First Glance
MDX underwent a big redesign for the 2007 model year. The first generation MDX (2001 -- 2006) was a good-looking, classy vehicle with a trim look and feel for a mid-size SUV. Acura didn't throw out the book when it redesigned MDX -- the changes are more evolutionary. But, my, evolution has treated MDX very well. MDX looks like it spent the last year in the gym under the supervision of a personal trainer. There's been some very sophisticated body-sculpting going on here.MDX looks leaner and lower than before, and it's not afraid to show off a little bit. Right up front, there's a flashy stainless-steel cheese grater grille that shows off the glinting chrome Acura logo (does that "A" remind anyone else of the Star Fleet insignia, or is it just me?). Gorgeous five-spoke 18" alloy wheels add to the show. Sharp body creases and a rising beltline give an impression of speed and knifing through the wind. A wide rounded tailgate topped by a smallish fixed back glass adds to the streamlined appearance. MDX is an eye catcher, much less conservative than its predecessor.
I can't resist complimenting the paint quality, fit and finish on the MDX. MDX is assembled in Alliston, Ontario, Canada, where they have obviously imported the Honda/Acura approach to quality control -- my test vehicle was virtually flawless, with deep rich paint, uniform, tight gaps and seams and just a totally solid feel. The build quality is tangible.
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In the Driver's Seat
The Acura Navigation System, included on all but the base MDX model, is fantastic, and features real-time traffic alerts and voice recognition. The Entertainment Package includes a DVD player with two wireless headsets, great for keeping the kiddies occupied.
The driver's seat is fantastically comfortable, with great adjustment and supple perforated leather -- no milkshakes in the MDX, please. Have you ever tried to clean a spilled Shamrock Shake out of all the holes in perforated leather? I hear that it's no fun at all.
MDX's third row is easily accessible, thanks to big rear door openings and fold and flip second row seats. The third row is typical for a mid-size SUV -- adequate for short trips, but too cramped for full-sized adults to ride in comfort for long. Distract the teenagers with a DVD, and maybe they won't notice how their knees are in their chests.
On the Road
Ride quality and performance are the areas where MDX has made the biggest strides. Engine displacement has increased by 200 cc to 3.7 liters. The V6 features a single overhead cam and four valves per cylinder. It produces 300 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque, enough to move the relatively trim 4539 lb MDX with authority. The five-speed automatic transmission has a manual sport-shift mode, which I left alone -- the transmission did a fine job of keeping the engine humming in Drive without my intervention.MDX is equipped with the Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system that Acura has been using in the RL sedan for a couple of years, and it really contributes to the MDX's great road feel. SH-AWD is totally transparent. You'll just notice that the MDX feels glued to the road, and working from all corners at once. Handling is incredible, with much less body roll than you'd expect from a vehicle this big and tall. You can rocket out of the corners with all of that power. Front and rear stabilizer bars are standard, and the Sport Package includes Acura's Active Damper System. In effect, the MDX's shock absorbers automatically adjust to road conditions on the fly. It's complicated and involves magnetism, fluid dynamics and calculus -- but you don't need to know all that. Select "Sport" or "Comfort," and the MDX takes care of the rest. I like a firm ride with a good amount of road feel, so I drove in "Sport" most of the time, and I was still very pleased with the ride quality and smoothness. "Comfort" is just slightly less firm, but still quite sporting.
Journey's End
There are certainly other mid-size sport-luxury SUVs to consider. Check out the Porsche Cayenne, Volkswagen Touareg and Audi Q7. Don't forget the BMW X5, which may be the target in this busy field. BMW keeps moving the target, as X5 has been substantially reworked for 2007. Lexus has the luxury part down, but is a little behind in driving dynamics. The best of the Lexus lot is the RX400h. Don't overlook the Volvo XC90, either. If you don't need a third row, you can have a hoot and a half in the Infiniti FX45. If $48,465 seems like a lot of money for an SUV, you can save some money by choosing a base MDX, which can start as low as $39,995 without the Sport or Entertainment Packages. Or take a look at MDX's corporate cousin the Honda Pilot, or the venerable Toyota Highlander for more practical (less fun) accommodations.
If you need a mid-size SUV, and you love to drive, you owe it to yourself to take a test drive in the 2007 Acura MDX. MDX may not squelch your sports car lust, but it will give you a relatively healthy, family-friendly outlet for your feelings.
