Makes›Acura›MDX›2020

2020 Acura MDX

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.

Acura MDX
Pictured: 2022 Acura MDX Technology, front 7.2.22. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Body styles
4dr SUV AWD
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
27 combined · 26 city / 27 hwy
Length
196.1 in
Curb weight
4,277 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
8 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 27 MPG combined — 15% better than the average 2020 small SUV (23.5 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
  • Many owner complaints231 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 25 for similar models — most often about the engine.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 30 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2020 Acura MDX is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 196 inches long and 77 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,277 lb.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 27 MPG combined (26 city / 27 highway), 15% better than the 2020 small SUV average of 23.5 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 8 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 231 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2020

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2019 MDX — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 MDX →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD196.1 in77.2 in67.3 in111 in66.5 / 66.1 in4,277 lb58/42

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
MDX Hybrid AWD Hybrid3.0L 6-cylAutomatic (AM-S7)All-Wheel Drive26 / 27 / 27+15%$3,050333
MDX FWD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S9)Front-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 23-10%$3,550387
MDX AWD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S9)All-Wheel Drive19 / 26 / 22-6%$3,750404
MDX AWD A-SPEC3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S9)All-Wheel Drive19 / 25 / 21-11%$3,900415
6/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
6/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $3,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.5 MPG2020 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2020 Acura MDX SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★16.4%
2020 Acura MDX SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★16.4%
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2020 Acura MDX SUV AWD
Frontal crash test — 2020 Acura MDX SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2020 Acura MDX SUV AWD
Side crash test — 2020 Acura MDX SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2020 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2020 Acura MDX (this car)27 MPG★★★★★8
2020 Tesla Model Y316 mi★★★★★24
2020 Porsche Cayenne21 MPGNot rated6
2020 BMW X523 MPG★★★★★11
2020 Land Rover Defender19 MPGNot rated7
2020 Cadillac Escalade17 MPGNot rated2
2020 Lexus RX30 MPGNot rated2

Recalls (8)

Structure › Frame And Members · Jun 4, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V365000 · 965,561 vehicles

Problem
American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles that were sold in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. The rear subframe may corrode at the suspension mounting points, which can result in rear suspension component failure.
Risk
Failure of rear suspension components, such as the rear control arm, can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix
Dealers will inspect the rear subframe and install a rear subframe reinforcement kit and, as necessary, repair or replace the rear subframe components, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in the fall of 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are AOU and AOT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning June 10, 2026.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · May 21, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V332000 · 98,892 vehicles

Problem
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
Risk
Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
Interior Lighting · Apr 17, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V259000 · 152,800 vehicles

Problem
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles. Moisture may enter the tailgate lid light assembly and wiring harness, which can cause the interior and exterior lights to fail, including the lid lights, position lights, license plate lights and taillights.
Risk
Vehicle lights that fail to illuminate can decrease visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect the wiring and install a fuse harness, replace the lid light, and repair the body dust sealer, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 30, 2025. Owners may contact Acura's customer service at 1-800-382-2238. Acura's number for this recall is FLI. Vehicles included in this recall that were previously repaired under NHTSA recall number 19V-256 will need to have the new remedy completed.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · Feb 1, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V064000 · 750,114 vehicles

Problem
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
Risk
An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Dec 18, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V858000 · 2,490,460 vehicles

Problem
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical · Nov 13, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V751000 · 248,999 vehicles

Problem
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.
Risk
A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 28, 2024. 2016-2017 Acura MDX owner letters were mailed November 1, 2024. 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed in mid-December 2024. Honda began mailing owner notification letters as of March 18, 2024. 2015-2016 Acura owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-December 2024, 2018 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed the end of March/early April 2024, 2019 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-May 2024, 2020 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-June 2024, and 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed January 27, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XG1 and GG0.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder · Jun 29, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V458000 · 124,077 vehicles

Problem
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Civic, 2020-2023 Ridgeline, 2021-2023 Passport, 2021-2022 Pilot, and 2020 Acura MDX vehicles. The tie rod fastener that connects the brake booster and the brake master cylinder may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, which can cause the brake master cylinder to separate from the booster assembly.
Risk
Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and repair the brake booster assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are VEU, AEV, and ZET.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Mar 25, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V215000 · 624,552 vehicles

Problem
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-314.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2020 Acura MDX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

231Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
4Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
2Injuries reported
45,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine87
Electrical System40
Unknown Or Other39
Power Train22
Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control22
Fuel/Propulsion System19
Engine And Engine Cooling19
Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings17
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 724/12: 525/01: 625/02: 425/03: 425/04: 825/05: 425/06: 725/07: 425/08: 625/09: 1125/10: 425/11: 725/12: 326/01: 626/02: 426/03: 1026/04: 226/05: 726/06: 326/07: 326/08: 526/09: 626/10: 524/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 11

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2020 Acura MDX buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 8 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 87 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Electrical System — 40 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Power Train — 22 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 45,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 Acura MDX. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other MDX years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 MDX22198.4 inNot rated19
2025 MDX22198.4 in★★★★★4112
2024 MDX22198.4 in★★★★★343
2023 MDX22198.4 in★★★★★348
2022 MDX22198.4 in★★★★★3181
2019 MDX27196.1 in★★★★★9198
2018 MDX27196.1 in★★★★★10170
2017 MDX27196.1 inNot rated9268
2016 MDX23193.7 inNot rated7377
2015 MDX23193.7 inNot rated867
2014 MDX23193.7 inNot rated8128
2013 MDX18190.9 inNot rated124

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Acura. How we calculate this →