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# 2018 Acura MDX SH-AWD - Bottom Line Review
- URL: https://www.roadblazing.com/2018-acura-mdx-sh-awd-bottom-line-review/
- Published: 2018-12-14T17:55:00.000Z
- Updated: 2024-05-06T18:28:50.000Z
- Author: George Straton
- Tags: Sport Utility Vehicles

(Contributing Editor: Peter Stamatis)

#### Taking your growing active family on an adventure whose destination lies beyond a point where the paved road ends?

#### Does your wallet lack a CDL and fueling cash for a Van Hool touring bus? Images of family van are only slightly less uncouth than a mule train, and lack the "Go \[almost\] Anywhere" capability?

#### All of it explains the inundation of 3-Row crossover utility vehicles in this age of SUV.

#### Which is why Roadblazing.com recently set out to discover what exactly makes the recently restyled **2018 Acura MDX** 3-Row premium family crossover so popular among American internal combustion set adventurous lifestyle families.

### **\* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \***

*WHAT:* **2018 Acura MDX AWD-i** 3 Row, mid-sized plus crossover sport utility vehicle.

Standard Power: 3499 cc, direct injection, i-VTEC SOHC 24V V-6 cylinder gasoline engine: 290 hp/ 267 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm +9-speed automatic torque converter planetary transaxle;

(Optional) PTU to viscous multi-clutch differential, Super Handling all-wheel drive; 90:10 - 30:70 torque split w/ side to side torque vectoring

*WHAT (A) STYLING DIFFERENCE:* **2017 MY** brought styling refresh to Gen. 3 Code YD-3 sharing platforms w/ Honda Pilot family 3-Row crossover, Honda Ridgeline pickup truck.

![2018 Acura MDX SH-AWD: Active family premium 3-Row anti-van gets updated beak.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2018/12/2017-Acura-MDX-SH-AWD-ext-fr-P1070141-b.jpg)

2018 Acura MDX SH-AWD: Active family premium 3-Row anti-van gets updated beak.

*Similar Bird of Fewer Feathers* \= pre-2017 "Bird's Beak V dominant horizontal grille bar dumped for more mature hexagonal V-bezel unit featuring dark lattice detail. Mid corner fascia chin is more square jawed. Jewel Eye 5-segment LED headlamps sweep further back. Subtly coke-bottle fuselage profile and raked C-pillar w/ small Hofmeister kink remain unchanged. Ditto the Kammback liftgate and wrap-around boomerang taillamps; Chrome trimmed twin exhaust outlets have filled in where reflectors used to sit in the lower rear fascia.

![2018 Acura MDX SH-AWD: Raked C-pillar framing and bulging Kammback = sporty appeal; Twin, chrome tipped rectangular corner exhaust outlets are new.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2018/12/2017-Acura-MDX-SH-AWD-ext-rr-P1070197-b.jpg)

2018 Acura MDX SH-AWD: Raked C-pillar framing and bulging Kammback = sporty appeal; Twin, chrome tipped rectangular corner exhaust outlets are new.

*WHY*: *For the typically active, can't have a maxi-van family set.*

*WHEN:* On-Sale (in the U.S.) since late Late Fall 2017

*WHERE:* Acura new vehicle dealers

*WHERE MADE*: Lincoln, Alabama (moved to East Liberty, Ohio, MY 2018)

*WHERE TO:* PTU to E-coupling viscous multi-clutch on demand all-wheel drive, from nominal 90/10% to maximum 30/70%; Side to side axle ABS torque split up to 100%; **\-1** No off-road modes; 7.3"-inches clearance \= just an inch more than family vans for ingress sake; Primarily a foul weather friend & dusty driveway deliverer;

*HOW ROADWORTHY:* Though Earthdreams in name the VTEC valvetrain V-6 delivers grunt in the rpm nether regions, singing musically so; The 9-speed automatic transaxle swaps cogs without hesitance; Ubiquitous Sport Mode exists for teens to make fewer excuses about driving the family wagon;

A featherweight in the 3-row crossover segment, **Acura MDX** is fitted with a lively tuned independent suspension, delivering a disciplined, less dive and roll inclined experience, while dispatching surface ripples from penetration; **+1** Lethargy common to the segment is notably absent in steering, which manages road feedback and is blessed with respectable heft; Responsive torque shifting all-wheel drive delays uneasy understeer, quickening turn-in; **+1** Immunity from road & drivetrain sounds = commendable effort with only the slightest wing mirror whistle at elevated speeds.

*HOW FAR:* **21** combined **m**iles **p**er **g**allon; 500 miles range from a generous 19 gallon tank

*HOW BIG/ LITTLE:* **√** 7 Occupant seating = 2+3+2 pre-teens; 111" wheelbase on the smaller end of the spectrum; Row 3 = typical for the segment, spacing afterthought, punitive for adults > 5'6";

![2018 Acura MDX SH-AWD: 2nd Row tilt & slide access to adult challenging 3rd Row](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2018/12/RB-2017-Acura-MDX-SH-AWD-seats-Row-3-acccess-003d.jpg)

2018 Acura MDX SH-AWD: 2nd Row tilt & slide access to adult challenging 3rd Row

*Max Cargo Volume \= 17% > *Lexus RX 350L;* 10% < *Infiniti QX60**

*Wheelbase* \= *1.9" > *Lexus RX 350L;*3.2" < *Infiniti QX60**

*HOW USEFUL:* **√** Power liftgate; **√** Manual sliding 60/40% split 2nd Row seating; **√** Manual flat folding 2nd & 3rd Row tilting seatbacks; **√** 2nd Row lower cord release fold & slide 3rd Row access; **+1** Wide & Deep center armrest bin w/ power, connectivity; +**1** 2nd & 3rd Row power ports; -**1** Deep dash obscures forward view; **\-1** 2nd and 3rd Rows worth of blindspots; **\-1** Unlined front center armrest bin; **\-1** Tow Rating: 3500 lbs.

![2018 Acura MDX SH-AWD: Generous sub cargo floor storage](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2018/12/RB-2017-Acura-MDX-SH-AWD-cargo-subfloor-006d.jpg)

2018 Acura MDX SH-AWD: Generous sub cargo floor storage

*HOW SAFE*: **√** 10 airbags; **√** IIHS Top Safety Pick; **√** Rear camera; **√** STANDARD Acura Sense = Pedestrian detection braking; Forward collision avoidance braking; Lane Departure Warning, Keep Assist; Full adaptive cruise control, Automatic High beam LED headlamps;

![2018 Acura MDX SH-AWD: standard AccuraWatch partial autonomy = full adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep steer assist, front collision avoidance braking](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2018/12/RB-2017-Acura-MDX-SH-AWD-driver-assist-LKAS-LDW-007d.jpg)

2018 Acura MDX SH-AWD: standard AccuraWatch partial autonomy = full adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep steer assist, front collision avoidance braking

**√** Optional: Blind spot & Rear Cross-traffic warning, sonar front & rear park assist

*HOW PEOPLE FRIENDLY:* **√** Perforated Leather Rows 1, 2 heated seating + cooled Row 1; **√** Wide seat cushions **√** Power 10-way driver, 8-way pax seats, w/ 2-position driver's memory; **√** Heated Leather power tilt, telescoping steering wheel with spoke integrated redundant controls; **√** 3-Zone automatic climate control **√** Keyless entry, push button ignition; **√** Full express power windows x 4; **√** 2nd Row manual sunshades; 3rd Row privacy window tint;+**1** Generous steering wheel reach adjustment; **\-1** Minimal front seat bolstering.

*Cool Gizmo(s)*: **√** Pinch & depress transmission position selector; Row 3 digital automatic climate control; **√** Sub cargo floor cargo shade storage slot ; **√** Haptics feedback touch controlled lower LCD infotainment screen;

![2018 Acura MDX SH-AWD: Twin cowl theme dashboard layout/ w cascading dual LCD screen dominated center stack](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2018/12/RB-2017-Acura-MDX-SH-AWD-cockpit-P1070233-bd.jpg)

2018 Acura MDX SH-AWD: Twin cowl theme dashboard layout/ w cascading dual LCD screen dominated center stack

*Details Done Right*: **√** Contrasting stitched seat & soft panel surfaces; **√** Open pore olive wood dash, center console & door accents; **√** Steering wheel spoke distinctive thumb wheels; **√** Precision rotating control dials; **√** Soft close power windows; **√** Dense pile carpeting, including cargo floor; **√** Foot well & door panel ambient lighting;

*Nearly Non-Descript*: **\-1** Mesh fabric ceiling; **\-1** 2nd & 3rd Row wall & pillar hard plastics

![2018 Acura MDX SH-AWD: Bluetooth communications SMS, MMS messaging and E-Mail](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2018/12/RB-2017-Acura-MDX-SH-AWD-text-messaging-004d.jpg)

2018 Acura MDX SH-AWD: Bluetooth communications SMS, MMS messaging and E-Mail

*HOW "APP" -LICABLE:* **√** 9.2" center mid-dashboard ODMD haptics,touch LCD infotainment & settings screen; **√** 8.0" center upper-dashboard MID map & infotainment LCD display w/ center stack dial joystick controller; **√** Adaptive voice commands; **√** Bluetooth hands-free communications; **√** SMS, MMS and E-mail; **√** GPS HDD Navigation w/ real time traffic, re-routing; **√** Siri Eyes assistant; **√** Android Auto / Apple CarPlay interfacing (**MY 2018**); **√** Pandora, Aha radios; **√** USB x 6, 12V x 3, 110 V x 1.

**Sound Cabin**: wide array, effective presence of 12 speaker, 605 Watt ELS DTS 5.1 CD, HD radio streaming audio;

**Entertainment Pkg**. includes 16.2" 2nd & 3rd Row occupant retracting WVGA split source video screen, RCA, HDMI inputs, wireless headsets x 2, infrared remote control x 1;

![2018 Acura MDX SH-AWD: Rear occupant 16.2" split source VGA video entertainment screen w/ wireless remote, 2 wireless headphones](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2018/12/RB-2017-Acura-MDX-SH-AWD-entertainment-video-004d.jpg)

2018 Acura MDX SH-AWD: Rear occupant 16.2" split source VGA video entertainment screen w/ wireless remote, 2 wireless headphones

**By Subscription**: **√** SiriusXM ( 90 days incl.); **√** AcuraLink telematics (90 days Connect S.O.S., destination & Premium concierge incl.)

*HOW MUCH: *$59,340** \= **2017 Acura MDX** SH-AWD, as tested (+$305 2018 MY)

*WHAT'S MISSING:* Simpler single screen infotainment; Power 3rd Row seat fold.

*ANY COMPETITION:* [**GMC Acadia**](https://www.roadblazing.com/2017-gmc-acadia-all-terrain-quick-review/): **+1** cabin & cargo space, IntelliLink infotainment; **Infiniti QX60**: **+1** cabin & cargo space, Row 2 access, [**Lexus RX 350 L** ](https://www.roadblazing.com/2018-lexus-rx-350l-awd-bottom-line-review/): **+1** distinctive face, cabin materials; [**Mazda CX-9 Signature**](https://www.roadblazing.com/2020-mazda-cx-9-signature-bottom-line-review/): **+1** seat support, switchgear material

*BOTTOM LINE: Textbook on prestige three-row crossover SUV.*