Like it or not, SUVs are where it’s at in the automotive world. Some automakers have entirely given up coupes and sedans in favor of hulking SUV and family-hauling pickup trucks. For enthusiasts, it can feel like the world is falling down around them, but some automakers are trying to maintain the excitement, even with seven people in tow.

The Acura MDX is a sporty three-row crossover that until recently shared plenty with the Honda Pilot. It comes standard with a powerful V6 and plenty of great features, and Acura offers upgrade packages rather than trim levels to add features and tech. Available upgrades include the Advance Package, the Technology Package, and the A-Spec Package. There’s also a rowdy Type S model with 355 horsepower and loads of go-fast bits.

The Acura MDX competes in a crowded class that includes the Buick Enclave, the Hyundai Palisade, the Kia Telluride, the Lincoln Aviator, and the Volvo XC90. Buyers may also consider the smaller RDX, but for a luxury SUV buyer needing three rows, the MDX is a better choice.

Generations: Four

• Acura MDX 1st Generation
• Acura MDX 2nd Generation
• Acura MDX 3rd Generation
• Acura MDX 4th Generation

Pros: Sharp styling, powerful V6 engines, long list of standard features, decent fuel economy
Cons: Hard-to-use infotainment, tight third row

Acura MDX 4th Generation (2022-Present)

Acura actually skipped the 2021 model year in favor of sending the MDX straight to a 2022 model. It still gets a 290-horsepower V6, but Acura added an available panoramic sunroof, a new 12.3-inch infotainment display, a configurable digital gauge cluster, and better safety tech. Inside, MDX models offer high-end finishes and niceties such as a 16-way power driver’s seat and Alcantara upholstery.

The big story with the fourth-generation MDX is the new Type-S model. It gets a turbo 3.0-liter V6 with 355 horsepower and all-wheel drive (AWD). The upgrades slashed zero-to-60 times from the mid-six-second range in the standard SUV to the mid-fives in the Type-S. It also gets adaptive dampers that greatly reduce body roll and improve handling, making the MDX Type-S a seriously sporty family hauler. Sport front seats and paddle shifters complete the package.

Acura went heavy on tech and safety equipment, making its AcuraWatch safety systems standard. Available tech includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, forward-collision mitigation, and more. All models get LED headlights, push-button start, automatic climate controls, and navigation, and top trims add wireless charging, an ELS Studio premium audio system, and more.

Regardless of trim level, the touchpad infotainment system is confounding and frustrating at times. Acura equips a navigation system as standard, and Acuralink apps are also present by default.

Acura MDX 3rd Generation (2014-2020)

The third-generation MDX is the model that brought the SUV into the modern age. Over its six-year run, the third-gen MDX picked up loads of tech including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, upscale features like heated and ventilated seats, and refined handling for a three-row SUV. It’s also one of the most usable MDXs from a family perspective.

Acura sold the third-gen MDX in front-wheel drive (FWD) or “Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive” (SH-AWD) configurations. All models got a 3.5-liter V6 that made 290 horsepower. A six-speed automatic transmission was standard early on, but Acura bumped it to a nine-speed auto in 2016. In 2017, Acura introduced a hybrid variant with a V6 and dual-clutch transmission. Later, an A-Spec trim debuted that would form the precursor to today’s MDX Type-S.

Acura MDX 2nd Generation (2007-2013)

The second-gen MDX landed in 2007 with the now-infamous “beak” grille. Beyond its controversial styling, the new SUV got more power, better handling, a ton of new tech, and upscale finishes inside.

The MDX’s V6 grew to 3.7 liters with the new generation. The increase in displacement brought 300 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, a zero-to-60-mph time of 6.5 seconds, and an EPA-estimated fuel efficiency of up to 21 mpg highway. Acura swapped four-wheel drive (4WD) for Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which offered an active rear differential.

Acura included loads of upscale features as standard kit, including leather seats, Xenon headlights, a power moonroof, a premium stereo, and more. This generation also said goodbye to Acura MDX trim levels, replacing them with upgrade packages that included the Technology Package, the Sport Package, and the Entertainment Package.

Acura MDX 1st Generation (2001-2006)

The all-new Acura MDX debuted in 2001 on a platform shared with the Honda Accord sedan and Odyssey minivan. Later, the Honda Pilot would ride on the same underpinnings. Acura equipped the early MDX with a 3.5-liter V6 producing 240 horsepower. Automatic 4WD came standard, and power hit the wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission.

The first MDX was much smaller and lighter than the SUVs we think of today. It checked in with a curb weight of just 4,400 pounds. Surprisingly, it offered third-row seating, though the last row was only really large enough for two people.

Acura’s 4WD system provided predictive, rather than reactive, traction. In other words, the system tried to predict when the vehicle would lose grip and would engage four-wheel drive. The rear wheels disengaged during normal driving to provide better fuel economy.

Acura revised the MDX’s powertrain in 2006, giving it an additional 20 horsepower and more torque. The improvements raised the SUV’s top speed to 137 mph and decreased its zero-to-60-mph time to 7.1 seconds.