Acura MDX Safety Ratings Worth Knowing About

Sandy B
Mar 5, 2021

White 2020 Acura MDX From Front-Driver Side

If you’re thinking about buying an Acura MDX, you’re likely thinking about luxury and performance. Yet, safety should be top of the mind as well. Luckily, the 2020 Acura MDX safety rating information that’s available shows it could be a good buy for many people.

How safe is the Acura MDX?

The 2020 Acura MDX received a 5-star Overall Safety Rating from the NHTSA and the highest score of a “Good” rating by the IIHS. Combine that with a 4.33-star owner and a 4.6/10 Expert Review Rating from Vehicle History for a solid buy.

While safety is a big factor to determine whether or not you should buy a car, other factors play a role in whether or not the vehicle is the top performer when it comes to safety standards. Here, we’ll cover not just text results but other factors.

2020 Acura MDX Crash Test Rating

Let’s take a closer look at the crash test rating for the Acura MDX from the top sources available. These organizations test vehicles for a variety of safety risks, providing ample insight into how well they will perform in a collision.

NHTSA Crash Test Results

The overall safety rating for the MDX stands at a 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). That’s as good as it gets. The crash breakdown for various types of incidents is very strong. The vehicle performed at 5 stars for all frontal crash and side crash tests.

The only deviation from that comes in the rollover star rating. For this, the NHTSA gave the vehicle 4 stars. The dynamic tip result was “no tip,” which is good. The rollover risk for this vehicle is 16.4%, according to the organization.

IIHS Crash Test Results

A more thorough breakdown from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is strong. It received a “Good” rating for all areas of crashworthiness. That includes areas such as moderate overlap front and driver-side overlap risks. Head restraints, roof strength, and side impact rated well.

In overall crash avoidance and mitigation, the Acura MDX received an “A” rating across the board, including for headlights, front crash prevention, and LATCH ease of use in the area of child seat anchors. It also received a “Superior” rating in its standard system safety.

2020 Acura MDX Available Safety Tech

The Acura MDX comes packed with a lot of key features, including some important driver safety technology that is sure to improve overall safety performance for drivers. Here’s a look at some of those features.

AcuraWatch: Every MDX for the 2020 model lineup features AcuraWatch. This advanced safety and driver-assistive technology setup provides a suite of features to improve driving safety. It comes standard on each model (with some upgradable features).

Adaptive Cruise Control: When you’re using cruise control features, this safety system will adapt to the cars around you. It can sense when there’s a slowdown to help you brake before there’s an accident.

Collision Mitigation Braking System: The vehicle constantly monitors how close you are to the person in front of you while driving. That way, it can apply the brakes if it detects a collision is imminent. That can significantly reduce the amount of risk you have while driving.

Lane Keeping Assist System: This system helps you maintain your lane by offering a warning if you cross over the lane markings. It doesn’t auto correct this, but it can help you avoid drifting into the other lane if you’re tired.

Road Departure Mitigation: This system helps provide warnings to you if you are driving off the roadway, such as when dozing at the wheel.

Blind Spot Information System: This feature detects when there’s a person in the lane next to you that could be in your blind spot. It works whenever the vehicle is going 20 MPH or more and places a warning indicator on that side’s windshield pillar.

Is the 2020 Acura MDX the Right Car for You?

To find that out, you’ll want to take one out for a test drive to see how safe these vehicles are. You’ll also appreciate seeing just how well it performs on the road.

If you want even more information, check out the 2020 Acura MDX’s Vehicle History report.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Val P on June 23, 2021
Overall decent car for a busy mom.
Very smart looking exterior features. A little cramped for my family, especially in the back- low ceiling and narrow seats. The display screen can be difficult and frustrating to use. Not very responsive to touch and difficult to learn how to work. However, the parking assist camera is very clear and helpful. The all wheel drive feature is great- our roads tend to flood when it rains and where my previous vehicle hydroplaned, this one does not. With all the seats raised the back cargo area is not the most spacious, but becomes much more spacious with the third row of seats down.
accountCircle Adderly J on August 5, 2021
Great family car for all road trips and adventures.
Great for gas. 25$ and your all set. Sensor cameras for parking and navigation reliability for tight spaces and moving from lane to lane on highways. I have got the all blue make and keep it in it is set parking. Great sound and safety features. I would highly recommend this lineup to anyone with a family. Or if your using it for work it is a very spacious vehicle that can fit lots of stuff weather it is groceries, work loads or family members.
accountCircle Hildegarde W on August 9, 2021
Easy to drive. The extra features make driving it a easy.
It drives very nicely and smoothly. The car has very nice features that are easy to use. It gets nice mileage no matter if you are driving regularly or in 4 wheel drive. They have nice warranties on everything. The repair are is very first class. Very knowledgeable workers and everyone is very friendly there. They take care of you very well as they want you to be a return buyer.
accountCircle Ewa D on June 26, 2021
Acura mdx with technology package.
The car is very comfortable, roomy, and drives smoothly. Perfect for long trips. I did an eight hour long trip in one day and it was a very comfortable ride. The driver and passenger seats can be adjusted to help your back. The car has a lot of safety and driver assistance features. The car has seven seats. The two seats in the back can be folded giving more trunk space.
accountCircle Divine L on September 14, 2021
The sensors on the vehicle make me feel safe especially on the highway.
Nice anterior, cute seats, nice technology, nice exterior, nice backup camera. When I take the car on hills it's comfortable and does not feel bumpy. I love the car and will most likely never get a new one unless it's the same make. I've recommended the car to multiple people including my friends and family. I have not one bad this to say about the car.
accountCircle Hivi R on July 24, 2021
Acura mdx 2020. Would recommend the car to families.
I just got the vehicle, I like it a lot. I had a Acura for three years and it is a very reliable car. It is safe car and size wise it is perfect. It is affordable and services will not costs arm and leg. I tried it in my three year lease car for a bigger and newer model because the car was trustworthy and we felt like our family was safe in the car.
accountCircle Sierra H on August 29, 2021
The superior 2020 Acura mdx.
So far the Acura mdx has given me no issues. The car has sharp performance and reliability. The 2020 Acura mdx has lane assistance which is my favorite feature. The car also has apple play which makes the vehicle even more personalized. I am so happy I made the switch to Acura it is my true dream car. Most comfortable vehicle I have ever owned!
accountCircle Hana J on June 14, 2021
Why you should buy the Acura mdx 2020.
The vehicle has comfy adjustable seats. It also is surprisingly super smooth while driving. I love that I can connect my phone to the vehicle, and use the display like an iPad. It also has several safety features, and a back and front camera. I really recommend this SUV to anyone looking for a good car for the money. 100% recommend!
accountCircle J J on April 4, 2021
The best in its class. So many upgrades and safety features.
The driving modes and leather seats make for an enjoyable ride. The added technology makes hands free easy, and gives my passengers hours of fun and safe entertainment on any road trip. I do not have to worry about a/c and heat adjustment constantly because the dual feature allows the passenger to control their own side.
accountCircle Sharva P on April 20, 2021
2020 Acura review, very good car.
I like the seats in the car and it is comfortable to drive and it is very smooth, I like the color that I picked and the colors that I could pick are also good. I like the fact that I can go fast but it has safety features as well. Something else that I like is the headlights which makes it very easy to see in the fog.
accountCircle Mirjana V on May 13, 2021
Mdx Acura experience as a owner.
I love everything on my car. It has plenty of room. The seats are comfortable and I can fold mirrors automatically on my car. Performance is great as well all features. Mostly I am using my phone connected as navigation in my car. Also I programmed two drivers and it is easy when my husband driving car without hassle.
accountCircle Moises G on April 11, 2021
Fantastic car no negatives.
The car runs perfectly smoothly, love its reliability, as well as its long fuel consumption. I have no negatives of the vehicle, it is huge so it feels like I am driving a tank. So responsive and great quality build, top of the line safety technology. It truly feels exactly how you would expect a 2020 model to feel.
accountCircle Anna A on April 21, 2021
Perfect vehicle for our family.
The Acura 2020 mdx is an amazingly responsive vehicle. It is sporty, yet refined, with integrated technology for safe, effective communication while driving. The third row seating is comfortable, with fold-down back for storage when the seating is not in use. It is the perfect vehicle for our family!
accountCircle Richie S on March 9, 2021
The safety is really well equipped into the vehicle.
I think it is really comfortable. I love the features in the car. I think it is in need of very small improvements. I love the safety features. The audio of the vehicle makes your brain blow! Literally! I love the fuel economy. Also, I think the vehicle has a lot of space especially for groceries.
accountCircle Marcela J on July 2, 2021
Double screens make the console look very futuristic!
Smooth ride, practical and very comfortable. The design is both elegant yet sporty.. The interiors of the car are neat, and timeless with impressive luggage capacity. It has tons of space. All of the tech gadgets are especially useful when on the road. Making every trip both fun and safe.
accountCircle Lexi S on September 12, 2021
Acura, luxury but not a show off.
It is great! If there’s ever any problems, I get helped immediately! The car itself is fantastic. It is sleek, it is a great drive. The car is safe and it is so great! There are no complaints that I have! It is also a very nice car but not over the top and I love it!
accountCircle Nas J on September 6, 2021
Best car ever owned in my life.
It is so efficient and safe on the road. The drive is extremely smooth and comfortable. I love the leather interior and the freezing cold ac. The sunroof is awesome. The stereo system is loud and full of base. It is just a remarkable car all around. It is a must drive.
accountCircle JK K on July 13, 2021
Very nice and very safe to drive in.
It is really comfy or able and driving it is really good because it is safe and it is fun with the engine going off and being really fast. It also has safety features which is really good and has a lot of fun features. Additionally mine is sports mode which I like.
accountCircle Kaela R on May 24, 2021
Smooth drive, easy to use.
One of the smoothest cars I have driven. In the past my cars were very shaky in the road. This one glides. There haven’t been any tech issues with the car it has run excellence. The features have been easy to understand for someone who’s not tech savvy like me.
accountCircle Michael K on June 16, 2021
The maroon color that we have is very unique.
The drive is very smooth. The controls are very convenient. The car is very spacious, so I can put a lot of luggage, or have more people with me in the car. It is great for road trips. It is great for large families, as well. There is a very good safety system.
accountCircle Katie M on August 14, 2021
Overall great car- good size and gas mileage.
I love this car. Great on many aspects. Decent gas mileage and I feel safe while driving it. This car is adorable and trendy and well worth the money. I have always loved this car and make. I love the size of the car because it is a perfect size for my family.
accountCircle Kimberly S on July 24, 2021
Love my new vehicle! It's a great ride with nice features!
I love the features of my new car. It has built-in technology and safety features that needed. I love how it drives, it's a smooth ride and handles very well. The interior is nicely designed. I love the front console, it has a large screen for easy viewing.
accountCircle Erin N on September 13, 2021
Comfortable car with a little luxury.
The car is really comfortable. It has a smooth ride and plenty of space. The base model had all the features I needed. The third row is a little small and tight for an adult. The gas mileage has been pretty good, similar to other SUV I have had in the past.
accountCircle Aubrey P on April 25, 2021
Love my 2020 Acura mdx pearl white.
I love the pearl white Acura mdx 2020 model! The apple car play is awesome. The base of the Acura is extremely luxurious! It is also very safe and secure. It drives very well and is not loud! The gas mileage is great. This is my second one and I love it.
accountCircle May C on July 17, 2021
Very reliable and safe to drive.
Great SUV. Very comfortable and smooth ride. Very quiet and powerful. Verisafe. Very roomy and lots of storage space. Great investment. True AWD. Great for the winter and fall weather. Highly recommended. Will buy another one when time you upgrade.
avatar Sandy B
Sandy B. has written for The New York Times, Cleveland Magazine, and many online publications. She long-ago ditched the minivan life for the off-roading Ford Explorer (and hoping to restore a Shelby Mustang!)
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