Acura MDX Review
The Acura MDX (Honda MDX in Japan and Australia), is a mid-size crossover SUV first introduced in the 2001 model year. MDX stands for “Multi-Dimensional luXury”. The MDX is known for being the first crossover SUV to have third-row seating. It is built by Honda of Canada in Alliston, Ontario, Canada.
First Generation (2001-2006)
This generation was built on the same platform as cars like the Honda Accord, Honda Odyssey, Acura TL, and Acura TSX. It is powered by a J35A3 3.5L SOHC 24 valve V6 VTEC. 2001-2002 models produce 240 hp (180 kW) and 245 lb·ft (332 N·m) torque. 2003-2006 engine produces 265 hp (198 kW) and 253 lb·ft (343 N·m) torque. Curb weight is around 4,451 lb (2,019 kg). The vehicle can support up to 7 passengers, but the third row seats are small.
The vehicle featured an automatic transmission and a variable four wheel drive system named VTM-4. The four wheel drive engaged when accelerating from a stop as well as when wheel-slippage is detected. It can also be activated manually to use permanant 4WD during low speed situations. Front-wheel drive is used during normal driving. The 5-speed automatic transmissions used in these vehicles were known to be prone to failure, which costs thousands of dollars to repair. Although the MDX did not have the benefit of extended warranty, Honda often payed for the parts to fix this problem. The MDX had an optional navigation and DVD system. The navigation option comes with a rear view video camera since the 2003 model. The EPA estimates gas mileage as 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.
Second Generation (2007 – present)
Acura unveiled the 2007 MDX concept at the New York International Auto Show in 2006, showing off the completely redesigned vehicle. This second generation MDX came out October 17, 2006. This model is also manufactured by Honda of Canada in Alliston, Ontario, Canada. This model MDX was tested by Car and Driver magazine against the Volkswagen Touareg, Volvo XC90 Sport, Lexus GX470, Mercedes-Benz ML350, Cadillac SRX AWD V-8, BMW X5, and Land Rover LR3. The MDX won by a vast margin. This generation had a wider track and longer wheelbase than the previous MDX. This model was built on a redesigned unit-body, engineered with Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure designed to absorb energy from a collision. The suspension was tuned in Germany at Nürburgring race track. The engine was a higher output 3.7 liter V6 producing 300 hp (220 kW) and 275 lb·ft (373 N·m) torque. EPA gas mileage estimates were 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway. The all-wheel drive system uses the new SH AWD(Super Handling All-Wheel Drive”). This MDX comes with many options standard, including power moonroof, leather interior, and HID Xenon headlights.
Three optional packages were available: Sport, Technology and Entertainment.
The Technology Package includes DVD-based satellite GPS navigation system with AcuraLink satellite communications featuring real-time traffic reporting (XM NavTraffic). This system was produced by Acura/Apline. The sound system consists of a 410-watt Acura/ELS DTS Surround audio system with XM Satellite Radio. Other features include a rear view camera, and a remote powered liftgate.
The Sport Package has an active suspension damper system which was developed by Honda and Delphi. This system improves handling and has a button in the center stack to switch to between Sport and Comfort modes. It uses magneto rheological dampers, which change their characteristics when a magnetic field is introduced within milliseconds. The Sport package has unique 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels, perforated leather seats and all of the items included in the Technology package.
The Entertainment Package offers a flip-down 9-inch LCD screen and 2 wireless Dolby Digital headphones. Also, second-row heated seats, and a unique center-stack silver trim. The Entertainment Package is available on Sport or Technology Package models,
Canadian modeles feature headlight washers. As far as packages, the Canadian MDX models have only two: Technology and Elite. The Technology package is essentially the same as the US model’s Technology package. The Elite package is a combination of the US model Sport and Entertainment packages, however AcuraLink real-time traffic reporting is unavailable on Canadian models.
The second generation MDX overtook the TL as Acura’s top seller in the United States. It is also now Acura’s best selling vehicle in Canada.