2020 Acura MDX Technology Package SH-AWD

A unique and engaging SUV

2020 Acura MDX. Courtesy of Acura

Acura’s three-row MDX accommodates up to seven, is blessed with added “Zip,” and has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. Admittedly the third row is small -- actually too small for adults -- but first and second row are fairly comfortable.

Engine Power

Power is provided by a 3.5-liter VTEC V6 with Variable Cylinder Management, and passed through a nine-speed automatic transmission with Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) System. The whole power chain achieves an official fuel consumption rating of 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, for a 22 mpg combined average.

SH-AWD badge. Courtesy of Acura

Independent suspension and Idle Stop feature adds to the well balanced engine, which provides a max of 290 horsepower.

Safety Features

There is a full ensemble of front seat airbags, plus side curtain airbags with rollover sensors. The knee airbag was the one that gave me an extra sense of assurance.

Agile Handling Assist and Vehicle Stability Assist allow for a most pleasant driving experience. The MDX corners well, while smoothing out the considerable road construction, pot holes and poorly market roads.

Interior Features

Red interior. Courtesy of Acura

It all starts with a push of a button and the solid engine sound comes on. Shifting into reverse and look into the Multi-View Rear Camera with Dynamic Guidelines -- an easy-to-see and helpful feature, especially while assisted by On-Demand Multi-Use Display touch screen.

However, I did find the dual-touchscreen infotainment system a little frustrating. Too many functional points with hard-to-identify purposes.

Front seats are heated, and the driver enjoys 12-way power adjustment and driver recognition memory system. The seats are somewhat comfortable and luxurious.

Tri-zone automatic climate control with filtration system kept the red interior cool and comfortable. Personally, I would have preferred a little more width in the driver’s seat.

Exterior

Jewel Eye LED headlights. Courtesy of Acura

The best part of the MDX is the rich and handsome exterior. Jewel Eye LED headlights offer great visual and visibility at the approach, while complementing the heated power door mirrors with turn signal indicators, keyless access system, and smart entry. The functional power tailgate and power moonroof with tilt features add convenience and comfort, but the cargo space appears to hold less than competitive rivals. All this goodness rests on 20-inch alloy wheels.

Trunk space. Courtesy of Acura

AcuraWatch is Acura’s umbrella brand for its suite of advanced safety features. The standard set includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation System, and Forward Collision Warning System, just to name a few.

Tech Package

The Technology Package, as the name would infer, adds various advanced tech to the Standard model. The package includes LED puddle lights, Remote Engine Start, Rear Cross Traffic Monitor, Front And Rear Parking Sensors, and Blind Spot Information System as some of its distinctive features, and adds $5,000 to the base model price.

Acura MDX is stunning outside, comfortable and somewhat roomy inside. It handles well on the curve, delivering more than adequate torque on the straight-away.

Acura MDX pricing starts at $44,500 for the FWD Standard model. As mentioned above, the Technology Package adds another $5,000, and opting for SH-AWD adds another $2,000.

Warranty

4-year/50,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty 6-year/70,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty 5-year/unlimited-mile Outer Body Rust-Through Limited Warranty 4-year/50,000-mile Acura Total Luxury Care with Roadside Assistance

Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this outlet or [email protected].