Archived model-year dossier
2018 Acura MDX
The 2018 Acura MDX added a redesigned dual-screen interface with a faster 7-inch touchscreen and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with used prices from $16,500 at Kelley Blue Book. NHTSA lists ten recalls, including timing belts, rear brake calipers and connecting rod bearings, plus 167 complaints. EPA rates it 21 to 27 mpg combined.
Configurations5
Model/option labels3
Combined efficiency21–27 MPG/MPGe
Electric rangeNot listed
Decision answers7
What changed on the 2018 Acura MDX
Honda's newsroom (opens in a new tab) says the 2018 MDX gets a redesigned dual-screen interface with a new 7-inch capacitive touchscreen, previously resistive, with 30 percent faster response, plus standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both new for 2018, and standard AcuraWatch driver assist features. Carvana (opens in a new tab) describes it as the first full year after the 2017 refresh in the third generation, with mechanical hardware and exterior styling largely retained.
Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) puts the cheapest 2018 MDX at a Fair Purchase Price of $16,500 and rates fuel economy at 18/26 to 19/27 mpg city and highway. EPA rates the 2018 MDX at 21 to 27 mpg combined and $2,850 to $3,700 a year in fuel, with front- or all-wheel drive.
Recalls and problems owners report
NHTSA lists ten recall campaigns for the 2018 MDX. 19V298000 covers 2018 to 2019 MDX models whose timing belt teeth may separate from the belt, and dealers inspect and replace any affected belt free of charge. 18V777000 covers rear brake caliper pistons with an insufficient coating that may form gas pockets and reduce braking, fixed by bleeding the brakes, and 23V751000 covers a manufacturing error that may let the connecting rod bearing wear and seize, with inspection and repair or engine replacement. The list also includes fuel pump recalls 19V060000 and 23V858000, tail light moisture recalls 19V256000 and 25V259000, and front seat rivets, an air bag sensor and a frame recall.
Owners have filed 167 complaints with NHTSA: engine with 35, fuel and propulsion system with 28, electrical system with 27, power train with 23, and forward collision avoidance and fuel system with 22 each. CarComplaints (opens in a new tab) tracks the year's problems by category, and Consumer Reports (opens in a new tab) keeps a reliability page for it.
2018 MDX against the RX, Q7, XC90 and QX60
EPA rates the 2018 MDX at 21 to 27 mpg combined and $2,850 to $3,700 a year in fuel. The Lexus RX lists 21 to 30 at $2,600 to $2,950, the Volvo XC90 23 to 27 at $2,850 to $3,350, the Infiniti QX60 22 at $3,500, and the Audi Q7 21 at $3,700. The MDX matches the Volvo XC90's 27 mpg at the top of its range and trails the RX's 30.
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2018 Acura MDX: 10 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SH-AWD | 3.5-liter V6 (i-VTEC) | Auto, 9-Spd Seq SptShft | AWD | 290 | 267 | 18 / 26 / 21 mpg | 7 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Sport | 3.5-liter V6 (i-VTEC) | Auto, 9-Spd Seq SptShft | FWD | 290 | 267 | 19 / 27 / 22 mpg | 7 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| SH-AWD w/Technology Pkg | 3.5-liter V6 (i-VTEC) | Auto, 9-Spd Seq SptShft | AWD | 290 | 267 | 18 / 26 / 21 mpg | 7 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Technology Pkg | 3.5-liter V6 (i-VTEC) | Auto, 9-Spd Seq SptShft | FWD | 290 | 267 | 19 / 27 / 22 mpg | 7 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| SH-AWD w/Technology & Entertainment Pkgs | 3.5-liter V6 (i-VTEC) | Auto, 9-Spd Seq SptShft | AWD | 290 | 267 | 18 / 26 / 21 mpg | 7 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Technology & Entertainment Pkgs | 3.5-liter V6 (i-VTEC) | Auto, 9-Spd Seq SptShft | FWD | 290 | 267 | 19 / 27 / 22 mpg | 7 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| SH-AWD w/Advance & Entertainment Pkgs | 3.5-liter V6 (i-VTEC) | Auto, 9-Spd Seq SptShft | AWD | 290 | 267 | 18 / 26 / 21 mpg | 7 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| SH-AWD w/Advance Pkg | 3.5-liter V6 (i-VTEC) | Auto, 9-Spd Seq SptShft | AWD | 290 | 267 | 18 / 26 / 21 mpg | 7 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Advance Pkg | 3.5-liter V6 (i-VTEC) | Auto, 9-Spd Seq SptShft | FWD | 290 | 267 | 19 / 27 / 22 mpg | 7 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Advance & Entertainment Pkgs | 3.5-liter V6 (i-VTEC) | Auto, 9-Spd Seq SptShft | FWD | 290 | 267 | 19 / 27 / 22 mpg | 7 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Ground clearance | Turning circle | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Towing | Payload | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SH-AWD | 4,125 lb | 196.2 in | 77.8 in | 111 in | 7.3 in | 38.7 ft | 19.5 gal | 38.1 in | 41.4 in | 5,000 lb | 1,150 lb | P245/60HR18 |
| Sport | 4,001 lb | 196.2 in | 77.8 in | 111 in | 7.3 in | 38.7 ft | 19.5 gal | 38.1 in | 41.4 in | 3,500 lb | 1,150 lb | P245/60HR18 |
| SH-AWD w/Technology Pkg | 4,244 lb | 196.2 in | 77.8 in | 111 in | 7.3 in | 38.7 ft | 19.5 gal | 38.1 in | 41.4 in | 5,000 lb | 1,150 lb | P245/50HR20 |
| Technology Pkg | 4,028 lb | 196.2 in | 77.8 in | 111 in | 7.3 in | 38.7 ft | 19.5 gal | 38.1 in | 41.4 in | 3,500 lb | 1,150 lb | P245/50HR20 |
| SH-AWD w/Technology & Entertainment Pkgs | 4,262 lb | 196.2 in | 77.8 in | 111 in | 7.3 in | 38.7 ft | 19.5 gal | 38.1 in | 41.4 in | 5,000 lb | 1,150 lb | P245/50HR20 |
| Technology & Entertainment Pkgs | 4,061 lb | 196.2 in | 77.8 in | 111 in | 7.3 in | 38.7 ft | 19.5 gal | 38.1 in | 41.4 in | 3,500 lb | 1,150 lb | P245/50HR20 |
| SH-AWD w/Advance & Entertainment Pkgs | 4,292 lb | 196.2 in | 77.8 in | 111 in | 7.3 in | 38.7 ft | 19.5 gal | 38.1 in | 41.4 in | 5,000 lb | 1,150 lb | P245/50HR20 |
| SH-AWD w/Advance Pkg | 4,257 lb | 196.2 in | 77.8 in | 111 in | 7.3 in | 38.7 ft | 19.5 gal | 38.1 in | 41.4 in | 5,000 lb | 1,150 lb | P245/50HR20 |
| Advance Pkg | 4,005 lb | 196.2 in | 77.8 in | 111 in | 7.3 in | 38.7 ft | 19.5 gal | 38.1 in | 41.4 in | 3,500 lb | 1,150 lb | P245/50HR20 |
| Advance & Entertainment Pkgs | 4,087 lb | 196.2 in | 77.8 in | 111 in | 7.3 in | 38.7 ft | 19.5 gal | 38.1 in | 41.4 in | 3,500 lb | 1,150 lb | P245/50HR20 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2018 Acura MDX trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | SH-AWD | Sport | SH-AWD w/Technology Pkg | Technology Pkg | SH-AWD w/Technology & Entertainment Pkgs | Technology & Entertainment Pkgs | SH-AWD w/Advance & Entertainment Pkgs | SH-AWD w/Advance Pkg | Advance Pkg | Advance & Entertainment Pkgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | ||||||||||
| Anti-theft alarm | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child door locks | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning with automatic braking | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hill-start assist | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rearview camera | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Side-view cameras | – | Std | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Surround-view camera | – | – | – | – | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Front and rear parking sensors | – | – | – | – | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear parking sensors | – | – | – | – | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Technology | ||||||||||
| Text-message reader | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth audio streaming | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hands-free calling | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| IPod connector | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Navigation system | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Premium audio system | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Real-time traffic information | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear-seat DVD entertainment | – | – | – | – | Std | Std | Std | – | – | Std |
| Satellite radio | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Voice recognition | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Comfort | ||||||||||
| Heated front seats | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Heated rear seats | – | – | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Heated steering wheel | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Heated mirrors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power front seats for driver and passenger | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power driver's seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Leather seats | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Front and rear climate zones | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Third-row seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | – | – | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | ||||||||||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Fog lights | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear spoiler | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Roof rails | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Power-folding mirrors | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power liftgate or trunk | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| 12-volt power outlet | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote engine start | Opt | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Push-button start | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cruise control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Integrated garage-door opener | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear-window defroster | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rain-sensing wipers | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
Complete certification table
5 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 39549MDX AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl SIDIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S9) | Premium | 18 | 26 | 21 | N/A |
| 39548MDX AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl SIDI; Stop-StartConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S9) | Premium | 19 | 26 | 22 | N/A |
| 39542MDX FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl SIDIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S9) | Premium | 19 | 27 | 22 | N/A |
| 39541MDX FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl SIDI; Stop-StartConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S9) | Premium | 20 | 27 | 23 | N/A |
| 39870MDX Hybrid AWD | 3L 6-cylHybrid | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM-S7) | Premium | 26 | 27 | 27 | N/A |
Model-specific answer center
7 answers for this exact family-year.
Q01What changed on the 2018 Acura MDX versus the 2017 Acura MDX?
Model year
Against the 2017 Acura MDX: Engine descriptions added: 3L 6-cyl. Engine descriptions no longer listed: 3L 6-cyl SIDI; Stop-Start. Federal recall campaigns on file went from 8 for the 2017 to 10 for the 2018.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov certification records for both model years
Q02What torque do the 2018 Acura MDX's wheel nuts need?
Wheels and tires
The 2018 Acura MDX owner's manual gives 94 lb-ft as the wheel-nut tightening torque. Source: 2018 Acura MDX owner's manual.
Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Q03What size wheels does the 2018 Acura MDX have?
Wheels and tires
The 2018 Acura MDX's wheel diameter is 18 inches on the SH-AWD and Sport and 20 inches on the 8 trims (SH-AWD w/Technology Pkg, Technology Pkg and SH-AWD w/Technology & Entertainment Pkgs and 5 more). Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q04How do the 2018 Acura MDX trims differ from one another?
Trims
All 10 trims share the 3.5-liter V6 (i-VTEC) making 290 hp. The Sport has FWD instead of AWD and a rearview camera and side-view cameras as standard equipment over the SH-AWD. The SH-AWD w/Technology Pkg has AWD instead of FWD and blind-spot alert, a navigation system, power-folding mirrors and 3 more as standard equipment over the Sport. The Technology Pkg has FWD instead of AWD over the SH-AWD w/Technology Pkg. The SH-AWD w/Technology & Entertainment Pkgs has AWD instead of FWD and heated rear seats and rear-seat DVD entertainment as standard equipment over the Technology Pkg. The Technology & Entertainment Pkgs has FWD instead of AWD over the SH-AWD w/Technology & Entertainment Pkgs.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q05Does the 2018 Acura MDX have front and rear parking sensors?
Equipment
Yes, on some trims: front and rear parking sensors is standard on the SH-AWD w/Advance & Entertainment Pkgs, SH-AWD w/Advance Pkg, Advance Pkg and Advance & Entertainment Pkgs; not offered on the SH-AWD, Sport, SH-AWD w/Technology Pkg, Technology Pkg and 2 more.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q06Does the 2018 Acura MDX have heated rear seats?
Equipment
Yes, on some trims: heated rear seats is standard on the SH-AWD w/Technology & Entertainment Pkgs, Technology & Entertainment Pkgs, SH-AWD w/Advance & Entertainment Pkgs, SH-AWD w/Advance Pkg and 2 more; not offered on the SH-AWD, Sport, SH-AWD w/Technology Pkg and Technology Pkg.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q07Does the 2018 Acura MDX have rear-seat DVD entertainment?
Equipment
Yes, on some trims: rear-seat DVD entertainment is standard on the SH-AWD w/Technology & Entertainment Pkgs, Technology & Entertainment Pkgs, SH-AWD w/Advance & Entertainment Pkgs and Advance & Entertainment Pkgs; not offered on the SH-AWD, Sport, SH-AWD w/Technology Pkg, Technology Pkg and 2 more.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2018 Acura MDX.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Check the exact vehicle, not just the model name.
Recalls, build data and service applicability are determined at VIN level, not by model name.
01 · NHTSASafety ratings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck open safety recalls by 17-character VINOfficial VIN remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAQuery another year, make, model and option1984–current browser →
FuelEconomy.gov data source (opens in a new tab) · Methodology
Other model years
Compare the Acura MDX across model years.
Ownership desk
Problems and maintenance decisions worth checking next.
Climate and electricalWindows keep fogging on the insideDepends →Maintenance and fluidsWhen should engine coolant be replaced?Routine →Hybrid and electric vehiclesWhy DC fast charging is slower than advertisedRoutine →Buying, records and recallsWhat a vehicle history report can missRoutine →OBD codes and emissionsP0300 random or multiple-cylinder misfire codeDepends →OBD codes and emissionsP0101 mass-airflow performance codeSoon →