2007 Acura MDX Review: A Little More Expensive Than Comparable SUVs, and Worth it

The 2007 Acura MDX is pricier than competing BMWs and Audis from this model year, but the Acura’s maintenance costs are lower than those of a typical luxury SUV by half, and it’s expected to last almost twice as long. Maybe no 16 year old SUV is worth $8,000, but if any of them are, this one is.

Is the 2007 Acura MDX a Good Used Car?

• Overall Rating 9/10 – The best mid-size luxury SUV in its model year.
• Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – One of the most comfortable cars on the road today. A cramped third row is the only thing holding it back from a higher score.
• Reliability 9/10 – With drivers reporting 400,000 miles before their first major repair, and ridiculously low maintenance costs for a luxury SUV, we’re in Toyota/Honda territory here for reliability.
• Safety 8/10 – Crash test scores are excellent and standard features are generous. The navigation system even has a rearview camera, which wasn’t that common in 2007.
• Gas Mileage 8/10 – 17/22 miles to the gallon isn’t bad for a mid-size SUV from this model year.
• Value 7/10 – The 2007 Acura MDX is worth every penny of its $8,000 asking price. But do you really want to spend eight grand on a vehicle this old? Or would you rather use that as a down payment on a brand new compact?

What Do Critics Say About the 2007 Acura MDX?

Consumer Reports liked the impressive interior finish, the refined powertrain, the speedy acceleration, and the responsive handling. Their only real critique of the SUV: The third row won’t seat adults comfortably, although the second row is roomy enough.

Kelley Blue Book had nothing but praise for the MDX’s “most powerful V6 on the road,” reporting that the SUV can compete with any other mid-size on the market. They note that the MDX is almost sporty to a fault, however, and drivers looking for a tame, cozy family SUV may be happier in a Lexus.

Edmunds called the 2007 MDX “cutting edge” in the electronics department with excellent handling, and lots of power without sacrificing too much fuel economy. They noted that the launch price was a bit steep for an Acura, and the exterior design might not be to everyone’s liking, with a particularly odd-looking grille.

What Common Problems Does the 2007 Acura MDX Have?

The 2007 Acura MDX has generated just 99 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 50 of these are for electrical issues, with reports of random electronic glitches like windows lowering and raising on their own, and sudden loss of power.

A handful of suspension complaints have been registered, with drivers reporting a clunking sound on small bumps, and malfunctioning active damper systems.

A few drivers have reported the steering wheel simply snapping loose in their hands while making a turn. Drivers have also reported the steering wheel locking up.

The 2007 Acura MDX has only been recalled once, for an aftermarket hitch style bike rack that was liable to injure the user’s hands.

How Long Will the 2007 Acura MDX Last?

Acura MDX owners have reported mileage as high as 400,000 and up. That might happen in a used model, but, as you can’t vouch for the previous owner’s maintenance and driving habits, you should bet on a minimum lifespan of 250,000 when deciding whether or not it’s worth the money.

Repairpal estimate an annual maintenance cost of around $422, with the most expensive common fixes being new thermostats starting at around $422, and spark plug replacements at $336.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology in the 2007 Acura MDX is cutting edge for the model year. CD/MP3 players with eight speakers come standard, as does HandsFreeLink wireless phone connectivity.

Safety technology is generous. Stability and traction control are standard, as are anti-lock brakes, and the body structure is built according to Acura’s “Advanced Compatibility Engineering” system.

Is the 2007 Acura MDX a Good Value?

The 2007 MDX Acura is a good value. The sticker price is a bit high, typically listing at around $7,998. But, if ever a 2007 mid-size SUV was worth eight grand, it’s the MDX Acura.

Maintenance costs are low, the vehicle is fuel-efficient for its size, and, if you’re buying a model with 150,000 miles on the odometer, there’s a good chance you’ll put another 100,000 miles on it before the first major repair pops up. Not many vehicles this old are worth the money, but the MDX is a gem.

What are the Different Models of the 2007 Acura MDX?

The 2007 Acura MDX is offered in just one trim level, featuring:

• Stability control
• Anti-lock brakes
• Cruise control
• 10-way power driver seat
• Automatic tri-zone air conditioning
• Leather wrapped steering wheel with mounted cruise and audio controls
• Remote keyless entry
• CD/MP3 player with 8 speakers and phone connectivity

If you can find one with the Technology package equipped, that includes parking assist, navigation, and an LCD monitor, while the Sport package adds a set of 18″ aluminum wheels.

What Engines Come In the 2007 Acura MDX?

• The 2007 Acura MDX comes packed with a 3.7L V6 engine delivering 300 horsepower and 275 lb.-ft. of torque at an average fuel economy of 17/22 miles to the gallon, city/highway. The engine is paired to a 5-speed automatic transmission in all wheel drive, and, while the MDX isn’t really built for heavy-duty towing, it can pull a 5,000 travel trailer if need be.

What Colors Does the 2007 Acura MDX Come In?

How Comfortable Is the 2007 Acura MDX?

The 2007 Acura MDX is quite comfortable. The only point against the SUV is that the back row is a tight fit for adults. But, four, five adults and a couple kids can pack into the cabin without having to sacrifice any elbow room, thanks to generous head and leg space and 60 inches of hip room.

How Much Storage Space Does the 2007 Acura MDX Have?

The 2007 Acura MDX starts you off with 15 cubic feet of space in the back, which will pack five or six medium suitcases, and is comparable to a full-size sedan’s trunk. Fold the seats down and you’ve got 83 cubic feet of cargo space, which is enough room for small furniture hauls.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The 2007 model MDX was the first in the SUV’s 2nd Generation, running from 2007 to 2013.

2005: The optional navigation system was updated to include information about local points of interest, courtesy of data from the Zagat survey.

2006: Interior trim options were expanded to include a dark grey wood, but there were no major changes for the 1st Generation’s final model year.

2007: The second generation debuted with a larger track and wheelbase for a roomier interior. The suspension was also improved, being tuned at the Nürburgring race track in Germany.

2008: Auto-dimming rearview mirrors were new for 2008.

2009: There were no major changes for 2009.

How Does the 2007 Acura MDX Compare to the Competition?

The 2007 Acura MDX is the best luxury mid-size SUV you’re going to find in this model year. The BMW X5 offers up a respectable 260 horsepower in the entry level model and it cost a couple thousand dollars less than an MDX, but it’s twice as costly to maintain and far less dependable.

It’s the same story with an Audi Q7. The sticker price is much lower, but the repair bills are much higher.

The 2007 Acura MDX costs anywhere from two to three thousand dollars more than the competition, but it’s also one of the most dependable, low-maintenance vehicles on the road, and that’s doubly impressive when we’re talking about luxury cars, which are prone to expensive repairs.

Do Owners Recommend the 2007 Acura MDX?