Vehicle Tested
| 2016 Acura MDX Advance Entertainment
Base Price: $57,080
As-Tested Price: $58,000
Built in Alabama.
Options
None
Engine: 3.5-liter V6, 290 horsepower
Transmission: 9-Speed Automatic
Drive Wheels: All-Wheel Drive
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Acura took the wraps off a redesigned MDX at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show and now that vehicle has hit the streets. The MDX is a seven-passenger midsize luxury crossover that competes with a host of vehicles, including the Audi Q7, BMW X5, Buick Enclave, Infiniti QX60, Lexus RX, Mercedes-Benz GLE and new Volvo XC90. Changes for the 2016 model year include a 9-speed automatic transmission, AcuraWatch Plus, exterior and interior revisions, a revised all-wheel-drive system and better smartphone integration.
The 2016 MDX is available in a single trim level with either front- or all-wheel drive. The front-drive MDX lists for $42,865 while the AWD version starts at $44,865. Sole powertrain is a 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 that mates to a new 9-speed automatic. When properly equipped, maximum towing capacity is 5000 lbs.
Standard safety features include antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front-seat side airbags, driver knee airbag, side-curtain airbags, rear-view camera and active front head restraints. The revised AcuraWatch system includes forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, collision mitigation and adaptive cruise control.
Several packages are available on the MDX and may be grouped together. These packages include the Technology, Entertainment and Advance. The Tech package includes LED puddle lights, rear door smart entry, 19-inch wheels, navigation system with Acuralink, upgraded 10-speaker audio system, HD radio and blind-spot and cross-traffic alert. The Entertainment package includes heated second-row outboard seats, 110-volt power outlet, second-row sunshades, upgraded 11-speaker audio system and DVD-rear seat entertainment system with either a 9- or 16.2-inch screen. The Advance package includes sport seats with Milano premium-trimmed leather, auto-dimming side mirrors, 110-volt power outlet and premium audio with 12-speakers.
The Acura MDX is assembled in Alabama and comes with a $920 destination charge.
Get Up and Go - The 3.5-liter V6 in the MDX can be found in a host of other Acura and Honda products. It's a time-tested engine that provides plenty of power and consistently comes in with fantastic reliability scores. Though the MDX tips the scales at 4200 lb., the engine provides good acceleration and excellent passing power. When accelerating from a stop the MDX can reach 60 mph in about 6.6 seconds. That's mid-pack performance in the luxury crossover class.
The new 9-speed automatic shifts adequately in normal acceleration and downshifts promptly when the driver calls for more power. The transmission doesn't boast the buttery smoothness found in some competitors, but certainly is never harsh. Not intended for extreme off-road use, the AWD system in the MDX doesn't have a low range. It does a good job of limiting wheel spin on slippery roads and should easily cope with maintained dirt or gravel roads.
EPA ratings for the AWD MDX are 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Those numbers are on par with most competitors. Unfortunately, Acura requires premium-grade fuel for the MDX's V6 while some competitors can run on regular-grade fuel. Assuming you don't drive with a lead foot, real-world fuel economy is likely to equal or surpass the EPA numbers. Gentile suburban commuting might net as high as 24 mpg overall and 28 mpg on the highway. Advance models get a start-stop feature for the engine that helps save fuel in urban driving - too bad that feature isn't offered on all MDX models.
On the Road - The MDX's Euro-tuned suspension provides a comfortable, if a bit firm ride. Undue body motions are kept in check and there is decent bump absorption. Large potholes and expansion joints sometimes pound through - especially on models with the 19-inch wheels and tires.
When the road grows twisty, the MDX can more than hold its own compared to other luxury crossovers. While not as sporty as BMW X5, the 2016 MDX boasts taught and communicative steering, a responsive suspension, powerful brakes and performance-minded tires.
Noise levels fall mid-pack for the class. Wind and engine noise are well muted, but the tires can sometimes kick up a ruckus on grooved concrete surfaces.
The MDX is a large crossover and should never be confused with a sport sedan. Still, it delivers composed and confident handling traits when the road grows twisty - all without undue ride harshness. Marked improvements in noise-vibration-harshness over the years has helped make the cabin a quiet place as well.
Behind the Wheel - Acura bills itself as a technology leader and the MDX doesn't disappoint. The modern and upscale interior bounds with buttons, knobs and switchgear. Off-putting to some, there are plenty of buyers who find this overt display of technology appealing and lots of Acura owners that love the connected control it provides. Materials are a cut above what you might expect at the price and fit and finish are excellent.
Drivers face a large 3-spoke steering wheel with integrated controls for the audio system, cruise control and phone. There are also paddle-mounted shifters for the transmission if you so desire. The IP features two very large and easy to read dials and a small center information screen. The center stack features not one, but two display screens. One designed mainly for the navigation system and a second that is touch-friendly and controls the navi input, audio, vehicle and climate functions. There is also a screen control knob and various audio and climate controls. The gear shift has become an arrangement of four buttons. While somewhat confusing at first, the design saves space and becomes second nature after just a few trips. That can actually be said for most of the MDX's controls - you initially don't like them because they work differently than you expect but then find that operation becomes second nature.
The front seats are firm and softly contoured. Head and leg room are good and there is plenty of width for adults that might require a little more hip room. The doors open wide and step-in height is modest. Outward visibility is good to all directions and there are plenty of electronic gadgets and cameras to make parking easier.
Second-row seats are only available as a three-place, split-folding bench. Others in the class offer twin captain's chairs. The seats are comfortable and there is plenty of space for two adults, three in a pinch. The seats tip and fold quickly to provide access to the twin third-row seats. Those seats aren't really adult size but certainly will work for kids.
At a touch under 65 cubic feet, cargo space is good for the class but ultimately falls short to leaders like the Buick Enclave, which has more than 115 cubic feet of space. The hatch opens wide and has a low liftover and a flat load floor. Third-row seats fold flat in a snap. Interior storage is great with lots of open and covered bins throughout.
Bottom Line - Acura's midsize luxury crossover basically built this segment. It was one of the first and certainly one of the bestselling of all time. The newest MDX provides a marked improvement in just about every category over the 2015 model. It is more refined, quieter, has more technology and improved fuel efficiency. It did all of this without getting any larger or heavier and, more importantly, more expensive. If you are shopping in this class and are into tech the MDX is a must see.
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