Now in its third generation, the Acura MDX retains all the great attributes that have made it such a winner in the showroom. It rides on a light-truck chassis and features lightweight subframes front and rear. The MDX is powered by a 3.5L V6, which is shared with the RLX sedan and RDX crossover. It produces 290 horsepower and 267 foot-pounds of torque. It comes mated to an all-new 9-speed automatic transmission with push-button gear selection, as well as steering wheel mounted paddles. Power is sent to the wheels via Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system. Front-wheel drive is also available.
No MDX is lightly equipped. All offer "Jewel Eye" LED headlights, speed-sensitive windshield wipers, multi-view rear camera, power tailgate, seating for seven passengers, leather seating with heated front seats, tri-zone climate control and On-Demand Multi-Use Display, an intuitive set of touchscreens that incorporate entertainment, information and climate controls in one easy-to-navigate place. Bluetooth hands-free connectivity with email/SMS functionality and an 8-speaker audio system with USB/iPod interface complete the standard features list. Standard safety features include a host of airbags, stability and traction control and LED daytime running lights.
All MDX models can be equipped with AcuraWatch Plus, a suite of active safety features that includes collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and lane departure warning. Collision mitigation braking helps prepare the MDX and its occupants for a frontal impact by automatically tensioning the seatbelts and applying the brakes as needed.
MDX models equipped with the Technology Package add 20-inch alloy wheels, Acura Navigation, blind spot information and a 10-speaker premium audio system with hard drive media storage. MDX models with Technology and Entertainment Packages include heated second-row seating, DVD rear seat entertainment with a 9-inch screen, a 110V outlet and an upgraded premium audio system. The top-tier MDX with Advance and Entertainment Packages adds perforated Milano premium leather seating with heated and ventilated front seats, a 12-speaker audio system, a 16.2-inch rear seat DVD entertainment system and front and rear parking sensors.
Attractive Styling
Improved Fuel Efficiency
Room For Seven
Advanced Technology
Available All-wheel Drive
The Acura MDX enters into 2018 with several minor enhancements. Its re-imagined infotainment system features more intuitive menus and a redesigned dual-screen interface enhancing overall responsiveness by 30 percent. Inside, Acura has given the MDX more tech to make the vehicle even easier to live with, including standard suite of safety and driver assistance technologies and entertainment options like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Basque Red and San Marino Red have been added as available exterior paint schemes.
The Acura MDX seems to grow in popularity every year and the third-generation model is no exception. Acura's mid-size luxury SUV is easy to love and even easier to live with. Three rows of seats make carpooling easy, while increased cargo space behind the second row of seats make carting around a weekend project's worth of gardening supplies a snap. For those who don't need Acura's excellent Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, front-wheel drive availability makes the MDX a bit easier on the wallet. Like all Acuras, the MDX is loaded with plenty of excellent, useful technology to enhance entertainment, comfort and safety in equal measures.