2008 Acura MDX Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2008 Acura MDX includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Acura MDX from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Acura MDX, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Acura MDX help you decide if a 2008 Acura MDX is right for you.

2008 Acura MDX Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger and cargo room	Fuel economy

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Base	Technology w/Entertainment	Sport	Sport w/Entertainment	Class Average
6	6	6	6	6.1

Though many premium midsize SUV competitors offer V8 engines, the MDX's V6 is strong from any speed. The transmission works smoothly, and downshifts with minimal hesitation for passing maneuvers.

Fuel Economy

Base	Technology w/Entertainment	Sport	Sport w/Entertainment	Class Average
3	3	3	3	3.3

In Consumer Guide testing, our MDX examples averaged 15.5 mpg in mostly city driving and 19.0 in mostly highway driving. Acura recommends premium-grade gas.

Ride Quality

Base	Technology w/Entertainment	Sport	Sport w/Entertainment	Class Average
6	6	5	5	5.9

Best is the base suspension, which provides a compliant but controlled ride. The Sport includes Sport and Comfort suspension modes. Comfort absorbs bumps well but allows too much wallow; Sport makes the ride brittle.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base	Technology w/Entertainment	Sport	Sport w/Entertainment	Class Average
6	6	7	7	5.5

Sport package suspension in Sport mode shines here, exhibiting good control of body lean and sharper steering response than with the base suspension. However, even the base suspension provides competent if not-quite sporty handling. Steering and brake feel are good with either setup.

Quietness

Base	Technology w/Entertainment	Sport	Sport w/Entertainment	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.7

Low levels of tire hum and highway wind rush for an SUV. The engine sounds smooth, with a rich-sounding growl during acceleration.

Controls

Base	Technology w/Entertainment	Sport	Sport w/Entertainment	Class Average
6	5	5	5	6.2

The instruments are easy to read. The audio and climate controls are easy to reach, but the vast array of similarly sized and shaped controls is confusing. Thankfully, the navigation system doesn't absorb any audio or climate controls. Its screen is mounted high on the dashboard but isn't distracting. The controller knob, however, is mounted low, near the center console, which forces eyes off the road until all functions are mastered. Its available voice recognition for climate/audio/navigation misidentified some commands in our tests, and learning the terminology it understands takes time.

Details

Base	Technology w/Entertainment	Sport	Sport w/Entertainment	Class Average
7	7	7	7	7

MDX's hi-tech interior design incorporates an attractive blend of rich-looking materials, with especially pleasing switchgear feel and movement.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base	Technology w/Entertainment	Sport	Sport w/Entertainment	Class Average
8	8	8	8	7.5

The standard power tilt and telescopic steering wheel automatically moves out of the way to ease entry and exit. A high step-in will challenge shorter adults. The seats are comfortable and supportive. All but the very tall should have ample headroom and legroom. Roof pillars hinder visibility to some angles.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base	Technology w/Entertainment	Sport	Sport w/Entertainment	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.5

Outboard 2nd-row seat sections are shaped like comfortable buckets and afford fine headroom and legroom unless the front seats are far back. The middle position is for kids, as is the cramped 3rd row. Passenger-side 2nd-row bucket tilts and slides forward for easy access to the 3rd row. Wide doors can be a hindrance in tight parking spots.

Cargo Room

Base	Technology w/Entertainment	Sport	Sport w/Entertainment	Class Average
9	9	9	9	8.6

Split 2nd-row seatbacks fold easily. Split 3rd-row seats fold forward from rear of vehicle, and all but shorter folks can raise them from there. With all seats folded, the cargo floor is nearly flat, and Acura says it can hold 4-ft-wide panels. A handy covered in-floor bin is behind the 3rd row. Interior storage is plentiful.

Value within Class

Base	Technology w/Entertainment	Sport	Sport w/Entertainment	Class Average
10	9	8	7	6.1

This Best Buy SUV has contemporary styling and thoughtful features. MDX is a highly desirable blend of luxury, performance, and convenience. Highlights of this pick include a strong and surefooted powertrain, good 1st- and 2nd-row seat comfort, and urbane cabin appointments.

Total Score