DecodedCars2010 Acura MDX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2010 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD /Tech/Elite
- Engines
- 3.7L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 18 combined · 16 city / 21 hwy
- Length
- 190.9 in
- Curb weight
- 4,550 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2010 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2010 Acura MDX is a SUV - offered with a 3.7L 6-cyl engine and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 191 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,550 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (16 city / 21 highway), 2% worse than the 2010 SUV - average of 18.3 MPG, for an estimated $4,550 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 31 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2010
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2009 MDX — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2009; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2009 MDX →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD /Tech/Elite | 190.9 in | 78.3 in | 68.1 in | 108.3 in | 67.7 / 67.7 in | 4,550 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDX 4WD | 3.7L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 21 / 18 | -2% | $4,550 | 494 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2010 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2010 Acura MDX under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2010 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Acura MDX (this car) | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2010 Land Rover Range Rover | 15 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2010 Porsche Cayenne | 16 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2010 BMW X5 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 19 |
| 2010 Lexus RX | 30 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2010 Volvo XC90 | 18 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2010 Audi Q7 | 20 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (1)
Air Bags · Jan 4, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V002000 · 644 vehicles
- Problem
- HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR ACURA 2010 MDX VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN OCTOBER 7, 2009 AND NOVEMBER 14, 2009. A BOLT USED TO ATTACH AN INTERIOR TRIM PIECE TO EITHER THE DRIVER'S OR PASSENGER'S SIDE A-PILLAR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED DURING MANUFACTURING.
- Risk
- IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH RESULTING IN SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, THE TRIM PIECE MAY NOT REMAIN PROPERLY SECURED TO THE A-PILLAR, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE DRIVER AND/OR FRONT SEAT PASSENGER.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE INTERIOR TRIM PIECE OF THE A-PILLAR AND IF A BOLT IS MISSING IT WILL BE INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE. FOUR VEHICLES WERE PURCHASED BEFORE THE STOP-SALE WAS ISSUED AND ALL THE VEHICLES HAVE BEEN INSPECTED AND REPAIRED IF NECESSARY.
Not every 2010 Acura MDX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2010 Acura MDX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 8 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 5 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Steering — 4 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 89,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2010 Acura MDX. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other MDX years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 MDX | 22 | 198.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 9 |
| 2025 MDX | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 112 |
| 2024 MDX | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 43 |
| 2023 MDX | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 48 |
| 2022 MDX | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 181 |
| 2020 MDX | 27 | 196.1 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 231 |
| 2019 MDX | 27 | 196.1 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 198 |
| 2018 MDX | 27 | 196.1 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 170 |
| 2017 MDX | 27 | 196.1 in | Not rated | 9 | 268 |
| 2016 MDX | 23 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 7 | 377 |
| 2015 MDX | 23 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 8 | 67 |
| 2014 MDX | 23 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 8 | 128 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Acura. How we calculate this →