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 pound-feet 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 (SH-AWD) system. Front-wheel drive is also available and will save prospective buyers a bit of money should they forgo sending power to all four wheels.
No MDX is lightly equipped. All offer "Jewel Eye" LED headlights and 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 touchscreen that incorporates entertainment, information and climate controls in one easy-to-navigate place. Bluetooth hands-free connectivity with email and SMS functionality and an 8-speaker audio system with USB and 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 19-inch alloy wheels, Acura Navigation, blind spot information and a 10-speaker premium audio system with hard drive media storage. MDX with Technology and Entertainment Packages include heated second-row seating, DVD rear seat entertainment with a nine-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 hits 2016 with a new standard 9-speed automatic transmission with push-button gear selection. Acura claims the ZF unit is 66 pounds lighter than the 6-speed it replaces. Acura has revised the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system (SH-AWD) as well, with a twin-clutch rear differential. A multi-view rear camera is new, as is 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. While AcuraWatch was previously available as part of the Advance Package, the new group is available on all MDX trims.
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 a breeze, while increased cargo space behind the second row of seats makes 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, 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.
