Review
Introduction
Acura prioritizes athleticism in its products, and that’s one of the strong suits of the second-generation MDX. Its responses, abetted by Acura’s SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive)—a peculiar acronym for an ingenious system—are quick, decisive, and totally predictable. The MDX delivers a high fun-to-drive quotient, better than that of most other vehicles in the mid-size, mid-luxury SUV class. And the same traits that go into fun-to-drive also give a vehicle a better chance of avoiding, or at least minimizing, collisions—a big plus for a seven-passenger vehicle likely to perform family duties.
Besides handling, power can be viewed as an element of active safety, and here, too, the MDX delivers. Its 3.7-liter V-6 generates 300 horsepower and is mated to a smooth five-speed automatic. The combo is capable of propelling the MDX to 60 mph in just over seven seconds—impressive for a 4600-pound vehicle. The 5000-pound towing capacity is similarly impressive for a vehicle that traces its structural origins to a front-drive platform.
Fuel-economy ratings are 15 mpg city and 20 highway, and the MDX meets the top EPA and CARB emissions standards. Like other vehicles in this class, the profile of the latest MDX is a little sleeker and a little less boxy without excessive compromise of interior volume, which ranks at the top of the charts. The MDX goes for a techno-futuristic look in its styling, although some may find the buck-toothed-mole look of the front grille a bit off-putting. The interior has a sporty ambience, with supportive bucket seats in the first two rows, and of course there’s a full range of features—standard and optional—to make long hauls more pleasant for everyone on board.
Verdict
Last year, we matched the MDX against seven top contenders in this class. The MDX topped the scoring, and by a substantial margin. End of story.
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 2008
The MDX received a floor-to-ceiling redesign for 2007. Enhancements for 2008 include updates to the real-time traffic information function of the navigation system, which adds more metro markets; a new interior trim option; and an auto-dimming day/night mirror.
