Introduction

The Acura MDX offers an outstanding V6 powertrain, seven-passenger seating and an all-wheel-drive system that prevents skids almost before they happen. Neat styling, attention to detail, excellent crash protection and competitive pricing increase the appeal of this luxury SUV. Introduced in 2001, MDX was named North American Truck of the Year by a panel of 50 independent automotive journalists. Through the five model years since, the MDX has been steadily improved in all areas. The body has grown more rigid, allowing better vibration control and a smoother ride. Power has increased, and a more compact five-speed automatic transmission shifts even more smoothly than before. The MDX's four-wheel-drive system was remapped to work seamlessly with a Vehicle Stability Assist system to improve handling on slippery surfaces and to enhance stability in all conditions. Side curtain airbags covering all three seating rows were added, as were tire pressure monitors. Front and rear end styling has been redone, with a more aggressive edginess. Acura has updated the optional navigation system and added a rearview camera that engages when the transmission is in reverse. A DVD entertainment system with wireless infrared headphones is available. XM Satellite Radio and Bluetooth capability for compatible cell phones come standard. For 2006, the interior has been upgraded, and the Touring edition receives ebony-tone, Zebra woodgrain and satin-chrome accents. Otherwise, the MDX returns for 2006 much as it has been: one of the best values in the class.

Walkaround

The Acura MDX won't draw a gasp for unique design or beauty of line. It looks sturdy and stable with a wider, firmer stance than some competitors. But buyers who measure their lives on the look-at-me scale should shop elsewhere. The signature Acura grille forms the centerpiece for the tapered front end. The MDX's angular headlights house projection-type beams. An aerodynamic chin spoiler integrated into the front bumper directs air smoothly to the sides of the car. The rear end sports large taillights and dual exhaust tips. In other words, the MDX still looks like an MDX. Limited overhang at either end contributes to a dense, compact demeanor that belies this SUV's heft and somewhat exaggerates the size of the MDX's mid-section. Some believe the large greenhouse adds to the straightforward sense and strong presence. Others claim it makes the MDX seem more like a minivan than a big SUV. We say, both. What's most interesting, and isn't obvious except in a body-off view, is the duality of construction under the MDX. It is both unibody and body on frame. This approach gives uncommon rigidity and strength gained from longitudinal rails with eight box-section cross members. It's the thinking engineers' path to making a car/truck both a car AND a truck, whichever is appropriate to the occasion. The hoped-for effect is noise, vibration and harshness control on par with a car and load and stress management characteristic of a truck. Within the MDX frame, there's even a vent tube that wicks moisture away from the differential when the vehicle is sitting in 18 inches of water. Two safety points: The 2006 MDX achieved a five-star federal crash rating for front impacts and side impacts (the best, indicating a 10 percent or less chance and a 5 percent or less chance of serious injury, respectively) and a four-star in rollover (next to best, indicating a rollover risk of between 10 percent and 20 percent). The company also claims its SUV can be hit from behind by a vehicle going 35 mph without the third row of seats being breached. The MDX's comparatively high fuel economy ratings are a testimony to the efficiency of its design and engine technology, and all models sold nationwide meet the government's strict ULEV-2 emissions standards (Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle).

Interior Features

Acura MDX offers space and cargo flexibility at the top of the class. The finish inside is excellent, especially the rich wood-grain and satin-chrome interior trim in the Touring model. The materials are generally high grade, and the fit and matching of various panels is first-rate. Airy, perforated leather adorns the front and second row seats, side panels, steering wheel and shift knob. There is nothing swoopy or eye-popping about the instrument panel, just easily read instruments with an unobstructed view. Simple, large knobs are easy to operate whether that hand is wearing gloves or has long fingernails. The overall sense is the serenity of simplicity. The air bag fits flat into the top of the passenger-side dash, where it deploys first up and then back toward the passenger, a sequence some crash analysts believe provides the most effective protection in frontal collisions. Attention to detail is evident throughout. The sun visors have extensions for those sharp shafts of sun angling low at dawn and dusk. The roof-mounted grab handles don't go CLUNK against the ceiling when released; they whisper their damped way back into place. The beverage holders are engineered specifically for the seats they serve, with those in the rear configured to hold larger soda and water bottles and rectangular juice boxes and those in the forward areas with multi-tiered, stepped bottoms to fit containers of different sizes and rubber lips to corral tipping cups. Automatic headlights and an auto-up feature for the driver's window are standard. The back-up video camera with the navigation system is an extremely useful feature, helping the driver detect hard-to-see obstacles. Third-row seats in the MDX are relatively easy to get into, but the back row is best suited for young children or people of small stature, as there's very little space for legs and feet. We see these seats as good for only occasional use, not regular use. A convenient walk-in feature slides the MDX's entire second seat forward with the touch of a lever, located on the curb side. When not in use, both the second and third rows fold to leave a flat surface with no protrusions to scratch luggage or inhibit cargo loading. The seats split for a varied mix of people and stuff. And with those second and third seats stowed, there's room for a ton of stuff. With 81.5 cubic feet of cargo space, the MDX dwarfs five-passenger competitors such as the BMW X5 (54.4 cubic feet) and Infiniti FX (64.5). It beats all but the Volvo XC90 (85.1 cubic feet) among seven-passenger competitors. And thanks to its space-efficient design, the MDX offers more cargo room when all three rows of seats are in place (14.8 cubic feet for MDX vs. 11.1 for XC90), plus a couple hooks for grocery bags off to each side and a concealed, under-floor storage bin. A thoughtful touch is room enough for a full-size tire in the space storing the compact spare tire. The split air-conditioning system is one of the more impressive features. Not only can those in back have a different temperature than the front-seat riders, but one zone can get heat while another gets air conditioning. Acura makes excellent navigation systems. We liked this one for its graphic clarity and intuitive simplicity. Indeed, this is easily one of the best GPS-guided systems going. The database is expansive, so if you want to pick up some cash, make a stop at the nearest Chinese take-out and then locate an emergency room for your over-indulgence, it is all at your beck. A novel capability, and one uniquely appropriate for a vehicle equipped to seek out uncharted outbacks, is a feature that leaves electronic bread crumbs on screen. No road visible under the little wedge-shaped marker that represents your vehicle? Not to worry. Acura's navigation system leaves a line that you can easily retrace back to where there be no more dragons.