2007 Acura MDX Elite with Sport, Entertainment and Technology Packages

All of what you don't need - - and more

All-new this year, the 3.7 liter single-overhead-cam 300 hp, all-wheel-drive, 7-seat 2007 Acura MDX, is available as a Sport Model, Technology Model, and Entertainment Model. Our 2007 Acura MDX included all three packages to create an SUV that goes around corners with precision, offers an amazing array of high-tech features, and provides different music choices for front and rear seat passengers plus DVD video with laptop and game console connections for those in the back. Price as equipped $47,795. EPA estimated mileage 17 city/22 highway using premium fuel.

"Wanted: Co-pilot to accompany test driver when said driver is distracted by electronic gadgets. Experience developing computer programs helpful. Editing For Dummies books a plus. Willingness to be tossed around like a caged bingo ball essential as tester defies performance limitations. Apply immediately for Acura MDX Elite review with 468-page driver's manual in hand."

To be honest I could have used a computer geek to help me sort out a vehicle that takes technology to an entirely new level.

The Elite is a Canadian model combining the Technology, Sport, and Entertainment packages. In the US, buying the Sport package gets you the Technology package; the Entertainment package is an available option. Added together it's the same vehicle. Regardless, my initial reaction when Honda Canada's rep handed me the keys was... "big!" It weighs 4600 pounds and its outer dimensions are not easily learned as I discovered when parking on a BC Superferry during the trip home. The ferry attendants like you to stop within 24" of the vehicle in front. Proudly alighting from the MDX I glanced ahead and saw a 4-foot gap. Wooops!

The new Acura MDX is said to be aimed at macho types who rejected the previous generation as better suited to women. Acura gave the new model an aggressive look, handling refined at Germany's Nurburgring track, enough gadgets to satisfy a NASA scientist. But is all this stuff really necessary? Where safety matters, yes. The rest, I'm not so sure.

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This is where the action is. Where 75% of the owner's manual devotes itself. Where a text message says "welcome" when I turn the key and "goodbye" when I shut down. Where I can adjust the climate controls, audio controls, the GPS navigation system with an interface dial and info button... or set several features to respond to voice commands. From here I operate the "hands free" cellphone, decide whether rear-seat passengers should share the audio system (they can opt for different sounds).

Or I can ignore all that and just drive away. Acura has done its best to make these things simple and for the most part they've succeeded; essential information can easily be accessed. But with so many tricks available the driver has no choice except to pull over to adjust them or risk an accident: Is this really necessary? More important was the ability to power-operate the steering wheel for height and reach and recognise key information (tire pressures, door and tailgate monitors). Or, as my rear seat passengers insisted, let them choose which DVD movie to watch.

Although Acura's done its best to simplify things I still found the controls too many and too complex but I'll give full marks to the comfortable heated seats (heated in the second row, too) and the 10-speaker sound system that plays everything except old gramophone records. Trimmed with premium quality perforated leather, the cabin is luxurious and comfortable. Elegance, however, doesn't apply here.

The chapter headed "Driving Your Vehicle" starts on page 329 of that imposing 468-page manual, which might suggest that driving is less unimportant than playing with the technology and entertainment features. But drive one does, and setting the mirrors was all I needed before heading home. Even so, the science was working on those rain-slicked roads as the MDX has a unique all-wheel-drive system distributing torque to each wheel as needed. The information panel displays a bar graph indicating how much goes where, which I found amusing when pushing hard through corners.

Further assistance came from a Vehicle Stability Assist system that reacts in opposition to forces that, in extreme conditions, could cause the vehicle to roll over. I never tried its effectiveness, obviously, but was happy to know it was there when cornering hard. I could, and did, tap a switch that alternates the Active Damper suspension between "Sport" and "Comfort." There seemed little difference between them, though I instinctively chose Sport on the mountain highways.

Acura has boosted the MDX's V-6 to 300 hp, more than enough to handle trailer loads which, by the way, benefit from a Trailer Stability Assist system that takes over if a trailer begins fishtailing. The slick 5-speed automatic can be operated manually; choosing D3 limits changes to the bottom three gears. So is the MDX fun to drive? No, but its multiplicity of safety systems makes for a very reassuring ride.

Motoring along in the MDX, I imagined myself as a youngish boomer with a wife, two children, and a mother-in-law who frequently joins us. We're also carrying several bags of groceries and a stroller. For such a family my MDX tester might be an excellent choice, especially if we lived in snow country. By the way, I was once such a person although we drove a compact BMW 2002. Nobody complained. Which makes me wonder if our modern-day family really needs a vehicle this large and heavy.

A good friend recently bought an MDX and is delighted with it but chose the base vehicle. As he put it, "if I wanted sporty handling I'd have bought a sports car." My sentiments exactly, although I consider the active safety features including ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist to be worthy additions. And yes, with youngsters in the back seat those sound, video and game console options will held avoid the dreaded "are we there yet?" One worthwhile feature is the remote-linked power liftgate; another is a rear-view camera that aids reversing.

I admired the technology but found it a tad overwhelming and my sense is that, like a computer program, most buyers will use only a portion of what's available. My advice to anyone considering an MDX is to decide what features are important and ignore the rest. Could save a bundle by not buying what you don't need.

Who should buy this car?

Large families and heavy load haulers who live where all-wheel-drive is a distinct advantage

Who should not buy this car?

Anyone who can't safely drive a car while operating a computer