2014 Acura MDX vs. Its Competition

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Our expert editors build comparisons like this one to make it easy for you to understand the small handful of cars you should compare to whatever car you are already looking at. You get general thoughts on each car you should consider plus an easy way to compare basic information for yourself.

Bengt Halvorson

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Bengt Halvorson is Deputy Editor of High Gear Media's portfolio of car sites, overseeing the production of reviews, evaluating vehicles firsthand... More

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Mar 27, 2013

The MDX, if it's anything like the outgoing generation, definitely hits a sweet spot in the family market, good for those who don't want to completely sacrifice driving enjoyment.

Most of the other entries the MDX's size, with three rows of seating, are considerably stodgier from behind the wheel, without adding all that much more comfort.

The Buick Enclave is one such example.

It has a very useful third row and exceptionally roomy interior, as well as a good ride, but it drives heavy and is far less fuel efficient.

The Volkswagen Touareg doesn't offer a third row, but it's roughly the same size on the outside and has more of a rugged emphasis.

The Lexus RX 350 is also a five-passenger vehicle, but it's more comfort oriented and can be had in a 450h Hybrid model.

The Lincoln MKT is roomy and different—with one of the better third-row seats.

And while the Mazda CX-9 isn't all that luxurious or that strong on refinement, it is one of the sportier vehicles in this class, with a usable third row.

2014 Acura MDX	2013 Buick Enclave Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Lexus RX 350 Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Lincoln MKT Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Mazda CX-9 Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Volkswagen Touareg Get FREE Price Quote
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
N/A Acura has given the 2014 MDX better performance, more technology, and a luxurious cabin, but its exterior doesn't quite match the exterior for boldness.	8.2 The Buick Enclave remains one of the most distinctive and comfortable large crossovers, and a substantially upgraded interior keeps it contemporary for 2013.	8 The 2013 Lexus RX is plush and premium, and it delivers on that luxury impression, but it's not the over-the-top lavish expression some might seek.	9 The shape of the 2013 Lincoln MKT might be polarizing, but there's undeniable charm in its luxurious cabin, its feature set and, surprisingly, its (EcoBoost) driving experience.	8 The 2013 Mazda CX-9 gets a sharper, even sportier look, as well as new active-safety features, and should remain one of the most exciting and engaging vehicles with three rows of seating.	8 The 2013 Volkswagen Touareg delivers good performance and a luxurious interior--although it's a mainstream brand asking for a luxury-vehicle price.
MSRP From
N/A	$38,445	$39,660	$45,285	$29,785	$43,945
Gas Mileage
	16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy	18 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy	16 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy	16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy	17 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy
Engine
N/A	Gas V6	Gas V6	Gas V6	Gas V6	Gas V6
EPA Class
N/A	2WD Sport Utility Vehicle	2WD Sport Utility Vehicle	Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD	2WD Sport Utility Vehicle	4WD Sport Utility Vehicle
Style Name
N/A	FWD 4-Door Convenience	FWD 4-Door	4-Door Wagon 3.7L FWD	FWD 4-Door Sport	4-Door VR6 Sport
Drivetrain
N/A	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Four Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
N/A	7	5	7	7	5
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
N/A	Sport Utility Vehicle	Sport Utility Vehicle	Sport Utility Vehicle	Sport Utility Vehicle	4 Door
Transmission
N/A	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic w/Manual Shift	Automatic w/Manual Shift	Automatic w/Manual Shift