2007 Acura MDX Review

Specifications

Drivetrain Technology Helps Advance Acuras Largest SUV

Although the MDX wasnt Acuras first SUV - that honor goes to the SLX, which was based off the old Isuzu Trooper - it was certainly the vehicle that put the brand front and center in many markets. After debuting in North America in 2001, and other international markets under the Honda nameplate shortly thereafter, it caught on very quickly, winning crowds over with its car-like refinement and opulent luxury. And, although it wasnt as capable off road as traditional SUVs, or Benzs truck-based ML-Class, it handled, rode and performed much like a road-going car. Alongside the BMW X5, Lexus RX, Volvo XC90 and others, it helped to secure the foundations of the luxury SUV segment.

Compared to rival luxury Japanese brands Lexus and Infiniti, Acura is taking a sportier stance with all of its products, including the MDX. In many ways, the new MDX is an evolution of the old vehicle. Though the new vehicle is bigger than the one it replaces, the general shape and proportions have remained the same, although the skin is definitely more angular, a style inspired by luxury super-yachts. To give the MDX greater identity, Acura has given its top SUV a bold grille thats some 30-percent larger than on the outgoing model. Trimmed in bright-finish plastics and flanked on both sides by extra-bright HID xenon bulbs, the MDX will definitely make an impression on the road. The edgy bodywork also brings the MDX closer in line to the smaller RDX, with similarly shaped tail lamps and tailgate. Underneath, the MDX features more high-tensile steel and aluminum than before, as well as more aluminum in order to reduce weight without compromising strength.

In terms of safety equipment, the MDX comes equipped with front, side and curtain airbags which span all three rows. Acura has also fitted active front head restraints to minimize injuries in rear-end accidents. But the MDXs safety equipment doesnt just benefit the passengers that it carries, the car also includes a low-mounted front cross member to improve crash compatibility with other vehicles.

“The MDX will once again set a new standard in the luxury SUV segment, just as it did when it was first introduced,” said Dick Colliver, executive vice president, sales. “Bold styling, track tuned performance and the latest technology make the MDX one of the most advanced SUVs on the road.”

Once again, the MDX will only be offered with a single engine, however, its substantially more powerful than that in the current vehicle. In fact, the all-new 3.7-liter DOHC I-VTEC V6 is the biggest and most powerful engine in Acuras portfolio, not to mention the fact that its the most powerful six-cylinder SUV currently on sale in North America. The V6 produces an even 300 horsepower (10 more than the 3.5-liter engine in the RL) and 275 lb-ft of torque, although peak figures are generated rather high in the rev-range at 6,000 rpm and 5,000 rpm respectively. This engine also features drive-by-wire electronic throttle control for improved precision and responsiveness. And while the V6 offers plenty of power, its also very efficient. Acura claims that the new MDX is capable of delivering 17 mpg in the city and 10.7 22 mpg on the highway, which puts it at the top of its class in fuel economy; at least amongst non-hybrid crossover SUVs.

Mated to the new V6 engine is a five-speed automatic gearbox that has been strengthened for heavy-duty use and includes a transmission fluid cooler. The gearbox features a sports sequential shift mode, as well as Grade Logic which adapts the shift patterns to any given situation. Together, they give the MDX the ability to tow up to 5,000 lbs, which is a substantial figure for a vehicle in this class. Like its little brother, the RDX, and the top of the line RL, the MDX will also feature Super-Handling All Wheel Drive in order to improve handling by reducing understeer, while providing grip and traction that are demanded in the sport utility class.

With a greater emphasis on sport, Acura has made available a new sports package for the MDX. Aside from larger wheels and a slightly dressed up exterior, the newest Acura benefits from electronically controlled and adjustable dampers, which improve body control during enthusiastic and sporty driving. The dampers are capable of changing from maximum to minimum damping forces in as little as 0.005 seconds, and are always changing when the vehicle is on the move. Acura hopes that drivers will take their SUVs out onto open, winding roads, as theyve spent plenty of time and effort developing and fine-tuning the SUV on Germanys famous Nurburgring circuit. Initial driving impressions of the MDX suggest that it handles and drives as well as the best vehicles in the class.

But for many, the MDX needs to represent a premium luxury experience first and foremost, one that pampers its passengers in comfort and provides them with the latest electronic gizmos and gadgets. In terms of the interior design, its a blend between the flagship RL, with features such as the waterfall-style dashboard and wrap-around wood trim, and the RDX, for its physical layout. For a vehicle of this size and type, theres plenty of emphasis on sport, from the driver-focused instruments and sporty steering wheel, but even the seating arrangement of the cabin echoes the driving enthusiast nature of the vehicle. Acura describes the MDX is a 4+3 seater; the 4 comes from the four main seats, which are fairly well bolstered, while the 3 is the middle passenger from the second row, and the two fold-away seats in the third row.

Standard to the MDX is a three-zone digital climate control system with pollen filter and humidity control, as well as an information display system that sits atop the dashboard. The bright, LCD screen controls the majority of the features in the car, showing the stereo system, and where available, the navigation and reverse-mounted camera. A 253-watt AM/FM/XM/MP3-CD (phew!) system is standard, which can be upgraded to the DVD-Audio ELS surround sound system as an option. Both sound systems feature an auxiliary-in plug for those who own iPods or MP3 players. Acuras intuitive, voice recognition system for vehicle commands as well as HandsFree Connect Bluetooth cellphone link will also be available as an option.

As with the old MDX, the new SUV will be built in Alliston, Ontario, Canada, alongside the Honda Pilot, Ridgeline and Civic. It will be available starting late this year. Pricing for the newer, sportier MDX has yet to be announced, but expect it to be slightly higher than the outgoing model, while still undercutting its European competition.