Honda's upscale division designed and built this all-wheel-drive midsize sport-utility vehicle to compete against the popular Lexus RX 300 and other car-based SUVs. Based on the Honda Odyssey minivan platform, the MDX ("Multi Dimensional Luxury") is about 5 inches longer than a BMW X5 and 8.5 inches longer than a Lexus RX 300. Both of those competitors seat five, however, while the MDX holds seven occupants. Additional rivals include the Ford Explorer, GMC Envoy, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, and Toyota Highlander. Under the MDX hood sat a more powerful version of the Odyssey's 3.5-liter V6, producing 240 horsepower and linked to a five-speed automatic transmission rather than a four-speed. Standard Variable Torque Management (VTM-4) four-wheel drive normally powers the front wheels, but is designed to sense impending wheel slippage and direct up to 52 percent of power to the back wheels when needed. A rear-wheel locking device kicks in for maximum traction below 6 mph, but no low-range gearing was included. An MDX can tow a 3500-pound trailer or a 4500-pound boat. Standard fare included leather upholstery, heated power front bucket seats, a power sunroof, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Front side airbags, antilocking all-disc brakes, rear air conditioning, heated mirrors, and a CD player also were standard. The optional Touring package added a driver's seat/mirror memory, roof rack, and a six-disc in-dash CD changer. A navigation system with dashboard screen was optional. Second- and third-row bench seats were standard. As in the Odyssey, the third-row seat folds into the rear cargo floor. So does the second-row seat, which was an SUV "first." Both seats were split, so sections can stow individually to suit passenger/cargo loads.