Review
Introduction
Introduced in 2001, the MDX was one of the first pseudo-performance luxury crossovers. Although all crossovers are pitched by their makers as carlike, the MDX is sports -carlike, with a 300-hp, 3.7-liter V-6 and Acura’s vaunted Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, making this a tall vehicle for enthusiasts and not just the wagon averse.
An update in 2007 stretched the MDX to better fit its third row, although in a stroke of honesty rare among automotive marketers, the company refers to its seating as “four-plus-three,” admitting that comfort is compromised with seven aboard. In our May 2007 comparison test of eight luxury SUVs, the MDX waltzed away with a victory after taking the gold in skidpad grip, lane-change speed, driving position, steering and brake feel, and ride, as well as having the second-quickest 0-to-60-mph sprint, the lightest curb weight, and the lowest sticker price.
Verdict
The MDX is an excellent all-around vehicle. Our only complaints surround the front-end styling and interior button shock—the center stack is crammed with enough buttons to necessitate a separate owner’s manual. Otherwise, this is a vehicle for people who know what they want: everything, and a gaudy chrome beak, to boot.
Click here to read our full review of the Acura MDX.
Click here to read our latest comparison test involving the Acura MDX.
What’s New for 2009
There’s nothing really new for 2009, just the spread of the power liftgate from the Entertainment package to the Technology and Sport packages as well.
Highlights and Recommendations
Acura doesn’t offer any options on the MDX but prices each option package as a separate trim level. The base MDX starts just under $42,000 and includes plenty of standard equipment: SH-AWD, traction and stability control, a sunroof, and more cup holders than seatbelts. The full battery of safety equipment is standard, too, including ABS, front airbags, front-side airbags, and front and rear curtain airbags.
Moving up to the Technology package raises the price to over $45,000 and nets the power rear liftgate; more buttons on the steering wheel to manage cruise control, the upgraded stereo, Bluetooth, and the multifunction display; a nav system with real-time traffic; and a backup camera. As button-intensive as the base MDX is, scattering a dozen or so extra around the steering wheel is a good way to induce apoplexy. For about $48,000, the Sport package adds a two-mode sport suspension, softer leather, and auto-leveling xenon headlights on top of the Tech package.
The Entertainment package ($47,550 with the Tech package and $49,650 with the Sport package) adds heaters for the outboard second-row seats, a DVD screen, and a 115-volt power outlet.
Whereas the Nürburgring-tuned MDX might be more capable of exploiting a sport suspension than other crossovers, only the base setting is suitable for street use. The sport mode is too harsh. Those considering the Sport package should be sure to sample the MDX with and without the adjustable suspension.
Safety
All MDXs come standard with anti-lock brakes, front airbags, front-side airbags, curtain airbags, and traction and stability control. There is no additional optional safety equipment.
