Acura MDX
The Only Feature Missing Is Autopilot |
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By Rick Newman
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Nits: The MDX is overfeatured, if there can be such a thing. Do I really need an electronic calendar and calculator in my automobile?
G forces: The MDX is one of those scarce automobiles in which size, power, and handling seem to be in ideal proportion. You can punch the 300-horsepower V-6 engine on a curve and accelerate smartly without having to hastily change your mind and hammer the brake to stay under control. The car is built to monitor its own limits.
Gizmology: My one complaint with the MDX: too much dashboard clutter. There are so many buttons and dials on the dash that some of the radio and climate controls are too small, or placed inconveniently. It might take a bit of study to learn how to use some of the hands-free features, but it would be worthwhile. The nonelectronic gizmos, like cupholders, storage pockets, hooks and nooks, are handy and well thought out.
Kidmarks: A fold-float third-row bench seat is standard, and it's easy to climb into as well–a nifty feat for a car that's a good 6 inches shorter than a typical minivan. The second and third row both have handy cupholders, storage dishes, reading lights, dedicated A/C vents, and other pampering features. If your kids can't be comfortable in the MDX, you'll have to get them a private jet.
Hot or not: Hot. The MDX is masculine yet svelte.
Pain at the pump: Moderate: Mileage ratings range from 17 mpg/city to 22 mpg/highway. More info: www.fueleconomy.gov.
Crash course: Not yet crash-tested by the government or by private testing groups.
Standard safety gear: Advanced front air bags, side-impact air bags, side-curtain air bags, antilock brakes, stability control, traction control.
Price points: Base prices range from $40,665 to $48,465. Price as tested: $44,165.
More info: www.acura.com
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Model year tested: 2007
Acura is aligning itself with technophiles this year, as it releases a brand-new "entry premium" SUV, the RDX, and a completely redesigned version of a cherished favorite–the MDX, one of the early luxury sport utilities.
Though it is sleek and lively, I struggled a bit with the RDX. Some of the electronic features seem like overkill. And while the RDX is swift, it's not as refined as I have come to expect from Acura.
The MDX rounds the bases more triumphantly. Yes, it has some of the same complexity issues as the RDX–and even shares a center dashboard stack that is virtually identical–but the MDX also feels more organically complete. Underlying performance, for one thing, is riveting. The 300-horsepower V-6 engine, a hefty 19 percent more muscular than last year's model, lets you race up to highway speed or pass that truck in the right-hand lane in an instant. The power is matched by a tight suspension that keeps even sharp curves under control. What the typical driver will notice is that while the MDX is fairly big, and has lots of space for passengers or cargo, it still feels both fleet and light. And it's quiet.
With a contoured, high-tech cabin and tons of creature features, you have to work hard to be uncomfortable in the MDX. One thing about this grade of SUV–the height is perfect, whether you're a little old lady or a strapping cowboy. There are too many buttons on the busy dashboard, and it might take a month to break in this car and get familiar with where everything is. On the other hand, there are a lot of standard features I enjoyed right off the bat. Every inch of cabin space is put to good use, like a cavity in the passenger side foot well that serves as a tiny cupboard, with its own sliding cover. Heated seats, a three-zone climate control system, a rockin' radio, and other luxuries leave little wanting. A smallish third-row seat for kids is standard, giving the MDX a passenger capacity of seven and a deserving spot next to minivans when it comes to selecting a family hauler. Plus, there's a sizable trunk, a suite of grocery bag hooks, and probably one or two dozen other handy features I didn't have time to notice in a mere week. I might have to ask for it again.
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