Is the Acura MDX Hybrid a Good SUV?
Yes, the Acura MDX Hybrid is a good SUV. Its powertrain is energetic enough for most driving situations, and it provides the great fuel economy you expect from a hybrid. Thanks to standard all-wheel drive, the SUV handles well, too. Its seats are comfortable and there's a long list of tech features, including new-for-2018 Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Still, many luxury midsize SUV competitors have nicer interiors or offer more cargo space.
Should I Buy the Acura MDX Hybrid?
The MDX Sport Hybrid is a pretty good vehicle, but that doesn't mean it's the best purchase. If you're looking for a true luxury experience, you'll find it elsewhere. Additionally, the Acura's primary draw of good fuel economy isn’t so far ahead of what rivals offer that it should outweigh all your other considerations.
The Lexus RX Hybrid should be on your list if you're shopping for an alternative-fuel SUV in this class. Like the MDX Hybrid, it offers a lot of value and great mileage estimates. You'd also be wise to cross-shop the regular Acura MDX and see if your potential savings at the pump are worth the additional cost of the hybrid.
Should I Buy a New or Used Acura MDX Hybrid?
For 2018, Acura updated the MDX's infotainment system with a more responsive and capacitive touch screen. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are present for the first time, and they're included as standard. However, if you're looking to save money and don't care about these changes, consider a used MDX Hybrid. The hybrid Acura MDX was introduced for the 2017 model year, so that's the only used model you'll find.
To do more research on a used MDX Hybrid, check out our review of the 2017 Acura MDX Hybrid. If you decide an older model is right for you, check out our Used Car Deals page for savings and incentives on used vehicles.
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We don’t base our car reviews on our personal opinions. Instead, we combine the findings of professional test drivers with data such as reliability ratings and safety scores to give you a complete overview of every vehicle we rank. This 2018 Acura MDX Hybrid review incorporates applicable research for all model years in this generation, which spans the 2017 and 2018 model years.
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How Much Does the Acura MDX Hybrid Cost?
The MDX Hybrid has a base price of around $52,000. That’s midpack among luxury midsize SUVs, which is impressive since hybrids are typically some of the most expensive vehicles in every class. A fully loaded MDX Hybrid costs around $58,000, which is still less than you’ll pay for many fully loaded competitors.
Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Acura dealer. You can also find excellent manufacturer incentives on our Acura deals page.
Acura MDX Hybrid Versus the Competition
Which Is Better: Acura MDX Hybrid or Lexus RX Hybrid?
Overall, the Lexus RX Hybrid and the Acura MDX Hybrid have a lot in common. Prior to this model year, the biggest difference was space – the RX Hybrid used to only have five seats, but Lexus remedied that for 2018 with the introduction of the new 3-row Lexus RX L Hybrid. Still, the MDX Hybrid has more overall interior room for your family to stretch out, and it offers a good bit more cargo space.
The RX Hybrid’s interior features a handsome design, quality materials, and sharp attention to detail. That's all reflected in a slightly higher price than the MDX, though. Lexus also offers some features in the RX Hybrid that you can't get in the MDX Hybrid, like a rear-seat entertainment system and a brilliant 12.3-inch infotainment display.
The Acura boasts slightly better overall performance than the Lexus, mostly due to its lithe handling. However, both SUVs come with standard all-wheel drive and potent acceleration. If your priorities are luxury and comfort, and you're willing to sacrifice extra passenger space or cargo room, go with the RX Hybrid. If your needs are a little more utilitarian, the MDX Hybrid is a better bet.
Which Is Better: Acura MDX Hybrid or Infiniti QX60 Hybrid?
The main difference between the MDX Hybrid and the gas-only version is what’s under the hood. The hybrid actually has better all-around performance than the standard Acura MDX due to its higher combined horsepower rating and smoother-shifting transmission. Standard all-wheel drive in the hybrid delivers agile and confident handling, though you can outfit a regular MDX with all-wheel drive and reap those same benefits.
Naturally, the MDX Hybrid boasts better fuel economy ratings, at 26 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The gas-only MDX gets 19/27 mpg city/highway with front-wheel drive and 18/26 mpg city/highway with all-wheel drive. Though you’ll save money at the pump, it would take you about three years to make up the price difference between a similarly equipped MDX and a base MDX Hybrid. If you were planning on buying a souped-up gas-only MDX, you might as well spend a little more and get the hybrid instead.
MDX Hybrid Interior
How Many People Does the MDX Hybrid Seat?
The MDX Hybrid seats seven people. The first two rows of seats are spacious and comfortable, though second-row headroom is tight for taller passengers. As with many 3-row SUVs, the third-row seats are too cramped for adults on anything but short drives.
MDX Hybrid and Car Seats
The MDX Hybrid has three full sets of LATCH car-seat connectors. The tether anchors are somewhat hard to find. On the plus side, it doesn’t take much force to attach car-seat straps, and the lower anchors are easily identifiable – though they can be tough to maneuver around.
MDX Hybrid Interior Quality
This Acura features plenty of high-end materials throughout the cabin, but it lacks the panache of other luxury midsize SUVs. The overall aesthetic feels more like a Honda than a true luxury vehicle.
MDX Hybrid Cargo Space
The MDX Hybrid has just under 15 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, which is enough room for a large dog. It has a maximum cargo capacity of just over 68 cubic feet, which is enough for large items like bicycles and camping gear. Despite the usable space, many class rivals have more cargo room.
MDX Hybrid Infotainment, Bluetooth, and Navigation
Standard features in the MDX Hybrid include tri-zone automatic climate control, a moonroof, a 10-speaker ELS audio system, satellite radio, Bluetooth, four USB ports, navigation, a dual-screen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Siri Eyes Free. Available features include an 11-speaker ELS audio system and two third-row USB ports.
The touch-screen is more responsive than in previous models and features an easy-to-master interface. New for 2018, the MDX Hybrid comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easy to sync your smartphone with the vehicle. For more information, read What Is Apple CarPlay? and What Is Android Auto?Then, see the Best Cars With Apple CarPlay and Best Cars With Android Auto.
MDX Hybrid Performance
MDX Hybrid Engine: No Complaints Here
The MDX Hybrid features a V6 engine and three electric motors that combine to put out 321 horsepower. That’s more than enough juice to push this SUV off the line quickly, and it’s ample power for all other driving situations as well. A smooth-shifting dual-clutch automatic transmission comes standard.
MDX Hybrid Gas Mileage: Not Class-Leading, but Close
The MDX Sport Hybrid gets 26 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Those are excellent ratings for a luxury midsize SUV, though they do trail some hybrid rivals’ ratings. For example, the Lexus RX Hybrid earns 31 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.
MDX Hybrid Ride and Handling: Smooth Sailing
The MDX Hybrid comes standard with Super-Handling all-wheel drive, which provides reliable road grip. It also has a sport suspension and four selectable driving modes. The MDX Hybrid is fairly agile and doesn’t lean much around corners. Ride quality is good over most road surfaces.
MDX Hybrid Reliability
Is the Acura MDX Hybrid Reliable?
The 2018 MDX Hybrid is part of a generation that typically earns a predicted reliability rating of 2.5 out of five from J.D. Power. That’s a below-average rating for any vehicle (three is average across the industry), and many class rivals have higher reliability scores.
Acura MDX Hybrid Warranty
The Acura MDX is covered by a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty. These warranty terms are a little better than competitors’, as many luxury vehicles only provide a four-year/50,000-mile warranty.
MDX Hybrid Safety
MDX Hybrid Crash Test Results
The 2018 Acura MDX earns a perfect five-star overall crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. From the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Acura MDX receives the top score of Good in all five crash tests, as well as a 2018 Top Safety Pick designation.
MDX Hybrid Safety Features
Standard active safety features in the MDX Hybrid include a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Available features include front and rear parking sensors and a surround-view camera system.
Which Acura MDX Hybrid Model Is Right for Me?
Like the nonhybrid standard MDX (which is covered in a separate review), the Acura MDX Hybrid comes in one trim with a choice of option packages. All models feature the same 321-horsepower three-motor powertrain, a seven-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive.
Choosing the right MDX Hybrid for you comes down to how much you value things like heated second-row seats, premium leather upholstery, and a couple of extra driver assistance features. The Advance package comes with a big price jump (more than $6,000), and it’s not a great value. Most buyers will be better off with just the Technology package.
Acura MDX Sport Hybrid With Technology Package
The MDX Sport Hybrid with Technology package (which is the full name of the Sport Hybrid’s base trim) starts around $52,000. Standard features include power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, leather upholstery, tri-zone automatic climate control, a 10-speaker ELS audio system, satellite radio, navigation, voice command activation, a dual-screen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Siri Eyes Free, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.
Acura MDX Sport Hybrid With Advance Package
The MDX Sport Hybrid with Advance package has a starting price of around $58,000. Standard features include the Technology package’s features as well as premium Milano leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, second-row captain’s chairs, heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, a surround-view camera system, and front and rear parking sensors
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