The Most Reliable Japanese Luxury SUV In 2024

Luxury SUVs come in several shapes and sizes. You can go small and compact with models that fit everywhere you want to drive on city streets or go big and have massive family haulers capable of pulling a boat or trailer to the lake or campground. Many luxury SUVs have become everyday drivers for those searching for something with a little more comfort and quality than their mainstream counterparts.

Almost all Japanese mainstream brands have luxury alternatives for drivers. Toyota has Lexus, Nissan has Infiniti, and Honda has Acura. Could the most reliable Japanese luxury SUV be a large model like the Lexus GX or something smaller such as the Infiniti QX60? The SUV on top of the list for reliability isn’t the most exciting or dynamic vehicle, but it’s a luxury SUV that many drivers trust and depend on every day.

Details regarding reliability and equipment are sourced from Acura, iSeeCars.com, and Kelley Blue Book to give you the most updated and accurate information.

The 2024 Acura MDX Is The Most Reliable Japanese Luxury SUV

Reliability Score 9.3/10

When it comes to reliability, the Acura MDX is impossible to beat. This stalwart midsize SUV continues to lead the way as a strong contender for anyone searching for a good luxury SUV to drive. The MDX has an excellent package of standard equipment, high safety scores, and a relatively affordable price. In addition to these qualities, the MDX boasts strong resale value, making it a good investment for any driver.

There’s More To A Luxury Name Than Style

If all you want is style in your luxury SUV, leave the MDX alone and check out what Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW offer. On the other hand, when you’re looking for the most reliable Japanese luxury SUV, the 2024 Acura MDX is unflappable. This Acura luxury SUV handles your driving on any road at any time. Several trims and two powertrains are offered for this impressive SUV, making it easy to find the right version of the MDX to drive and enjoy.

The 2024 Acura MDX Tops Several Lists

The MDX has more going for it than simply being a reliable Japanese luxury SUV you can drive and enjoy every day. This SUV also tops the list of the Best Family Luxury Crossover SUVs and Best Luxury Crossover SUVs.

Here are the top five models on three important lists:

Best Family Luxury Crossover SUVs

1. Acura MDX
2. Lincoln Aviator
3. BMW X3
4. Volvo XC90
5. Acura RDX

Best Luxury Crossover SUVs

1. Acura MDX
2. BMW X3
3. Lincoln Aviator
4. Buick Enclave
5. Lexus RX 350

Most Reliable Luxury Crossover SUVs

1. Acura MDX
2. Lexus RX 350
3. Buick Enclave
4. Lincoln MKT
5. Lincoln Aviator

What Powers the 2024 Acura MDX?

Two Excellent Powertrains To Choose From

The MDX offers a pair of excellent powertrains, ensuring drivers have ample power to go where they need to and enjoy decent power and fuel mileage. This SUV has a standard FWD setup for the first two trims, and the venerable Super-Handling AWD system is optional on these trims and standard on the A-Spec version and above.

Performance Specifications

What Does Each MDX Model Include?

Six Trims Of High-Quality Acura Features

The Acura MDX has been one of the most popular midsize SUVs for several years. This is also the most reliable Japanese luxury SUV, which makes it a winning combination that any driver can experience and admire from behind the wheel. The MDX spans the equipment range with features you’ll want at different trims and prices.

2024 Acura MDX Pricing

Here’s some of the standard equipment for each trim level:

MDX

• AcuraWatch driver-assist suite
• Adaptive cruise control
• Panoramic moonroof
• 12-way power front seats
• Power tilt/telescoping steering wheel
• Power liftgate
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• 12.3-inch infotainment display
• Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

Technology Package

• 12-speaker ELS Studio audio
• Milano leather-upholstered sport seats
• Power-folding side mirrors
• 3D view navigation
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Front and rear parking sensors
• 20-inch alloy wheels

A-Spec Package

• SH-AWD
• LED fog lights
• Heated and ventilated front sport seats
• 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D premium audio
• Flat-bottom sport steering wheel
• Sport pedals

Advance Package

• 16-way ventilated power front seats
• 360-degree Surround-View Camera
• Head-up display
• Heated steering wheel
• Hands-free power liftgate
• Heated second-row seats

Type S

• Turbocharged V6 engine
• Adaptive dampers
• Air suspension
• Adjustable ride height
• Brembo brakes
• 21-inch wheels
• Self-sealing run-flat tires

Type S with Advance Package

• Massaging front seats
• 25-speaker ELS Studio 3D Signature Edition Audio System
• Head-up display
• Orchid leather upholstery
• Surround-View Camera

2024 Acura MDX Top Features

The Items That Make This SUV Worth The Cost

Reliability is all well and good, but it’s not everything. If the vehicle you drive doesn’t have the features and qualities you want and need, it doesn’t matter how reliable it is. Thankfully, the 2024 Acura MDX is more than just the most reliable Japanese luxury SUV; it also has several features that make it comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable.

Wireless Connectivity

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are becoming a relatively common feature in most vehicles, but are still not standard for every 2024 model in the market. Thankfully, the MDX offers this feature on every trim level, making it easy to leave your cables at home. The mess of wires from your phone and your passenger’s phone can become troublesome, especially when you add a couple of drinks to the front console area. Acura provides wireless charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Amazon Alexa to make the MDX feel modern and useful.

Powered Tailgate With A Trick

If you choose the Advanced Package models, you’ll have a hands-free tailgate with a special trick. This trick is a self-closing function that engages whenever the person holding the key fob walks away from the vehicle. You won’t forget to close your tailgate; the MDX does it for you.

ELS Audio Systems

Developed with input from Grammy award-winning studio engineer Elliot Scheiner, these audio systems are some of the top choices in the automotive market. Scheiner has been behind the controls for some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, including Beyonce, Sting, and the Foo Fighters. The Technology Package gives you a 12-speaker setup, but higher trims add more speakers and increase the concert-quality sounds you’ll hear inside the MDX’s cabin.

Head-Up Display

More luxury automakers are adding head-up displays to their vehicles than ever before. This feature helps keep your eyes on the road, ensuring you can maintain your focus on driving and avoid distractions. The Acura MDX includes a display for the Advance Package and Type S models. This head-up display is a 10.5-inch projection on the windshield directly in front of the driver, giving you the desired information during your drive.

How Safe Is the 2024 Acura MDX?

Top Marks For This Acura SUV

Does the most reliable Japanese luxury SUV achieve the top safety scores? Yes, it does. The MDX earned the Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA. These top marks ensure families can trust this SUV to help keep them out of trouble and protect them on the road.

AcuraWatch Safety Features

The package of advanced driver-assist features included in the 2024 Acura MDX is called AcuraWatch. This complete package brings advanced features to your driving experience, starting at the base trim. This package includes:

• Forward collision warning
• Collision mitigating braking with pedestrian detection
• Lane departure warning
• Lane-keeping assist
• Adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow
• Traffic Jam Assist
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic detection
• Traffic sign recognition
• Road departure mitigation
• Rearview camera
• Hill start assist
• Tire pressure monitoring

Although the hill start assist and tire pressure monitoring features aren’t actual safety items, both are important for keeping the MDX safe and secure on the road.

2024 Acura MDX Warranty

Like most other luxury vehicles, Acura gives the 2024 MDX a 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty to offer peace of mind. This basic warranty is only the starting point; the MDX also has a 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty to ensure coverage for these components for longer than the basic warranty. In addition to these warranties, Acura includes free scheduled maintenance for two years or 24,000 miles.

Is the MDX Comfortable?

Roomy Seven-Seat Interior

The Acura MDX has seven seats across three rows, with individual seats in the second row that can slide forward and back to provide improved comfort. The second-row center seat folds down to become a large armrest. Remove it to create easier access to the third row. The rear legroom in the second row measures 38.5 inches, while the rearmost row is a little tighter at 29.1 inches of legroom.

The front seats are comfortable and supportive, with standard heating and power functions. They are perfectly suited for the most reliable Japanese luxury SUV, which is also comfortable, safe, and enjoyable on any road.