Let’s start with the precisely crafted V6 engine. This is an engine that has a displacement of 3.5 L, breathes through 24 valves, fuelled through direct-injection, possesses different performance profiles through i-VTEC, and produces a max of 290 hp with all those. The 9-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift and paddle shifters helps, delivering 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. My week of driving netted me 25 mpg.
The MDX does more than just carry you around; it provides an exhilarating experience that seems to blend the driver with the road. Value is expressed and experienced through the actual benefits of driving the car. Benefits like exceptional comfort, spacious cabin with seating for seven, and cutting-edge technology accompanied by numerous safety features—all good reasons to check out the Acura MDX.
I liked the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system because of the improved handling that was designed to provide the driver with an edge under almost any driving conditions. With SH-AWD, Acura has developed a torque-vectoring system that sends power to the wheels that need it most, determined by weight distribution, available traction, and various other factors.
Jewel Eye LED headlights and LED fog lights provide impressive down-road visibility with an intense, wide, and white beam of light engineered to better mimic natural sunlight.
There is also a windshield mounted camera which continuously monitors the road ahead and automatically switches to low beams to avoid blinding the oncoming traffic. I had trouble getting used to this technology at first, then I just relaxed and let Acura take care of the dimming process.
The interior is wood trimmed, and the front occupants enjoy comfortable sport seats with perforated premium leather trim. The 10-way power-adjustable, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, and parking sensors are standard.
Even the second row seats are heated as well. These are accompanied by rear door sunshades and push button start.
The center of technology control is the infotainment system with Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition. Combined with AcuraLink connectivity system, it can provide real time traffic with street and expressway conditions. One-year complimentary AcuraLink Concierge Service puts personal assistance at your fingertips; ready to go night or day and helps make your journey stress free.
The importance of personal safety is evident in the construction of the MDX. The body is designed to absorb and disperse frontal impact energy so less force is transferred to the folks inside.
In fact, MDX has received the highest possible overall safety rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for 2016.
MDX is lightest in its class, in some cases it weighs less by over a thousand pounds. The engineers aimed to decrease weight while increasing rigidity by using strong yet lightweight materials. High-strength hot-stamped steel, aluminum, and magnesium are paramount to its composition.
The MDX has precise handling. It feels more like a sport sedan, but spacious, comfortable, and luxurious like an SUV.
The cabin is quiet except for the Premium Audio System. You have the superb driving experience with handling enveloped in an aesthetic environment. Engineering and artistry combine perfectly, giving the owner richness of noise deflation as Active Sound Control disguises the unwanted sound, leaving the purest of a listening experience.
My beautiful MDX was colored in White Diamond Pearl with an Ebony Milano Premium leather interior.
Exterior Dimensions
Wheelbase: 111.0 inch
Length: 196.2 inch
Width: 77.2 inch
Height: 67.4 inch
Ground Clearance: 7.3 inch
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or at [email protected]
