Acura MDX, or Honda MDX referring to asian market, has brought automobile industry towards a new SUV market dimension. Of all of the SUVs on the road, this vehicle is for sure will become the "chosen one" .
Leading the list of likeable items is the 3.7-litre, VTEC V6 that pushes 300 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. While the MDX feels snappy off the line, it's in the mid- and high ranges where things begin to boil. As the VTEC system does its thing, the engine's tone changes almost as dramatically as its work ethic.
It's good enough that the MDX romps from rest to 100 kilometres an hour in 7.6 seconds and manages to turn the 80-to-120-km/h trick in a quick six seconds flat. It is an athletic engine that is not bad on gas either. An admittedly short drive yielded a respectable average of 11.2 L/100 km. The engine's thirst for premium fuel was less appreciated.
The five-speed manumatic transmission helps things, as it is very good at keeping the engine at a roaring boil whenever the pedal is matted. It also delivers a snappy downshift whenever it's called upon, which means the driver is not left hanging out to dry (it also helps to explain the fast passing move time).
The suspension and large P255/55R18 tires also contribute to the MDX's sharp driving demeanour. While the base suspension (front struts and rear multiple links) is pretty good at controlling body motion, the Elite model's Active Damper System takes things to a higher level altogether. In the comfort mode, the MDX rides and drives more like a comfortable wagon than an SUV.
Activate the sport mode and things firm up to the point where body roll becomes all but nonexistent and the response to steering input is sharp without feeling twitchy. It is such that the MDX belies its SUV moniker.
The other key to the MDX's handling prowess is its Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. As with most systems, SH-AWD directs the power to wheel(s) that can be put to the best use, and it does so in a seamless manner that inspires confidence.
That, however, tells only part of the story; it is what happens at the rear wheels that ices the cake. In a corner, the system drives the outside rear wheel faster than the inside rear wheel. This action actively turns the vehicle into the corner, which brings better stability. It also means the driver has to dial in less steering, which reduces the likelihood of understeer. Factor in a good electronic stability/traction control system and putting a wheel wrong takes some doing.
Rounding out the dynamic side is a strong set of anti-lock brakes that deliver short 42-metre stops from 100 km/h. In a pleasant move for the better, this system is less intrusive than Acura's earlier designs.
All of this explains why the MDX needs winter tires, especially when the temperature drops below zero - the rock-hard nature of the all-season rubber in these conditions negates the MDX's all-wheel-drive advantage.
As for utility, the MDX delivers enough for most eventualities. With the third-row seat upright, there is but 15 cubic feet of cargo space. This limited number and the confined nature of the third seat is one of the MDX's few weak points. It's more about bragging rights than function. Drop the third row down and the cargo capacity rises to a far more functional 42.9 cu. ft. Lowering the middle row then opens up a healthy 83.5 cu. ft.
Acura MDX Specification:
Type of vehicle: All-wheel-drive mid-sized SUV
Engine: 3.7L SOHC V6
Power: 300 hp @ 6,000 rpm; 275 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 rpm
Transmission: Five-speed manumatic
Brakes: Four-wheel disc with ABS
Tires: P255/55R18
Standard features: Tri-zone automatic climate control with filtration, power locks, windows and heated mirrors, tailgate and sunroof, eight-way power driver's seat with two-position memory, eight-way power passenger's seat, power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, perforated leather seating, 410-watt AM/FM/MP3/XM audio with six-disc in-dash CD changer, 10 speakers (including subwoofer) and auxiliary input jack, voice-activated navigation system with rear-view camera, rear-seat DVD-based entertainment system with wireless headphones, 115-volt outlet, Bluetooth cellphone integration, Homelink, rear washer/wiper, HID headlights, fog lights.
