company. Buyers trust it's reliability, space, features, and overall design, and the 2020 MDX A-Spec continues to be a solid candidate for buyers wanting a no-fuss premium crossover experience. Our full tour and review of this 2020 Acura MDX A-Spec SH-AWD in apex blue pearl paint is a comprehensive review of this $61,000 SUV. Changes from the 2019 model year are essentially the same.
Our Spotlight goes over this mid-trim A-Spec including the available safety technology like AcuraWatch, along with the LED JewelEye headlights, LED fog lights, front and rear parking sensors, power folding mirrors, power moonroof, 19" A-Spec rims, foot-activated rear lift-gate, remote starter, and keyless entry. We jump inside the MDX with it's black leather/Alcantara sport seats with power, driver memory, and automatic heat and ventilation, tri-zone automatic climate control, LED interior lighting, dual infotainment screens, 10-speaker ELS Studio audio system, easy-access third row seating, and heated outboard centre-row seats.
We take the 2020 Acura MDX A-Spec with it's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive on the road to talk about what buyers can expect in the real world with this mid-size three row crossover and it's 3.5L naturally aspirated V6 i-VTEC engine, along with the 9 speed automatic transmission. We discuss the acoustic laminated front glass and how the cabin space sounds on the road, and what our impressions were of the drivetrain under typical daily driving circumstances.
Our episode wraps up with our real-world fuel economy testing along with what we liked and disliked about the Acura MDX.
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Love my 2020 MDX it’s a dream to drive. It has great pep, the seats are plush and comfy, you can’t beat the reliability, the double screen actually makes sense to me, the SH-AWD is superb, it’s a classy looking vehicle. I’d take Acura over any American or German junk anytime. I’ve owned them all and Honda/Acura products are by far superior. Just my 2 cent opinion
Glad to hear you're enjoying yours!
Came for an MDX review only to get told 30 times that this isn't comparable to a vehicle that is 30k more. Thanks.
You’re not wrong
I was was thinking the same thing 😂
Less luxury but more reliability than more luxury and endless money pits!!!!
That's certainly true, they do focus on the reliability aspect more than anything else.
The difference between 2020 Aspec AWD and BMW or MB is cost! A huge factor.
I would buy the Acura over any of the German brands for reliability alone but I might be bias considering I have owned two Acura's and still own a 99 rl
Reliability is certainly key. I don’t know of any major faults or problems with the MDX over the course of its entire production.
@@PRNTestDrive I own a 2019 mdx tech package and the only thing I dislike is the transmission. 1-2 shift sucks
The beauty of the MDX is how it drives and how much it costs to own. It will be interesting to see the new gen MDX likely next year.
MDX could also be compared to new Lincoln Aviator and Caddy XT6. I find myself attracted to Aviator but reliability scares me.
MDX is Acura’s best seller because I think it looks good from outside and sporty inside, much better looking outside than minivan like Pilot. It has old BMW vibe inside prior to all the new electronics entered with Bangle era and beyond. It is honest. Acura may be great buys as CPOs.
The interior infotainment and gauges do look dated, I agree. Was the nine speed ZF smooth shifting or still problematic? Seems like Honda fixed it in new Passport finally.
I honestly think this is a better buy than anything not named Lexus RX if you want reliability. If you prefer more luxury Aviator and Volvo and Germans are better but be aware of reliability. IMO Caddy and Infiniti and Buick are not as quality products.
I didn't experience any problems with the transmission in normal drive mode, I did mention that it holds the gears a little longer in sport mode, but I didn't feel it was a problem. We're hoping to get the Aviator before the end of the year, and the XT6 in early 2020.
Not a best buy though.
The Passport along with Acura RDX and MDX have lost their recommended status with Consumer Reports.
"The Passport two-row midsized SUV is an all-new model based on the three-row Pilot SUV. However, members told us that their Passports suffered from climate system problems, including refrigerant leaks and the AC compressor not working properly. The similar Pilot did not have these problems. When reached via email, a Honda spokeswoman told us that “a countermeasure to address the climate system problems was applied to vehicles beginning in June, and a service bulletin was issued in August. Passport owners experiencing problems with their climate system should contact their authorized Honda dealer as soon as possible to have the vehicle inspected.”"
The interior needs a refresh soon, other than that great looking exterior and love the blue color!
I suspect we'll see a full refresh for next year. I saw some shots of the 2019/2020 RDX as we haven't had a chance to drive it yet, the interior is different from this, but I'm not sure I'm entirely sold on it either. We'll have to see what the 2021 MDX will look like.
I have owned 4 BMWs in the past 16 years (328/330/x3/x3). Bought a new MDX because the wife wants a 3 row seat AWD vehicle that's good on gas and doesn't break. The doesn't break part is huge, people say these last and last. I love BMW but as I get older and wiser reliability is something I value more.
Reliability is certainly king, and there's really nothing negative I've heard about these from a maintenance/reliability perspective.
Even with older design and little cosmetic improvements, Consumer Reports dropped the MDX from their recommendation.
Acura, like Buick, is a premium brand, which is in between regular and luxury. They offer a lot of face value luxury without too much fluff
I agree! There needs to be some more competition in the segment though, Acura and Infiniti are slow to change their products, and GM doesn't seem to know what to do with Buick once again.
@@PRNTestDrive Infiniti is just truly a lost child. 95% of their lineup is just Nissan's with a different infotainment system and gauge cluster. Infiniti really is supposed to be a luxury brand but nissan as a whole has just fallen so hard that infiniti is a big dumpster fire right now. Nissan as a company needs some major overhauls and then maybe we would see infiniti go head to head with lexus and the europeans again.
@@james2042 even Buick outsells Acura today.
Remember in the early 80’s when front wheel drive was becoming the norm. Chrysler products and all of it’s K car variants with it’s 1 wheel pulling the car with the transverse mounted engines. SUBARU had true front wheel drive as did Eldorado and Toronado. How did we survive? Now we have Stability, Traction control and ABS Braking and now Super Handling AWD Symmetrical AWD etc. .we must be able to go anywhere in any conditions :)
Tires make the big difference! While AWD helps with that added level of confidence, winter tires make all the difference when there's snow on the ground. Luxury cars need AWD though, still a basic requirement from consumers when it comes to that level of prestige.
I cant believe they STILL didn’t update the interior, its the only thing that’s stopping me from getting one
Do you like the direction they went with the 2019 RDX? It will likely be the blueprint for the next major overhaul for the MDX.
PRN_TestDrive yeah, i like one screen better. I drive a 2019 civic and i love how simple it is. I believe the Elite Pilot has a better interior than its big brother MDX
That it could, that's part of the problem with the premium segment today, there's not really enough of a reason to move up to them from the consumer counterparts.
PRN_TestDrive Unless they give you $10-12k Discount. At least in my area(USA)
Torn between the MDX A-spec and XC90 T6 Momentum, both 2019. Looking for reliability > safety > performance. Test drove both, and the XC90 drive/interior/tech performs so much better. Just the fear of Volvo repairs is keeping the debate alive. Thoughts?
I really want to love Volvo, but we've had small issues with some of the press cars we've had from them, and they seem to always be at the bottom of Consumer Reports' reliability lists. A friend of the show just picked up a 2019 XC90 T6 Inscription and absolutely loves it. Personally I'd take the Volvo, we did the T6 Momentum last year and really liked it. You get a lot of safety tech for the price.
I own a 2020 performance red a spec and it is by far the worst car I’ve owned so far. Jesus its been In the dealer at least 8 times no because it leaves me stranded. Purchased with 0 miles.
Acura used to have reliability as their selling factor, that hasn’t been the case in a very long time. I’m sorry to hear you’re having problems with yours, hopefully it gets resolved for you.
You must have gotten a lemon. I have owned multiple MDX and TLs and they are virtually trouble free.
I find the MDX looks dated. They need an update soon.
I expect it for next year, though I mistook a lot of 2019 RDXs for MDXs during my week with this, the front ends are really similar. I'll be curious to see how the next generation looks.
I would take an MDX over Buick or RX350. Reason people buy this is because of the usable 3rd row, something you can’t find even on the RX350L. In addition to that, SH-AWD which isn’t in the Pilot. This 2020 is the last year of this model, the 2021 will have a completely new design.
"...Buick calls its premium-not-quite-luxury approach “attainable luxury,” and it’s a space the brand is comfortable with owning while competitors at Acura, Infiniti and Lincoln reach into the luxury category. Buick outpaced all three of those brands in volume in 2017, but doesn’t command the same prices overall. The brand has an average transaction price of $36,309 through the first two months of 2018, according to Kelley Blue Book." Detroitnews
I seen a top of the line Pallisade parked next to a MDX A Spec and the hyundai looked so much more expensive and luxurious
That's going to be the sales problem for Infiniti and Acura moving forward, vehicles like the Palisade offer a lot of features & tech along with some nice premium touches that make vehicles like this MDX feel over-priced. Before Acura & Infiniti could rely on the brand recognition to sell more cars, but now it's going to be tougher.
I wouldn’t buy a Pallisade for the simple reason it’s a Hyundai and the resale value sucks compared to Acura and the reliability you get with Acura
Do not buy, lease only.
The Passport along with Acura RDX and MDX have lost their recommended status with Consumer Reports.
"The Passport two-row midsized SUV is an all-new model based on the three-row Pilot SUV. However, members told us that their Passports suffered from climate system problems, including refrigerant leaks and the AC compressor not working properly. The similar Pilot did not have these problems. When reached via email, a Honda spokeswoman told us that “a countermeasure to address the climate system problems was applied to vehicles beginning in June, and a service bulletin was issued in August. Passport owners experiencing problems with their climate system should contact their authorized Honda dealer as soon as possible to have the vehicle inspected.”"
For me, the first generation Pilot will always be the best. Those seem to have held up really well over the years, and still offer quite a bit in the used market. Acura really needs to figure out what they want to do, it's still a mess.
2020 is the last year of this model. The 2021 will have a completely new design. So for those who are comparing this gen to the palisade or CX9, wait until the next gen is released.
Makes sense, the CX-9 is seriously due for an overhaul. We have the 2020 booked in a couple months, small changes over the 2019.
Audi isn’t considered a luxury brand in Canada? What? In the US Audi is looked at as being more luxury than Lexus. Audi is up there with Mercedes and BMW as the German brands. That’s funny in the US Acura and Lexus are around the same with INFINITI following as the Japanese luxury brands. Buick isn’t even considered luxury really in the US. Just something older people buy like Cadillac. Volvo, Alfa Romeo, and Genesis fall somewhere around Audi, Lexus, and Acura as well here.
It'll come down to personal opinion honestly. I feel since most of Audi's platforms are FWD-derived, and mostly fall in as fancier Volkswagens, that they aren't quite on the same level as Mercedes-Benz or BMW, however I know this is a subject that is highly controversial and would create a lot of back-and-forth.
PRN_TestDrive ya definitely true. I mean I consider Lexus to literally be the same thing as Acura except using slightly better materials on the inside dash. But Acura’s tend to have more features. Unless it’s different in Canada. Some Lexus are just fancy Toyota’s to people here much like Acura and Audi. I like Lexus but hate their infotainment and track pad system. But Lexus, Acura, and Audi are all FWD based which I think kinda puts them all in the same category. When it comes to AWD I think Acura has the best system of the three followed by Audi, but I definitely think it is matter of opinion and taste when it comes to buyers for sure. Nice video though. Love to see you review the RDX if you can get your hands on one. Is Genesis in Canada?
Genesis is in Canada! We featured the G70 almost exactly a year ago, and we've got the new 2020 G90 booked in early January.
Why don't you just go review a BMW.
Uh, ok
Exactly. He talks more about other brands than the car he's reviewing. Here in the US we buy Acuras for their reliability and it is an understated luxury car. The car is solid. Just purchased a 2020 A spec MDX and I love it. I've owned a Lexus RX 350 and while it was nice it was not sporty like this SUV. A Buick is not considered a luxury vehicle in the US. The BMW X5 will be in the shop for repair and my Acura will still be going strong. The tech is older in the Acura but I'm good with that. I'm 44 so maybe that has something to do with it lol
Finally, I just ordered Lincoln Corsair yesterday~
I think that Lincoln is better then Japanese luxury brand! Can wait to get the key for my Corsair^^
Very nice, we’re really looking forward to the Corsair once it hits our fleet! I just had a sneak peek at the Aviator, looks really good. Lincoln is on the right path!
@@PRNTestDrive yep.
I also need to wait at least 2 months for my new vehicle.
Currently, Most of Corsair in dealership are base models
Interesting! I wonder when we'll get them on the fleet then, closest Lincoln to us is about half an hour away, I might swing by tomorrow to see if they have any 😀
Lol this guys is funny
Hopefully in a good way!