Here is an website that has all the brochures of Acura vehicles. You can download the 2018 and 2020 brochures to see what features each vehicle has. I've always liked getting the Advance versions when I can. At the same time, having some of the 4y/50k basic warranty available is nice also with the 2020 tech. I agree the 2nd row capt chairs aren't as useful compared to the bench; but, it is only the wife and I now. The capt chairs do fold completely flat if you need a level hatch area.

The 2019/2020 models in base, tech, Aspec, Adv, hybrid (or PMC) are pretty much unchanged and very solid. Acura added things like Aspec model, active damper system for 3.5L adv, more wood trim, upgraded metal trim pieces, remote start on tech, front/rear parking sensors for tech. I would expand my search out for 19/20 MDXs in the tech, Aspec, or Adv models to see what is out there in a few hours drive since prices can be regional. Many owners had 16/18 MDXs and upgraded to the 19/20 and said they felt a noticeable improvement with the 9AT. Finding a CPO MDX will increase the 4/50 basic to 6/100k and the powertrain will go from 6/70k to 7//100k, 1/12k roadside assistance, free first schedule maintenance, and Acuralink/XM free for 3 months.

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Thanks for the reply! I'm now finding some 2019/20 with Advance/Entertainment packages. Would have to increase the budget a few thousand dollars, but I'm now starting to lean this way. Just get it fully-loaded since we'll likely have it for the next decade, or close to it. Good to know that the 19/20 seems to be a noticeable improvement from the earlier ones. Thinking I really want the Advance or Advance w/Entertainment, but Tech package is the minimum. Although the 2018 Base model @ $6k cheaper than everything else is still a little tempting! If it hadn't been in two accidents, would be a stronger contender I think. Decisions, decisions. I always struggle between the "living beneath your means" mentality vs. "buy it nice or buy it twice." I guess the good news is ANY MDX in good shape is pretty darn nice.

Now hoping for good news on our '07. It's got the P0320 and P0420 codes. Hoping it's just spark plugs and not coil packs, catalytic converter, or anything expensive.

 

as MrGold mention, there are brochures to check the details. As of vehicle features, 2018 Advance should have everything that 2020 tech has (e.g. tech trim added parking sensors on tech trim on 2019 and newer), but you also gets 360 view camera, heated steering wheel, heated 2nd row outboard seats, etc. One big benefit of picking 2020 is you might still have 4yr/50K bumper to bumper warranty coverage.

 

Just thinki it's a curious thing that you can't get the Advance model with Entertainment and retain the captain's chairs. Seems like that's what my family is wanting. Will keep looking at the brochures, maybe I'm missing it.

 

Entertainment pack comes with bench seat.

 

Things I love on my advance. (may or may not be on the teck)
Heated steering wheel
Adaptive suspension

If you live in a warm place with nice roads, those things may not be important??

 

+1 for the heated steering wheel............ didn't know I needed it until we went down to 39 degrees this morning. (frigid for So. Cal) But I hate the 4 person seating. it's like you pay more and you lose one chair.

 

The adaptive dampers are pretty amazing. Put the MDX in Sports+ and there's hardly any leans on sharp turns and highway on/off ramps. But these German-made struts will be uber $$$ when they need replacement. Try not to "miss" any speed bump which can send your MDX in the air and damage the expensive struts.

 

If you can find a '17 - '20 Sports Hybrid, that's the one to get if you don't need to tow anything. Runs GREAT on regular gas with no mpg penalty (unlike the 3.5L V6 where mpg dips slightly if not using premium), goes pretty fast when you need it while being frugal on gas. I regularly get 26-27mpg combined city/hwy. Love the way the 7DCT trans shifts -- firm and fast. The 7DCT may have the least problems amongst all the 2014-2020 MDX trans.

 

All 18 MDX’s come with an updated info-tainment with wired CarPlay. You can add CarPlay to 14-17 MDX’s for around $500+install if find a good 17 MDX you can’t pass up.

 

Hawkeye83 ….
Good luck on your search for which ever year/model you decide. And as stated above, I don’t think you can go wrong with the MDX.
I personally went with a new 20 Advance SH-AWD after owning a 17 Tech SH-AWD.
I now have over 25K trouble-free miles on it. It has not been back to the dealer for any issue. I do all the routine maintenance, which is relatively easy and reasonable in cost.
Numerous reasons why I went with the Advance and so glad I did.
Yes, it listed out at over $6K more MSRP than the Tech, but in actuality was only $5k more when negotiating with the dealer between the Tech and Advance.
Attached are the 2020 Advance features. I especially love the 360 camera when parking, wheel/tire package, Milano leather, roof rails, and ventilated seats.

As far as getting the Hybrid …. Yes, great sporty SUV with better overall mileage in most cases vs the non Hybrid. But I need to tow a small landscaping trailer a few times a year, plus the real world HWY mileage (which I do a lot of) is actually better with the non hybrid.
Heck, my overall mileage (25K miles) is 24.7 mpg. I don’t do a lot of city driving.

And don’t let the ZF9 tranny scare you. Earlier models will benefit with the software update, but Honda got it right on the 19 and 20. My 17 Tech was jerky and clunky at times.

BTW …. I assume you are a Hawkeye fan?

 

+1 for ventilated seats, auto-dimming side mirrors, and heated steering wheel! Also, factory LED lighting wherever possible is WAY better than aftermarket.

If you can get the Advance for not-that-much-more, I'd go for it. The depreciation really accelerates on the higher-end models more than the base, in my experience.

 

I'm surprised auto dimming side mirrors are adv trim only, they are a must have for me - extremely useful.

 

Once you go Advance you can't go back. I feel like I'm spoiled and couldn't live without some of the Adv-only features.

 

Thanks so much for the great replies everyone!
@Krauthawk yes I am a Hawkeye fan. Nearly lifelong Iowan except for 5 years when I lived in Ohio and North Carolina. Watch a lot of Hawkeye basketball and football. Haven't gotten as much into wrestling yet which is ironic because that's the sport I think we are probably best at!

I ended up putting a deposit on a 2020 Advance w/Entertainment and Towing packages. Had everything I wanted so just went for it!

I tend to usually buy black but this one is silver with the lighter colored interior leather. does that light colored leather tend to hold up or look stained and worn faster than the black would? I know it all depends how well you care for it...I have kids though so I'm slightly worried about the light colored interior, but it's a change from the previous black/black MDX's we've owned in the past so thought we'd try something different. Any recommendations for cleaning the ligher interiors? Armor-All wipes or soap/water or a specialized cleaning product?

I have a deposit down but haven't signed the purchase agreement yet but everything is aligned to go with it.
Tried to sell me extended warranty for $3790 and I thought about it but declined since we were already at top of budget.
Did go with a $400 "diamond" coating for the windshield that supposedly reduces glare and halo-ing. I have trouble at night...anyone else try such a coating? Supposedly lasts 5 years.
Also having running boards installed. Will help with the kids and older mother-in-law get in the vehicle easier.

You can run extra headphones with the entertainment package right? So everyone in the rear could use headphones if they wanted? Vehicle comes with two but thought about getting more for other passengers. Will likely drive this vehicle to OHio within the next few weeks and the kids and mother in law will likely want to watch some movies.

Excited but also still thinking I'm crazy for spending this much.
In the past we bought our 2005 MDX for around $10k (in 2012), and our 2007 MDX for $8700 (in 2017).
Most we've ever spent on a car was my wife's 2017 Chevy Volt @ $13,500. Spending triple that on this MDX, including all out the door costs, windshield coating, and delivery ($600 delivery charge).

Although I think it will last us quite a long time. The Volt is the commuter car that gets mosto f the miles. I work from home. We might keep the 2007 MDX as a beater/back-up vehicle. so the 2020 MDX will likely just get taken on road trips and times when we feel like taking the "nice car."

Was also considering a Ford Bronco Sport, Chevy Bolt EUV, Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Ioniq 5, or waiting for the EV Blazer, but the '07 MDX is getting rougher and we need two reliable vehicles right now. One has to be AWD, and 7 seater is a big plus so the MDX makes a lot of sense for us. Ideally wanted to stay under $30k but stretched a bit for the Advance MDX.

Would consider the VW ID.Buzz or Ioniq 7 or Blazer EV next I think. We do like electric vehicles. My wife gets average 84 mpg in her hybrid Volt. All electric seems like a no-brainer for a commuter car.

Anyway rambling now but glad my current car search appears to be over and I think I found a good one with the 2020 MDX Advance/Entertainment and towing packages!

 

I tend to usually buy black but this one is silver with the lighter colored interior leather. does that light colored leather tend to hold up or look stained and worn faster than the black would? I know it all depends how well you care for it...I have kids though so I'm slightly worried about the light colored interior, but it's a change from the previous black/black MDX's we've owned in the past so thought we'd try something different. Any recommendations for cleaning the ligher interiors? Armor-All wipes or soap/water or a specialized cleaning product?

I had the same concerns with the Tan interior on the one I bought - so far, hasn't been an issue, and I'm not particularly cautious in day-to-day. I did get 2 of these, since I run, gym, x-country ski, or mtn bike often (aka: get sweaty & drive), and have been very pleased: Orange Mud Extreme Towel. Yeah, it's a $50 (!) towel, but it's really waterproof. The wrap part is probably not useful for me, as it just adds hassle to a quick change, but my running partner used it once!

I was looking for rear-protectors, and bought this: Neoprene bench cover. It's not so awesome (kinda flops around) as a bench cover, but it really works well when the seats are folded flat and protects the back of the bench seats when I transport wood or dusty stuff, way better than I expected.

 

I hope you weren't on CR's website when reading about the 2017s having transmission issues; if you were, you should have taken a gigantic grain of salt, since they are really skewed and biased. My 17 MDX hasn't been babied. I abused the crap outta this car, just like I did with my 2016 Rogue, and at 100k miles, my transmission is still chugging along like it was brand spanking new. Granted my intervals were roughly 41k miles between each D&F at the dealer. I would honestly skip the base model unless you have a set budget that a Tech or Advance from 2017 to 2020 doesn't fit your budget. Yes the base doesn't have remote start, but its also missing alot of things too.

Thanks so much for the great replies everyone!
@Krauthawk yes I am a Hawkeye fan. Nearly lifelong Iowan except for 5 years when I lived in Ohio and North Carolina. Watch a lot of Hawkeye basketball and football. Haven't gotten as much into wrestling yet which is ironic because that's the sport I think we are probably best at!

I ended up putting a deposit on a 2020 Advance w/Entertainment and Towing packages. Had everything I wanted so just went for it!

I tend to usually buy black but this one is silver with the lighter colored interior leather. does that light colored leather tend to hold up or look stained and worn faster than the black would? I know it all depends how well you care for it...I have kids though so I'm slightly worried about the light colored interior, but it's a change from the previous black/black MDX's we've owned in the past so thought we'd try something different. Any recommendations for cleaning the ligher interiors? Armor-All wipes or soap/water or a specialized cleaning product?

I have a deposit down but haven't signed the purchase agreement yet but everything is aligned to go with it.
Tried to sell me extended warranty for $3790 and I thought about it but declined since we were already at top of budget.
Did go with a $400 "diamond" coating for the windshield that supposedly reduces glare and halo-ing. I have trouble at night...anyone else try such a coating? Supposedly lasts 5 years.
Also having running boards installed. Will help with the kids and older mother-in-law get in the vehicle easier.

You can run extra headphones with the entertainment package right? So everyone in the rear could use headphones if they wanted? Vehicle comes with two but thought about getting more for other passengers. Will likely drive this vehicle to OHio within the next few weeks and the kids and mother in law will likely want to watch some movies.

Excited but also still thinking I'm crazy for spending this much.
In the past we bought our 2005 MDX for around $10k (in 2012), and our 2007 MDX for $8700 (in 2017).
Most we've ever spent on a car was my wife's 2017 Chevy Volt @ $13,500. Spending triple that on this MDX, including all out the door costs, windshield coating, and delivery ($600 delivery charge).

Although I think it will last us quite a long time. The Volt is the commuter car that gets mosto f the miles. I work from home. We might keep the 2007 MDX as a beater/back-up vehicle. so the 2020 MDX will likely just get taken on road trips and times when we feel like taking the "nice car."

Was also considering a Ford Bronco Sport, Chevy Bolt EUV, Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Ioniq 5, or waiting for the EV Blazer, but the '07 MDX is getting rougher and we need two reliable vehicles right now. One has to be AWD, and 7 seater is a big plus so the MDX makes a lot of sense for us. Ideally wanted to stay under $30k but stretched a bit for the Advance MDX.

Would consider the VW ID.Buzz or Ioniq 7 or Blazer EV next I think. We do like electric vehicles. My wife gets average 84 mpg in her hybrid Volt. All electric seems like a no-brainer for a commuter car.

Anyway rambling now but glad my current car search appears to be over and I think I found a good one with the 2020 MDX Advance/Entertainment and towing packages!

MDXs does get great MPG and range, unlike the Smartphones on Wheels that the government is trying to push everyone to get. My interior is Tan/beige, and the driver's seat is going to be more worn compared to the other seats. You need to do a frequent upkeep on this light color. Blue jean dye transfer is a pain, but make sure you use products that doesn't take off the beige dye color otherwise, you would need to redye the affected area. I prefer Gray for many reasons, however beige is alright, but imo it suites well in like a Rolls, Bentley or Ferrari; not any vehicle that costs <$100k.

 

You can always pick up an extended warranty through Acura care, for less money, as long as your car is on its current factory warranty. I've done that in the past and with my current Acuras. I've never come out ahead, but it's nice to have the piece of mind.

 

The 20 MDX (to my knowledge) still uses the same infrared headphones that my 08 Odyssey used. Amazon has tons of no-name brands that are Honda/Acura compatible and work fine for under $30. You can add as many as you like as the infrared light is beamed anywhere except the front row.

I still hold firm that Acuracare is worth the $$ if you buy it online where it is sold near cost.
1) Acuracare pays the dealer for parts without markup, and forces a low/no-margin labor rate. My view is that both of these factors result in coming out ahead on average.
2) I had an Acura person tell me once that after the finance agent takes their markup, American Honda makes makes very little margin on people who keep their car for all of the Acura care duration. Most of the American Honda margin is from people who trade in their cars, and either forget to ask for the prorated refund, or even those who get a prorated refund pay proportionately for early ownership years where less repairs occur.
3) Acuracare is priced per model not per trim, eg: all MDXs get the same price if the same MY/mileage. So Advance owners have all non-Advance customers subsidizing the cost of all those electronic features.

I know I'm an unlucky one, but I've already got $5000 worth of repairs covered free by Acuracare in just the first 5000 miles after the factory warranty expired.

 

I know I'm an unlucky one, but I've already got $5000 worth of repairs covered free by Acuracare in just the first 5000 miles after the factory warranty expired.

Looking at it another way - you're a lucky one for being able to get the value out of the extended warranty you bought despite the odds (IMO). It's a bittersweet type of victory but in your case I'm glad it ended up to be worth the gamble for you...sorta...but would've been better to have no problems and leave it unexercised...I guess.

 

I have until the end of February of 2023 before my 4/50k basic warranty expires with time. Really leaning towards getting 5/120k Acuracare because I’m planning to keep my 19 MDX hybrid around 150,000 miles and anything that breaks on this vehicle seems to be +$1000. There is a standard EV component warranty of 8/100k for those parts .No issue or warranty work so far with +41,000 miles.

 

17 hybrid advance. Zero warranty issues. I have the 7/100000. Almost wishing something would break.

 

IMO the 2018 Advance comes with enough extra features to justify it over even a newer 2020 tech model. The Tech models haven't changed much over time, and a 2020 Tech is basically the same as a 2018 Tech. The only items that the 2019/2020 Adv models have over the 2018 Adv are the adaptive suspension and wider rimes/tires. The base suspension is good enough (which you'd have in a 2020 Tech anyway) and you can always upgrade the rims/tires if you really wanted to.

 

Could the adaptive suspension actually be an argument to NOT get a 2019/20 Advance (I'm about to purchase the 2020 Advance on Saturday)? Very expensive repairs? Better off with the base suspension? Does the adaptive suspension fail very often?

 

On another note, what's y'all's impression of the Acura Lane Keep Assist? Work well, basically drive itself for the most part? I drove a Ford Bronco Sport (2022) this past winter and it was awesome, it would take reasonably sharp curves at 80 mph, no problem, all on its own. I watched a Youtube video and it looked like the Acura RDX did a good job, other than around some exit ramps, when it lost sight of the lines and the driver had to intervene. One big plus for me with the newer MDX is ease of driving with the Lane Keep Assist, especially on long trips (which we only take maybe 5 per year, but still).

 

I like the LKAS and RDM. I keep RDM on all the time and use LKAS on road trip. Not really a self driving or self steering system. I use it more like a steering assist system for long road trips. Sometimes the roads are a little uneven with a crown in the center, LKAS helps with a lot of slow curves at hwy speeds, or you might have stiff crosswind is when LKAS really comes in handy to reduce driver's fatigue on a 4-12 road trip. It also keeps me honest when lane changing because I have to use my signal to deactivate LKAS/RDM for a few seconds so I don't get the warnings.

 

I have a 2000 and

I have a 2019 advance if I could go back and do it all over again. I would have gone with the tech and saved a few thousand bucks.

 

Now THIS on the other hand... even MY stress level went up watching it!

 

Yeah I thought I'd be all about self-driving but this made me very nervous. I mean it seemed to work mostly okay/pretty well (I only watched like 1/3 of the video) but yeah I just didn't trust all the other drivers, the roundabout, pedestrians, yikes!

I went back and forth on getting this 2020 MDX Advance but I think we're going to go ahead with it. I suspect it will get a fair bit of garage time though, which I guess is good and bad. A lot of money for something that might be lightly used, but then again it should last us over a decade, so that's a "win"! We'll take it on longer trips, and going anywhere as a family where we want to take the "nice" car. And it will be a back-up if the older cars go down. Daily drivers will probably continue to be the 2007 MDX and the 2017 Chevy Volt.

Only thing is I still also kind of want a Class B travel/camper van for those trips too haha. Mostly just for the bathroom and the occasional standing up though, and for the kids to stretch out. And then the occasional camping we do. I think I'm going to need a bigger garage and a 2nd job at this point!

 

Count me out for now unless every vehicle is self driving and each vehicle can communicate to each other and to external sensors (under the road, side of the road transmitters, 5G/6G signals, etc), with ZERO interaction from the drivers. People are just so unpredictable and always find a way to F' things up.

 

Well we were going to take the 2007 MDX to pick up the 2020 but went out to the garage and fluids on the floor. I think the radiator crapped out and mixed coolant with transmission fluid. Appears that way, anyway. Chocolate-milk-looking fluid oozing out of the coolant overflow and same looking stuff when you open the radiator cap. Hope the transmission is okay! Looks like borrowing Dad's truck tomorrow. The car issues are coming in bunches lately. Luckily only about $400 in the hole "so far." I suspect the radiator will be $600-800, best guess...very uneducated guess there, but my local shop is VERY reasonable with all repairs. Example, pretty sure they did my timing belt for like $480 including parts.

 

I suspect the radiator will be $600-800, best guess...very uneducated guess there, but my local shop is VERY reasonable with all repairs. Example, pretty sure they did my timing belt for like $480 including parts.

Boy, that's way cheap on the timing belt if it was really that price. I'd expect it to be about triple that price (including water pump and tensioner). That's a low price for the radiator repair as well unless you do it yourself and just have to buy parts.

If the tranny fluid really is mixing with the radiator fluid make sure you don't run the vehicle and get this taken care of soon. There'll need to be a tranny fluid flush as well, which will add to the cost and just hope the tranny wasn't damaged as a result (but there's a good chance it's still okay after the flush).

 

How can coolant and transmission fluid mix? Is there a tranny cooler embedded in the main radiator and... something something bad solder joint?

 

The 2nd Gen 07-13 MDX could tow 5000lbs from the factory. Trans and radiator fluid mixing was an issue with the 2nd Gen 07-09 MDXs. The fix was upgrade to a newer radiator to avoid this issue as the vehicle aged. Acura fixed this issue with the 10-13 MDXs; but, introduced another issue with oil ring clogging and severe oil consumption for the later models.

 

Just took the 2020 MDX Advance on its first road trip. Did very well! 6 passengers, lots of luggage, we had it completely loaded down. Kids watched movies and it kept them "entertained."

Had a few hiccups with phone hook-up. Got some error messages where it didn't want to connect to the phones...something about a "usb charging" error. Will have to see if that persists. Tried multiple phones and cables. It's intermittent.

Should the vehicle allow you to switch phones while driving? It seems like it's giving me trouble with that too, like I'll start out driving with my phone hooked up but if we wanted to switch and hook up my wife's phone for whatever reason, it's not allowing the CarPlay to work once we switch phones. Again will have to keep monitoring that to see if there is something wrong there.

Also rear trunk/hatch open button on the driver's side door isn't working.

We do get 30 day or 1,000 mile warranty from the dealer although I think we already surpassed that with this trip!

Other than that, it's a really nice car. Not as much "wow" factor as I thought it might have, but it's very solid and just "nice."

Also getting our 2007 MDX back today from the radiator replacement. Was around $1250 for that, they said they had to flush the transmission at least 3x to get all the coolant out.