I’ve spent decades in the automotive industry, and while I love a minivan, I’ve intentionally avoided driving one since becoming a mom. It was easy, at first. Heck, I drove a Fiat 500L for a minute with two car seats in the back until our youngest was two. As time quickly passed, though, it became clear that we’d need a bigger boat. With AWD. After trying out a Range Rover Evoque, which was, er, a solid bet if you have unlimited patience for fluid leaks and engine lights (not to mention the budget for its lack of mechanical longevity), I settled on a used Acura MDX. We’re about a month in. Here’s how it’s going so far.

2016 Acura MDX SH-AWD Tech Package: Pros

Interior space

I’ll have to put this point first since this was our main impetus for a vehicle swap. The MDX has ample room in the front, center, and rear rows. It hauls six people, no sweat. We have two car seats in the center, but could squeeze a seventh person in the middle if it was unavoidable.

The center row is conveniently adjustable. You can push the seats forward and backward on a floor track. If you want to tilt them, you can do that, too. They also fold down as flat as the 3rd-row seats.

Speaking of, the very back row, when folded down, opens up a massive amount of trunk space. Fold the center row down and you basically have a cargo van. Even with the very back row occupied, though, there’s still a decent trunk you can easily toss all your groceries, gear, or luggage in.

Overall, it’s just much more comfortable than the compact SUVs our household tried out over the last few years.

Sportier vibe compared to, say, the Honda Pilot

My extended family – parents and siblings – have had many Honda Pilots over the years. Being very familiar with them through the shop as well, I feel comfortable comparing the MDX to the Pilot here.

Bring an Acura, while the MDX does have a Honda-built 3.5L V6, the automaker gave it a slightly different version than the typical Pilot or Odyssey: the J35Y5. 

For one, it’s a turbo. While it only makes about five more horsepower than the Pilot, it’s certainly sportier in terms of performance. Otherwise, it touts the same reliability as other Honda J engines. Keep in mind that it has a timing belt – more on that later.

Sure, the body style is certainly boatlike, but the MDX moves. Super smoothly, too – despite experts pointing out that the Pilot is generally known for its smooth ride and off-road capabilities. Since I’m not trying to bring the kids down a defunct logging road in the UP (accidentally did that in a 4Runner one time…after dark…without cell service…oops).

Luxuriously understated interior

In terms of interior feel, ours has really lovely black leather with heated front and center seats. The dash and door trim, though much of it is plastic, of course, still feels higher-end. It’s textured in a certain way, with sleek flourishes giving an overall pleasing yet simple aesthetic.

The chargers, cupholders, and storage are ample and where you’d assume they’d be…this is Honda’s classic user-centered design coming into play. What you need is where you’d reach for it without thinking.

Excellent turning radius despite its size

Something I’m really enjoying is the MDX’s turning radius. While car shopping, I tried out a Honda Ridgeline. I’ve had of them before the kids and really liked their ride height, reliability, and versatility in terms of hosting passengers and being able to haul stuff at the same time.

However, the Ridgeline I recently tested was awful to park. It had a terrible turning radius.

I worried about this getting into the MDX. To my surprise, it turns on a dime.

2016 Acura MDX SH-AWD Tech Package: Cons

The transmission sucks right now

We bought it with the MDX’s notorious transmission misbehaviors. Basically, whenever we’re starting off, even after warming up the car, the MDX holds its breath before kicking into gear. It’s both annoying and potentially dangerous.

Other MDX owners describe the behavior as erratic surges and hesitations when shifting.

Acura did release a software update for the problem, so it’s on our list of needed repairs right out of the gate.

Timing belt service is a spendy factory-scheduled maintenance item

We bought the MDX with about 90,000 miles on it. This meant the timing belt service was due. All told, a complete service includes a new timing belt, tensioners, and water pump. You should go ahead and replace the serpentine belt, too, since it has to come off anyway. At most shops, this service easily crosses $1,000.

I’m not saying timing chains are a better design. Unfortunately, if you have a chain-driven car, you’ll face expensive problems at some point, too. Much of the issue is automakers putting plastic where it doesn’t belong, like in timing chain guides.

Anyway, we got the timing belt done right away and considered it part of the MDX’s purchase price since we got a good deal.

The infotainment screen is sort of annoying and Bluetooth lags

I know it’s not just me, but touch screens aren’t really my thing. I’m not opposed to them in theory, it’s just that I haven’t interacted with one that I’m like, “They’ve done it!” And anyway, some automakers are moving back to tactile buttons (thank you, thank you).

The MDX has a combo of a touch screen, a big round dial thingy with push-button action, and standard dash buttons. The combo made understanding which settings matched what feature pretty irritating.

The biggest peeve is that the heated seats and HVAC controls are all controlled by the center touch screen. This means I have to take my eyes off the road to adjust things.

Regarding Bluetooth, and yeah, this is a complaint across automakers, but in the Acura, the lag is really bad. It takes minutes for the MDX to pair with my phone. Changing songs takes several beats, too.

Looks like an outdated minivan

This is a totally relative point. I’m a bit sad at the roundness of the MDX’s exterior. After all, I come from a 90s Montero, 4Runner, and Land Rover childhood. The boxy body lines aren’t something I’ll ever give up on, emotionally, anyway. Of course, the MDX is 10 years old, so its styling matches its late 2015 build date.

In fact, we just missed the MDX’s 3rd-gen facelift, which the automaker released for the 2017 model year. It was still a round look, but arguably sleeker with a bolder, less-plastic-looking grille design.

My verdict on a used Acura MDX

A month in, I’m calling it a green flag.

It touts the mechanical confidence of a Honda with a sportier, more luxurious ride. My kids are more comfortable than in any other car we’ve had since they’ve been around. While I’m admittedly a bit sad about the minivan vibe, all things considered – budget, lifestyle, etc. – it checks most of our family’s boxes in this particular season. Stay tuned on how long I keep it…I’m betting it’ll outlast the Range Rover.