2007 Acura MDX Review

PROS
Sporty handling, Reasonable fuel economy, Powerful engine

CONS
Clumsy transmission, Confusing controls, Lack of front-seat leg room

Refining a bestsellerAcura's entry into the highly competitive luxury midsize sport-utility market is the MDX. Midsize SUVs typically seat five to seven passengers, have V6 or V8 engines, and come in two- and four-wheel drive versions. MDX competes with vehicles like the Cadillac SRX, Infiniti FX, Lexus RX, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, and Volvo XC90.

For 2007, Acura redesigned MDX, giving it more power, freshened styling, and a host of new features. Wheelbase and overall length grow two inches as well. MDX seats seven passengers in three rows of seats and comes standard with all-wheel-drive.

The sole engine is a 3.7-liter V6 that makes 300 horsepower. It is slightly larger than last-year's engine and makes nearly 50 more horsepower. A five-speed automatic returns as the only transmission offering. It has a separate shift gate for manual operation. Acura calls the MDX's all-wheel-drive system Super-Handling AWD. It does not have a low gear and is not intended for severe off-road use.

MDX is offered in Base, Technology, and Sport trim levels. The Base model includes front and rear air conditioning, power tilt-telescope steering wheel, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, second- and third-row split-folding seats, power mirrors, windows, and locks, keyless entry, sunroof, Bluetooth cell-phone connection, and satellite radio. Technology adds to Base a navigation system with voice activation and traffic information, rear-view camera, AcuraLink assistance system, and upgraded audio system. Sport adds to Technology an adjustable suspension system, self-leveling HID headlamps, premium leather, and upgraded interior trim.

The only factory option is a $2200 rear-seat entertainment system for the Technology and Sport. The Base lists for $39,995, Technology has an MSRP of $43,495, and Sport costs $45,795. All models have a $670 destination charge.

Get up and Go
The new 3.7-liter V6 engine has more than enough oomph to push the MDX around in city traffic. Passing power is also quite impressive. Acura doesn't list a 0 to 60 mph time, but it is easily less than 8 seconds, placing MDX among the midsize SUV leaders in acceleration.

The five-speed automatic transmission is carryover from the previous year. It sometimes upshifts with a thud and is slow to downshift. In addition, it has hunts between gears when the vehicle is ascending even the mildest of hills--a downfall that grows very annoying over time.

At startup, the engine emits an unrefined diesel clatter. The sound seems out of place in a luxury vehicle. Once warm, the engine is as refined and smooth as any other V6 in the class.

On the RoadA Base or Technology MDX rides as smoothly as a sporty midsize car. The standard suspension does a good job of absorbing large bumps without allowing too much bounding on rough roads. Sadly, the same can't be said for the Sport model. Its adjustable suspension allows too much bouncing in comfort mode and too firm a ride in when set to normal.

Conversely, aggressive drivers will appreciate the Sport models firmer setting. It keeps undue body motions in check in fast turns and in abrupt maneuvers like lane changes. Even the Base MDX seems to hold the road better than most of its competitors. Regardless of model, the steering has a nice weight and is dead accurate. The brake pedal is easy to modulate, and the brakes have ample stopping power.

Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive works like any other AWD system in normal driving--automatically sending power to the wheels with the most traction. Unlike other systems, it has the ability to send more power to the left or right rear wheel to increase handling ability.

On a race track, the system works as advertised. When accelerating through a turn, SH-AWD will transfer additional engine power to the outside rear wheel to help pivot the MDX around a corner. It is a system that you can feel working if you are driving fast enough. That's the rub, you have to be a) under power in the middle of a turn and b) driving faster than is normally acceptable on public roads. In reality, SH-AWD is a unique feature that can help the MDX handle better, but it is likely never to be used in routine driving.

Behind the WheelAcura likes to think of itself as the technology leader in the luxury field, and if you are a space-shuttle pilot, you'll feel right at home in the MDX's driver seat. Other, less tech-savvy drivers may be off-put by the dizzying array of buttons and knobs. Materials are top notch though, as is assembly quality.

Gauges and the standard navigation screen are easy to read and see, day or night. The display for the climate control and radio is too dim during the day and easily washes out in sunlight. Commonly used audio and climate controls are within easy reach, but secondary controls must be accessed through an interface stalk that features a rotary knob, joystick, and button. This stalk also controls the navigation system and a myriad of other features like the Bluetooth phone connection. Some competitors simplify the controls by using a touch screen and that would be welcome in place of the interface stalk.

Front seats are on the firm side, but they are supportive and long-haul comfortable. Head room is great, while leg room is only adequate, as taller drivers will surely want a few more inches of rearward seat travel. Outward visibility is fair, with thick roof pillars being offset by large outside mirrors. The rear-view camera is a great assist in backing and parking.

Second-row seats are adult comfortable and have ample head and leg room. Though the floor lacks a driveline hump, the seat really isn't wide enough to seat three adults across. Three pre-teens fit no problem, though.

Third-row seats are kid-friendly, but they don't offer enough head or leg room for adults. Getting into the third row is a challenge as well. Only the passenger-side rear seat tips and slides to allow third-row access, and, for anyone except kids, squeezing back past the second-row seat is a challenge.

MDX has little space behind deployed third-row seat--perhaps enough room for a row of paper grocery bags. Fold the rear seat though, and you have lots of room. In addition, the second row seats fold flat to expand cargo room further. Unlike some competitors, power liftgate only operates when the doors have been unlocked, forcing additional presses on the keyless remote.

Interior storage is adequate for a SUV. There are large front-seat map pockets and reasonable pockets in the bottom of the rear doors. The center console has a large bin and the glovebox is roomy enough. Cupholders are small and there aren't enough open bins for storage of cell phones and the like.

Bottom LineFor the past few years, Acura's MDX has been one of the best-selling luxury midsize sport-utility vehicles. And for good reason, it is fairly priced, roomy, comfortable yet sporty, and offers all of the amenities that luxury buyers expect.

The new MDX doesn't break new ground in the luxury SUV marketplace, but it didn't need to. It is larger, more powerful, and has more features. In addition, it does have more "personality" than the model it replaces, and, that helps set it apart from the competition.