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Midsize SUVs have proven to be just the right fit for most families. They fall right into the goldilocks zone of being large enough to fit most families and cargo while not being so big as to be intimidating to drive or too rough at the pump. The segment is broken up into two subcategories; two-row and three-row. Both have advantages, but the three rows can be overkill for many people. There is one used midsize SUV that really deserves more credit. The 2020 Acura MDX is the perfect-sized midsize SUV for many families while also hitting a used SUV price sweet spot. Consumer Reports named the best used midsized SUVs, and the Acura MDX found its way there. 

black and white photo of a 2020 Acura MDX. This is one of the best used SUVs
An Acura MDX is displayed during the 2020 Sundance Film Festival | Bryan Steffy/Getty Images

Is the 2020 Acura MDX a good used SUV? 

The Acura MDX is an interesting SUV. Acura isn’t exactly the household name it once was. Even still, being the luxury arm of the Honda brand, there is a lot of value in the three-row Acura.

Consumer Reports gathered a list of the best three-year-old midsize SUVs. The SUVs on the list got there by being comfortable, reliable, affordable, and enjoyable to drive. 

The 2020 Acura MDX is one of the better used SUV options out there. It draws its power from its 3.5-liter V6. This is the same powerplant as the Honda Pilot and Honda Ridgeline. The only downside of the MDX is that it uses the same 9-speed automatic transmission as those models. This transmission has had some reliability issues in the past. 

The 2020 Acura MDX pulls down 21 mpg combined, which is pretty competitive given its motor and size. Since the MDX is a luxury SUV, it has a quiet and cozy cabin that makes highway cruising a joy. However, Consumer Reports notes that the handling leaves a little to be desired. 

Keep in mind that while the 2020 Acura MDX came with some cool standard features like FCW and AEB, other desirable features like BSW, second-row bucket seats, and a surround-view camera system require stepping up to the top-trim Acura MDX Advance model. 

How much does a used 2020 Acura MDX cost? 

Consumer Reports says that the average price range for a used 2020 Acura MDX is somewhere between $32,950 – $40,150. These prices are still pretty eye-opening, given the current state of used car prices. However, when you look to see what a new 2023 Acura MDX costs, the used prices feel a little better. The starting MSRP range for the 2023 Acura MDX is $49,550 – $73,200. 

Is it better to buy a new SUV or a used SUV right now? 

A silver 2023 Acura MDX
2023 Acura MDX | Acura

This is a tough question to answer. Used SUV prices are, quite frankly, still insane. Supposedly, these numbers are due to come down, yet we haven’t seen it. New car prices are up too, but not nearly as dramatically, at least in most cases. It’s hard to say one way is better than the other at the moment. However, keeping a list of good used SUVs isn’t a bad idea. You never know when you might stumble across a deal.