For Few big 4x4s drive as well as the BMW X5. It's more agile than such a big 4x4 has any right to be, with strong performance and good economy.
Against The ride is a little firm over rough surfaces. The X5 looks expensive next to a Land Rover Discovery, and it's not as practical.
The BMW X5 is brilliant to drive on the road and pretty good off it. Economy is impressive if you choose our favorite model, the 30d SE, although a Land Rover Discovery is more practical.
The 2013 Acura MDX ranks 3 out of 19 Luxury Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 90 published reviews and test drives of the Acura MDX, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The 2013 Acura MDX is ranked:
#3 in Luxury Midsize SUVs
#4 in Luxury Crossover SUVs
The 2013 Acura MDX is a strong choice for anyone looking for a seven-seat upscale crossover with lots of technology and good handling.
The Acura MDX is a reviewer favorite for its refined handling, which is aided by its standard all-wheel drive. Although some say it feels sluggish off the line, most are generally pleased with the power from the MDX's standard 300-horsepower V6 engine, and say it is well-matched to its six-speed automatic transmission. Critics also like its steering, which they say provides good feedback to the driver. Its weakest performance attribute is its fuel economy, which, at 16/21 mpg city/highway, is mediocre.
The Acura MDX is the 2013 Best Luxury 3-Row Midsize SUV for the Money because it has the best combination of ownership costs and positive reviews in its class.
Reviewers say the MDX’s cabin is upscale and well-built, with good material quality. They also like the array of technology it is available with, including navigation, a multi-view camera and a solar-sensing climate system. Some are overwhelmed by the great number of buttons that adorn the center stack. The MDX seats seven in three rows, with a third row that lacks space for longer trips for anyone other than children. The other seats draw high marks for comfort from nearly all reviewers.
"Acura's 2013 MDX continues to wow customers and confound the competition. The 7-passenger MDX doesn't offer a host of different trims or engine choices, nor is it the freshest face on the block. What the MDX does have going for it is a long and stellar history, one chock-full of positive accolades and repeat customers. In the 2013 MDX, Acura has achieved the perfect blend of size, power, fuel economy, ride, handling and luxury." -- Kelley Blue Book
"The 2013 Acura MDX delivers plenty of luxury, refinement and performance without breaking the bank, making it a standout in its class." -- Edmunds
"Acura's bread-and-butter SUV is getting a bit long in the tooth, but that doesn't mean it isn't an excellent vehicle that's worth your consideration." -- Consumer Guide
"It proffers creamy ride quality (even in sport mode, which is the default setting), generally good steering feel, comfortable seats, respectable roominess in its second and third rows, subdued road and wind noise in most conditions, and ease of operation." -- Car and Driver (2011)