2005 Acura MDX: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Added entertainment features lead 2005 news for Acura's SUV. Acura's parent-company Honda uses MDX's underskin for its Pilot SUV. But MDX holds seven passengers instead of eight and has slightly less cargo room. Its 2nd- and 3rd-row seats fold to create a flat load floor. MDX shares Pilot's V6 engine, but with 265 hp vs. 255. It has a 5-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. ABS and antiskid system are standard. So are front side airbags and head-protecting curtain side airbags, which also cover all seating rows and are designed to deploy in both side impacts and rollovers. MDX comes as a base model and as upscale Touring versions with rear DVD entertainment, navigation system, or both, priced as separate models. All have standard satellite radio for '05, plus a larger fuel tank. Tourings add Acura's new HandsFreeLink, a wireless connection for using cell phones through the audio system. OnStar assistance is newly standard with navigation, which includes voice control and a rearview TV camera that uses the dashboard screen to show what's behind the vehicle with the transmission in Reverse.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize SUVs are similar in size and construction to Midsize SUVs. Most, in fact, are gilded versions of Midsize SUVs; though a few are exclusive upscale designs.

Our Best Buys include the Acura MDX, Cadillac SRX, and Lexus RX. Our Recommended pick is the Volvo XC90.