why ads?

Popular at KBB.com

The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2012 Acura MDX

Please enter a valid mileage

View all 61 photos

Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Acura MDX

Overview

Get Your Fair Purchase Price See actual transaction prices, explore total cost to own, projected resale value and more. See what you should pay

Buy used | Trade-in/Sell

2012 Acura MDX Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.8

From its debut in 2001 right through to the current 2012 model, the Acura MDX SUV has continued to be one of our favorite SUVs. And we are not alone. In addition to critical acclaim, the MDX has always been well regarded by consumers, as measured by its consistently strong sales position in the segment (second only to the Lexus RX 350). Balance is the MDX's strong suit. It manages to combine good useful space and room for seven with reasonable overall size, and it is responsive and easy handling while still being comfortable and accommodating. Back in model year 2010, the MDX was significantly upgraded with a new powertrain and fresh exterior styling, and the 2012 Acura MDX remains in essentially that same form.

You'll Like This Car If...

Power, performance and usability make the 2012 Acura MDX an unusually capable premium midsize SUV. It also features a generous helping of clever, advanced technology.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Other players in the category, including the Lexus RX 350 and Buick Enclave, may offer more pure comfort and a softer attitude all around.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.8
Driving Dynamics

7.8
Comfort & Convenience

8.0
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.2
Value

7.8
Safety

8.0

How It Ranks

#37

out of 49

MPG

#28

out of 49

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

8.9 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

What's New for 2012

There are no major changes for 2012.

Driving the MDX

Driving Impressions The fact that Acura introduced the current-generation MDX on a racetrack with other high-performance SUVS says quite a bit. The fact that the MDX put the biggest smiles on our...

faces says even more. When pushed hard, the MDX's 300-horsepower engine, sophisticated all-wheel-drive system and optional active-damping system combine to deliver an SUV that's remarkably fun to drive hard. We were also impressed by the MDX's off-road capability. Realistically, very few MDXs will ever see a racetrack or even a seriously muddy trail, but the athletic MDX is plenty pleasing around town and on the highway.

Favorite Features

Technology Package
A navigation system that provides real-time traffic and weather info and an audio system that delivers amazing 6-channel Surround Sound via any medium you want make this option group a must-have.

SH-AWD
Apply some power in a hard corner and the MDX's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system transfers extra torque to the rear outside wheel, delivering truer steering response and perceptibly higher cornering limits.

2012 Acura MDX Details

2012 Acura MDX Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

Though clearly focused on delivering exceptional performance, the 2012 Acura MDX does not compromise on practicality. A full 15 cubic feet of cargo capacity is available behind the third-row seats (only two cubic-feet less than the full-size Chevrolet Tahoe). Both rear rows fold flat to accommodate larger loads. The reclining second-row seats offer plenty of legroom, even for 6-footers. The third row, of course, is best for smaller folks and shorter trips. The MDX even offers a minivan-like 10 cupholders. Up front, the 2012 MDX is an attractive mix of sport, luxury and technology, with highlights that include perforated leather or premium Milano leather seats, simulated Koa wood or metallic trim and a collection of intuitive controls and LED lighting.

Exterior

Good proportions, clean lines, pronounced wheel arches and an aggressive stance give the 2012 Acura MDX a strong presence on the road. Details such as high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights, turn signals integrated into the outside mirrors and LED taillights add to the high-tech flavor of the MDX. Opinion may split on the chrome "beak" grille treatment that is a corporate-Acura trademark, but at least it's recognizable. The 2012 Acura MDX is somewhat larger overall than the Lexus RX 350 and Volvo XC90.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Even "standard" means very well equipped on the 2012 Acura MDX. You get the powerful V6 engine and sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, power and heated front seats, power moonroof, HID headlamps, Bluetooth hands-free phone interface, a 253-watt 8-speaker audio system with 6-disc CD/MP3/WMA changer, 3-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming mirror, rear-view camera, steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls, six airbags and electronic traction and stability controls.

Optional Equipment

As is Honda/Acura practice, the 2012 Acura MDX's optional features are bundled into three distinct packages. The Technology Package includes a sophisticated navigation system with an 8-inch LCD screen, AcuraLink real-time traffic and weather reports, Zagat restaurant reviews, plus a DVD-Audio Surround Sound system and power rear liftgate. The Advance Package features active damping adjustment for the suspension, ventilated sport seats covered in rich perforated Milano leather, a sport steering wheel with paddle shifters, Collision Mitigating Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control, blind spot information system, auto-leveling HID front headlamps and 19-inch alloy wheels. The Entertainment Package adds a DVD rear entertainment system.

Under the Hood

The V6 in the 2012 Acura MDX holds the distinction of being the most powerful engine Acura has ever offered. It works through a 6-speed automatic transmission and the clever Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system that manages the torque split not only between front and rear but also between the left and right rear wheels. In addition to cornering advantages, the system also makes for a less-intrusive stability control system. The available Active Damper System, in which the shock absorbers can change from soft to firm in milliseconds, helps mitigate the traditional trade-offs between a comfortable ride and spirited handling. The MDX features unibody construction and a fully-independent suspension, and can tow up to 5,000 pounds with the added benefit of a Trailer Stability Assist feature.

3.7-liter V6
300 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm
270 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/21

Pricing Notes

The 2012 Acura MDX's Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starts just under $44,000 and extends to a little over $55,000 when the top option packages are included. As a premium, in-demand vehicle, the MDX will likely see transaction prices fairly close to those MSRPs, which will be reflected in our Fair Purchase Price. The well-rounded, well-equipped MDX makes a worthy competitor to a wide range of premium SUVs - from the Volvo XC90 to the Porsche Cayenne - with pricing that we feel compares favorably to anything in the category. As for resale value, we expect the MDX to perform better than average, on par with its closest rival the Lexus RX 350 and much better than Cadillac SRX or Lincoln MKT.

To find out what consumers are really paying for this vehicle, first select a style to see the Fair Purchase Price| Calculate payments for this vehicle

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Acura MDX vehicles for sale near you.

Get Your Fair Purchase Price See actual transaction prices, explore total cost to own, projected resale value and more.

See what you should pay

Buy used | Trade-in/Sell

2012 Acura MDX Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.9

Out of 10

Based on 228 Ratings for the 2007 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.0/10

Quality

9.0/10
Reliability

9.2/10

Performance

9.2/10
Comfort

9.2/10

Styling

9.2/10

Literally best in class!

By Acura lover ATX (TX) on Monday, May 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 74,600

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Handling, options, roomy, value"

Cons: "."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Loved my previous Acura's before this MDX and love my MDX just the same if not nor than previous A's. best driving dynamics in the class, sport/advance suspension makes this tank feel like a sport luxo sedan. Great stereo & DVD system. Gas mileage is impressive for a loaded, AWD and powerful SUV. Three row seating is better than most others in the segment. Most every "luxury" option comes standard on MDX and with a few packages its loaded beyond he competition."

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Ordinary style

By Samyjade (TX) on Monday, March 11, 2013

I owned and sold this car
Reason: Didn't fall in love with this SUV - My approximate mileage is 10,000

10 6.0

overall rating 6 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 6/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Comfy"

Cons: "Gas milage, blah exterior style"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 2

"We were in the market for a luxary SUV, test drove BMW X3, looked at some others, and finally fell for the "special" our local Acura dealer had on their MDX and bought one(They probably had the special because they had a ton of them in their inventory with no buyers). This is a nice SUV but the exterior styling has no character to it... for that price, I think the styling should stand out a little and not blend in with the other cheaper SUVs on the road. Gas milage was not good, but we knew that already. Interior was ok, except the fake wood grain always had a glair right into my eyes every time I drove in the sun. Also I got in a Honda Accord once and noticed the interior looked a lot like my Acura MDX, which was disappointing to pay that price and get the same interior as they put in their Honda Accord. Anyways, overal, I liked the driving dynamics of it at first which is why we bought it, but I fell out of love with it very quickly. If you are in the market for something stylish and something that stands out a little, this isn't it."

7 people out of 14 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Great SUV, mileage could be better

By Tony (NY) on Sunday, March 03, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Quality,ride, features, handling"

Cons: "Gas mileage could be better"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I just bought the 2013 MDX...traded in my 2003 MDX with 106,000 miles. I drove every American-made SUV...none are close to the MDX for quality, technology, ride, etc."

7 people out of 7 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Entertaining SUV

By lpac (MI) on Friday, March 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 26,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Performance, Handeling, Maintenance Cost"

Cons: "Not fuel efficient"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I enjoy driving this vehicle. I didn't think I would, my previous car was a Audi S4 and I needed something that would haul the family in and handle the Michigan winters. As much as I liked my Audi I didn't enjoying paying out the exorbitant maintenance costs - every time I would go into the dealer it would cost $300-$1k to fix the vehicle. My wife has a Honda Pilot with 150k miles on it and we've paid low maintenance cost so I expect similar value from the Acura. In summary, this SUV feels and handles like a sports sedan. It will tear up curves and has great acceleration. I've equipped mine with Blizzaks winter tires and have driven through several west Michigan snow storms and the MDX was solid and surefooted at speed. Only downer for me is 19mpg on premium, luckily I work out of my home office so it doesn't hit me as much as say someone who has to commute for their job."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Gas hog and takes premium

By DM (TN) on Wednesday, February 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 15,000

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 3/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Comfortable, smooth ride, quiet"

Cons: "Poor gas mileage, premium gas"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 3

"I will admit that the MDX is nice to drive, but it delivers less than advertised gas mileage and costs me an arm and leg to keep on the road. If I had it to over, I would have stayed away from a car that requires premium gas."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

You will never find a suv from anyother car comp.

By stady (SC) on Tuesday, December 25, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 28,750

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"We hade a 2007 then we got a 2010 and we are looking at the 2013 now you will never find a SUV like this one from any other car comp. this is the best. we will keep the MDX as long as we keep a Car."

5 people out of 6 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

See all 228 reviews