PROS PHEV drivetrain enables limited electric running at speeds up to 135km/h Excellent blend of everyday comfort, refinement and performance 3500kg towing capacity It shares its drivetrain with the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid
CONS PHEV drivetrain adds handsomely to the weight Li-ion battery robs 70L of boot space Lacks the traditional hardened performance focus for which Volkswagen R models are renowned
“A curious mix of speed and efficiency with a big dollop of comfort. It's just not especially fun ”
PROS Comfy, plush, quick and a company car bargain
CONS Not as nimble as a Cayenne
The VW Touareg R is comfortable, well-equipped and effortless to drive, but not sharp or engaging enough to be considered a true sports SUV. That leaves it in somewhat of a no man’s land. Put simply, those looking for a fast yet relatively frugal sports SUV would be better served by the similarly priced Porsche Cayenne e-Hybrid, while those wanting a luxurious and well-rounded plug-in hybrid luxury SUV would be better off with the BMW X5 xDrive45e.
PROS Well-equipped Spacious inside for up to five people Very quiet in electric mode
CONS Cheap-feeling interior Fussy infotainment system Not very exciting to drive
For 2020, the MDX carries over without any changes to its appearance, mechanical components, or available features. The lineup continues to offer a gasoline and gas-electric hybrid model as well as a second-row bench that allows up to seven passengers or captain's chairs that seat up to six. However, Acura did increase the base price of the regular MDX and the Sport Hybrid by $100.
Pros Entertaining to drive—for a three-row crossover, quick and smooth hybrid powertrain, standard driver assists.
Cons Unremarkable passenger space, quirky touchscreen setup, options inflate the price.
The 2020 Acura MDX is a stately three-row family crossover that has aged well.
PROS Handsome looks Confident power Spread-out space Good efficiency from hybrid Standard active safety features
CONS Pricey options packages Top trims don’t feel quite as luxurious as we’d expect Third row can be cramped for tall adults Shallow cargo area
The 2020 Acura MDX Hybrid comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 7-speed automated manual.No significant changes for 2020.
Pros Generous array of features and active driver aids for the money Excellent all-wheel-drive system allows for sharp handling Generous interior storage Quiet, comfortable and spacious cabin
Cons Cabin looks and feels less luxurious than those of some rivals Adaptive cruise control can be slow to respond and abrupt when it does Dual-screen infotainment system can be quite difficult to use Handoff between all-electric and engine power is clunky
