First Drive Review
With Acura’s upcoming 2010 ZDX crossover-coupe-whatever setting the tone for the brand in terms of refinement and technology, its once techno-trendsetting MDX sibling is looking a bit long in the tooth. Indeed, the second-gen MDX—which placed first of eight in our last shootout of $50,000 SUVs—has sat relatively unchanged since its 2007 debut, and this fact, combined with a number of newly engineered goodies also used in the ZDX, makes this year the perfect time for an update.
Six Gears and a Better Ride
Perhaps the most notable upgrade is Acura’s first-ever six-speed automatic transmission in place of the previous five-speed. The transmission will proliferate through the company’s V-6 models, with the ZDX, in which the gearbox was first shown, being the next Acura to market so equipped. The company says the new gearbox also will work with four-cylinder vehicles such as the RDX and base TSX. Unfortunately, many other luxury carmakers already are moving on to seven- and eight-speed units, and the six-speed doesn’t improve fuel economy much in the MDX, which is now estimated at a still-thirsty 16 city mpg and 21 highway mpg versus 15/20 in 2009. The transmission shifts quickly and smoothly, and its ability to perform multiple-gear downshifts nicely augments the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system during sporty driving. The gearbox’s standard and sport modes are selected via the console-mounted shifter, and all trim levels get steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters as standard.
Also new are retuned active dampers that come as part of the Advance package, which takes the place of last year’s Sport package. Despite the MDX’s handling prowess and all-wheel-drive grip, we’ve criticized its ride for being a bit harsh and unyielding, particularly in the sportiest suspension setting. And although it remains firm, our brief jaunt north of Detroit revealed the new version to be far more compliant in both sport and comfort settings while maintaining good body control.
The 300-hp, 3.7-liter V-6 has been retuned for more flexible power delivery, while nineteen-inch wheels are now a factory option; 18-inchers remain standard, although they’re now lighter than before and have a new design. All of this serves to bolster the MDX’s already surprising agility, but we were taken aback by the ultra-light steering—at all speeds—that felt much more artificial and over-boosted than we remember.
More Gizmos and Driver Assistance
As with the six-speed automatic, Acura has been somewhat slow to adopt advanced driver aids such as active cruise control, blind-spot detection, and automatic collision-mitigation braking to the MDX. But all the above debuts on the 2010 model as part of the aforementioned Advance package, along with the larger wheels, climate-controlled seats, and upgraded leather upholstery. Although our brief stint didn’t allow much time to explore the safety stuff, we’re told it operates similarly to competitive systems.
An optional multiview reverse camera with normal, wide-angle, and top-down views is new, and it displays through the eight-inch infotainment screen. The latter view will undoubtedly aid in accurately lining up a trailer with its straight-down look at the rear bumper, but prepare to jump to the Technology package to get it: Settling for the base model means you get a single-view reverse camera with a display integrated into the rearview mirror.
The Technology package also gets a new hard-drive-based navigation and entertainment system fortified with voice recognition, real-time traffic updates with rerouting, and weather updates that overlay Doppler-style radar images on the navigation map. An upgraded 10-speaker, 410-watt audio system that combines USB-port connectivity, Bluetooth streaming audio, and a Ford Sync–style function that allows voice control of your music library is included in the Tech pack. The newly available Entertainment package offers heated second-row seats and a nine-inch motorized screen for rear-seat occupants.
Will Looking the Part Make a Difference?
Although we weren’t enamored of the second-gen MDX when it arrived wearing an early, prepubescent version of Acura’s now-ubiquitous metal-shield grille, passersby will have no problem spotting the 2010 model and its softer metallic nose, revised front fascia, and new rear bumper with more chrome moldings and new exhaust outlets. Although we must say the new look is more glitzy and expressive, especially with the larger 19-inch wheels, the end result is just as funky as most other Acuras.
The interior has been upgraded with a thicker steering wheel, new wood trim, and LED lighting. Acura says it also made the plethora of center-stack buttons easier to understand, but frankly, we didn’t notice—the dash looked as busy and complicated as ever. Fortunately, the leather is sumptuous, the seats are very comfortable, and the navigation system is still one of the best available.
Arriving at dealers late in the year, Acura says pricing will increase by about three percent over 2009 levels, which means well-equipped base models should start below $44,000. Loaded versions with all the driver aids, interior gadgets, and rear-seat entertainment likely will near the $55,000 threshold. We’re anxious to see if the MDX’s measurables have improved with the new transmission and suspension, and it seems Acura has taken one of our favorite luxury SUVs and made it incrementally better.
