Pros
- Passenger and cargo room
- Interior materials
Cons
- Control layout
- Fuel economy
Acceleration
6/10
Though many premium-midsize-SUV competitors offer V8 engines, the MDX's V6 is strong from any speed. The transmission works smoothly, and downshifts with minimal hesitation for passing maneuvers.
Fuel Economy
4/10
No opportunity to measure. Acura recommends premium-grade gas.
Ride Quality
6/10
The Advance Package includes Sport and Comfort suspension modes. Comfort absorbs bumps well but allows too much wallow; Sport makes the ride brittle. Try before you buy.
Steering/Handling/Braking
6/10
Advance Package suspension in Sport mode shines here, exhibiting good control of body lean and sharper steering response than with the base suspension. Steering and brake feel are fine.
Quietness
7/10
Low levels of tire hum and highway wind rush for an SUV. The engine sounds smooth, with a rich-sounding growl during acceleration.
Controls
5/10
The instruments are easy to read. The audio and climate controls are easy to reach, but the vast array of similarly sized and shaped controls is confusing. Thankfully, the navigation system doesn't absorb any audio or climate controls. Its screen is mounted high on the dashboard but isn't distracting. The Doppler-style real-time weather function is neat. The navigation system's controller knob, however, is mounted low, near the center console, which forces eyes off the road until all functions are mastered. The iPod integration system is nearly seamless. The multi-view camera's 180-degree view seems nearly identical to the regular review view, but the top view, which shows a straight-down picture of the rear, would come in handy when using the tow hitch.
Details
7/10
MDX's high-tech interior design incorporates an attractive blend of rich-looking materials, with especially pleasing switchgear feel and movement. New standard woodgrain trim adds an upscale feel.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (Front)
8/10
The standard power tilt and telescopic steering wheel automatically moves out of the way to ease entry and exit. A high step-in will challenge shorter adults. The seats are comfortable and supportive. All but the very tall should have ample head- and legroom. Thick roof pillars hinder visibility to some angles.
Room/Comfort (Rear)
7/10
Outboard 2nd-row seat sections are shaped like comfortable buckets and afford fine head- and legroom unless the front seats are far back. The middle position is for kids, as is the cramped 3rd row. Passenger-side 2nd-row bucket tilts and slides forward for easy access to the 3rd row. Wide doors can be a hindrance in tight parking spots.
Cargo Room
9/10
Split 2nd-row seatbacks fold easily. Split 3rd-row seats fold forward from the rear of the vehicle, and all but shorter folks can raise them from there. With all seats folded, the cargo floor is nearly flat, and Acura says it can hold 4-foot-wide panels. A newly standard power tailgate eases cargo loading. There's a handy, covered, in-floor bin behind the 3rd row. Interior storage is plentiful.
Value Within Class
9/10
This Best Buy premium SUV has contemporary styling and thoughtful features. MDX has a highly desirable blend of luxury, performance, and convenience. Among its highlights are a strong and surefooted powertrain, good 1st- and 2nd-row seat comfort, and urbane cabin appointments.
Highlights
The 2010 Acura MDX gets freshened styling, additional standard features, and a 6-speed automatic transmission with standard steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters. This premium-midsize SUV seats up to 7 and has all-wheel drive. The sole powertrain is a 300-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine paired to a new 6-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front-side airbags, and curtain-side airbags that cover all seating rows. Newly standard is Hill Start Assist, a mirror with rearview camera display, and a power tailgate. Other standard features include a sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a wireless cell-phone link. Options are available in three packages, all priced as separate models. The Technology Package contains a voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic and weather information, a multi-view rear camera that shows you 180 degrees behind the car or an above view of the tow hitch, a USB port, a hard drive for storing digital music files, and Song By Voice, a voice-activated music-playback function. The Advance Package replaces the Sport Package and includes those features plus a driver-adjustable suspension, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot alert, ventilated front seats, and 19-inch wheels. The Entertainment Package, available only in conjunction with the Technology or Advance packages, features DVD entertainment with a motorized 9-inch screen and heated 2nd-row seats.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium-Midsize SUVs are similar in size and construction to Midsize SUVs. Most, in fact, are gilded versions of Midsize SUVs; though a few are exclusive upscale designs.
Our Best Buys include the Acura MDX, Buick Enclave, and Lexus RX. Our Recommended pick is the Mercedes-Benz M-Class.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Acura MDX, Acura ZDX, Cadillac SRX, Land Rover LR4, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, Lexus GX 460, Lexus RX, and Lincoln MKT. The BMW X6, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, and Porsche Cayenne add a gas/electric hybrid model to their lineups for 2010.