33/100
2012Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WDPremium

2012 Acura MDX 4WD

EPA ID: 31947
16
City MPG
18
Combined MPG
18MPG· Below Avg
21
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 2012 Acura MDX 4WD achieves an EPA-estimated 18 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 16 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 3.7L 6-cylinder engine paired with a automatic (s6), this sport utility vehicle - 4wd features All-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 2012 MDX 4WD produces approximately 494 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this MDX 4WD has higher-than-average emissions in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $3,850, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $8,500 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassSport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Fuel TypePremium
Engine3.7L 6-cyl
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
TransmissionAutomatic (S6)
Drive TypeAll-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions494 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score-1/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$3,850
5-Year Cost DeltaSave $8,500

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG
17.9
Impact vs EPA
+$13
/ year
💨

The Brick Effect: Highway Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Because the Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD has a large frontal area, expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by up to 25% at high speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost
$786/mo
Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.
15,000 mi
Value Depreciation
Est. value lost over 60 months
$20,580
43.7%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$14,583
30.9%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$11,575
24.6%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
0.8%
Total 5-Year Cost$47,138

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #12V063000·2012-03-13
critical
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 PILOT AND ACURA MDX VEHICLES. THE VENT SHUT FLOAT (VSF) VALVE CASE IN THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY DOES NOT MEET THE DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: AS A RESULT, FUEL MAY LEAK FROM THE TANK, INCREASING THE RISK OF FIRE.

Remedy: HONDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VSF ASSEMBLY DATE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 13, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-999-1009.

Loading live complaint data...

Looking for comprehensive historical data?

NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Acura MDX 4WD configurations.

View Model History

Similar 2012 Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD Alternatives

Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$3,850
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Save $8,500

Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.

Efficiency Breakdown

City16 MPG
Highway21 MPG
Combined18 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

98.7 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 122 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 8.2 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.