2014 Acura MDX — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2014 Acura MDX

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $43,970–$49,200
Fuel Economy 17 MPG
Seating 7 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $3,088/yr

Key Specifications — 2014 Acura MDX

Seating Capacity7 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$43,970–$49,200

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2014 Acura MDX

Our scoring places the 2014 Acura MDX at 7.0/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.9/10. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 7.6/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 7.9/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance scores 7.1/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Tech rates a reasonable 7.2/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.

Priced from $43,970–$49,200, 17 MPG, seating 7, the Acura MDX sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The value score of 6.9/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 12 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Our take: The 2014 Acura MDX is a passable suv but not a standout one. Weaknesses in value hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2014 Acura MDX ranks #2010 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 18% of the segment. Its 7.0/10 overall score is 0.4 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $43,970 starting price is about 22% above the segment's median of $36,079.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →

Which MDX Year Should You Buy?

Across the MDX model years we've scored, the 2014 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 7.9/10$57,060 Read review →
2025 7.9/10$57,060 Read review →
2024 7.8/10$55,870 Read review →
2023 7.7/10$54,680 Read review →
2022 7.6/10$53,490 Read review →
2021 7.5/10$52,300 Read review →
2020 7.4/10$51,110 Read review →
2019 7.4/10$49,920 Read review →
2018 7.3/10$48,730 Read review →
2017 7.2/10$47,540 Read review →
2016 7.1/10$46,350 Read review →
2015 7.0/10$45,160 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2014 Acura MDX

✓ What it does well

  • Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
  • Fuel economy at 17 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

NHTSA Recalls — 2014 Acura MDX (9 on record)

The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Exterior lighting / Tail lights
28/03/2019 · 19V256000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Acura MDX and 2017-2019 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid vehicles. Moisture may enter the tailgate lid lights, possibly causing a loss of the tailgate lid lights and the taillights.
Forward collision avoidance / crash imminent braking
20/05/2015 · 15V301000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Acura MDX 2WD and AWD, RLX and 2014 Acura RLX Hybrid vehicles. In certain driving conditions, the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) may incorrectly interpret certain…
Equipment / Appliance / Air conditioner
01/07/2015 · 15V417000
American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Acura MDX and MDX AWD vehicles manufactured April 23, 2013, to December 16, 2014. The affected vehicles have air conditioning compressor clutch drive bolts that may not have…
Seat belts
10/10/2014 · 14V639000
American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured April 23, 2013, to August 25, 2014, and 2014 Acura RLX vehicles manufactured November 5, 2012, to November 25, 2013. In the affected vehicles,…
Electrical system
22/07/2013 · 13E040000
American Honda Motor Co. is recalling certain Trailer Hitch Harness Kits, Part Number 08L91-TZ5-200. These kits are for use in 2014 model year Acura MDX vehicles. The trailer hitch kit has a subharness that is incorrectly wired such that there may be no…

Showing 5 of 9 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.

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