#03#The Acura MDX has grown up. It's longer, wider and more powerful than ever before. Acura is putting a great deal of emphasis and investment in this vehicle as the company figures that the market segment will grow 26% in the next five years. The seven passenger MDX has always been a strong player in the medium-size premium SUV market and generally competes with the likes of
Volkswagen's Touareg, the
Volvo XC90 and the Lexus RX.
For 2007, the MDX transforms itself into an edgier-looking vehicle. Styling is angular, with lots of creases and sharp-looking lines. It has also grown. The body is 2.2 inches longer and 2.4 inches wider than its predecessor. Under the hood you'll find a 3.7-liter V6 engine pumping out a class-leading 300hp and 275lb.ft of torque. This power plant is hooked up to a five-speed automatic gearbox, which is both ultra smooth and super efficient. This package is good for hauling up to 5000 pounds of motorcycles or whatever it is that you play with on the weekends.
Acura wanted the new MDX to be more than just a well-mannered SUV, so it shipped a couple over to the Nurburgring race track in Germany where the test drivers spent countless hours tuning the 'Super Handling All-Wheel Drive' (SH-AWD) system and suspension for greater road response.
The MDX offers two suspension driving modes. Aside from its standard settings, these are Comfort and Sport. Push the Comfort button and you'll change the damper settings to a really plush, soft ride. If you opt for the Sport mode you can expect a much firmer ride with less body roll and more precise turn-in in corners.
All-round grip is excellent thanks to Acura's SH-AWD system, which transfers torque from front to rear, as well as side-to-side in an effort to control yaw. The culmination of the system is a vehicle that holds its line really well. The front strut suspension and independent multi-link rear set up also work their magic to keep this vehicle firmly glued to the pavement. Steering is precise and the brakes are also very responsive. Dynamically, this sport 'ute' is hard to beat.
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The MDX will accommodate seven passengers, though it's best suited as a four- seater with the third row seat folded down for luggage - there's not much room in the third row, except for kids. The center front armrest is split down the middle to allow either occupant to access console storage without disturbing the other's elbow. There's also a private bin on the passenger side of the tunnel, concealed behind a door.
Creature comforts are plentiful in this luxury SUV. They include tri-zone automatic climate control with an air filtration system and humidity regulation, a hands-free Bluetooth interface as well as a premium audio system with a CD changer, XM satellite radio capability and an auxiliary jack for MP3 players and other portable devices.
The MDX includes standard front, front side and side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor that automatically inflates the latter as a precautionary measure if the vehicle is about to roll over. Whiplash-preventing active front-seat head restraints are also a new feature for 2007.
If this is not enough then more features can be added through a choice of three equipment packages. The $3,500 Technology Package ships with a 410-watt surround-sound audio system, a voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic information and a rear back-up camera for easier and safer parking. It also links the navigation system to the climate control to automatically adjust the temperature and fan speed according to the sun's position in the sky.
The high-end $5,600 Sport Package includes all of the above plus unique interior trim, upgraded upholstery and the Active Damper System. A $2,200 Entertainment Package adds a rear-seat DVD player, 110-volt power outlet and a power-operated tailgate, but it's only available in conjunction with either of the other two packages.
The MDX has evolved into a highly competent city SUV. Priced at $47,795 with the Sport and Entertainment packages, this vehicle is by no means cheap, but then again you do get a lot of SUV for your money. It offers more creature comforts, a stronger engine, and superior ride and handling to its main rivals from the stable of Lexus and BMW. The Acura MDX is a strong contender for king of the mid-size SUV pack.
2007 Acura MDX range overview
- Acura MDX: $39,995
- Acura MDX with Technology Package: $43,495
- Acura MDX with Sport Package: $45,595
- Acura MDX with Technology and Entertainment Packages: $45,695
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Acura MDX with Sport and Entertainment Packages: $47,795
