2002 Acura MDX: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Noise-reduction measures highlight the 2002 Acura MDX, which is derived from parent-company Honda's Odyssey minivan. MDX seats seven and is longer overall than the rival 5-seat Lexus RX 300. Its 2nd- and 3rd-row bench seats fold flat with the load floor. Standard are front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, rear air conditioning, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, and now a rear wiper/washer. A V6 teams with a 5-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system without low-range gearing. A navigation system is optional. The Touring model adds a power passenger seat, in-dash CD changer, and other features. Both models get thicker windshield glass, added sound-dampening material, reshaped door mirrors, and a repositioned roof rack, all designed to reduce noise levels. Rear child-seat anchors are also added. Honda has introduced a less-expensive version of the MDX as the 2003 Pilot.

COMPETITION

This is by far the hottest market segment right now. Crowded with more than 20 vehicles, midsize SUVs vary in size and type but nearly all seat five adults and offer V6 or V8 engines. Our Best Buys are the Acura MDX and Toyota Highlander. Both offer competence, convenience, and attractive pricing and design. They lack serious off-road 4WD systems, however.

Our Recommended choices feature more-traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the top-selling Ford Explorer; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined GMC Envoy. If you don't venture off-road too far take a look at the car-based Lexus RX 300 as well.