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2009 Acura MDX Full Review
Date Published: 4/15/08
Also in the 2009 Acura MDX Review:
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Acura MDX Full Review
7.
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2009 Acura MDX
Sneak Peek
The 2009 Acura MDX should see no major changes. This premium midsize SUV seats up to seven and has all-wheel drive. The sole powertrain is a 300-hp 3.7-liter V6 engine and 5-speed automatic transmission. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags that cover all seating rows. Standard luxury and convenience features include a sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a wireless cell phone link. Options come in three packages. The Technology Package has a rearview camera and a voice-activated navigation system that can display real-time traffic conditions. A Sport Package includes those features plus driver-adjustable suspension. The Entertainment Package contains DVD entertainment, heated 2nd-row seats, and power liftgate. Drive impressions based on 2008 report.
News
A diesel V6 may become available in the next few years. Parent Honda plans to introduce 4-cylinder and V6 "clean diesels" to the U.S. market in the near future. Honda prides itself on being the American market's fuel-economy leader, and a diesel MDX would help maintain its lead over other automakers. It would also be more affordable than gas/electric hybrid power, which Honda feels works best in cars, not SUVs.
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2009 Acura MDX Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Fuel economy |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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. Towing capacity is 5000 lb.
| Base | Technology w/Entertainment | Sport | Sport w/Entertainment | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
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. Towing capacity is 5000 lb.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, our MDX examples averaged 15.5 mpg. Acura recommends premium-grade fuel.
| Base | Technology w/Entertainment | Sport | Sport w/Entertainment | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.5 |
In Consumer Guide testing, our MDX examples averaged 15.5 mpg. Acura recommends premium-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
Best is the base suspension, which provides a compliant but controlled ride. The Sport Package includes Sport and Comfort suspension modes. Comfort absorbs bumps well but allows too much wallow; Sport makes the ride brittle.
| Base | Technology w/Entertainment | Sport | Sport w/Entertainment | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5.7 |
Best is the base suspension, which provides a compliant but controlled ride. The Sport Package includes Sport and Comfort suspension modes. Comfort absorbs bumps well but allows too much wallow; Sport makes the ride brittle.
Steering/Handling/Braking
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 is good with either setup.
| Base | Technology w/Entertainment | Sport | Sport w/Entertainment | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 5.6 |
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 is good with either setup.
Quietness
Low levels of tire hum and highway wind rush for an SUV. The engine sounds smooth, with a rich-sounding growl during acceleration.
| Base | Technology w/Entertainment | Sport | Sport w/Entertainment | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.8 |
Low levels of tire hum and highway wind rush for an SUV. The engine sounds smooth, with a rich-sounding growl during acceleration.
Controls
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.
| 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
MDX's hi-tech interior design incorporates an attractive blend of rich-looking materials, with especially pleasing switchgear feel and movement.
| Base | Technology w/Entertainment | Sport | Sport w/Entertainment | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.8 |
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)
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 head and leg room. Roof pillars hinder visibility to some angles.
| Base | Technology w/Entertainment | Sport | Sport w/Entertainment | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.6 |
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 head and leg room. Roof pillars hinder visibility to some angles.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Outboard 2nd-row seat sections are shaped like comfortable buckets and afford fine head and leg room 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.
| Base | Technology w/Entertainment | Sport | Sport w/Entertainment | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
Outboard 2nd-row seat sections are shaped like comfortable buckets and afford fine head and leg room 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
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. There's a handy covered in-floor bin behind the 3rd row. Interior storage is plentiful.
| Base | Technology w/Entertainment | Sport | Sport w/Entertainment | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8.7 |
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. There's a handy covered in-floor bin behind the 3rd row. Interior storage is plentiful.
Value within Class
This 2008 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.
| Base | Technology w/Entertainment | Sport | Sport w/Entertainment | Class Average |
| 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6.8 |
This 2008 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
| Base | Technology w/Entertainment | Sport | Sport w/Entertainment | Class Average |
| 76 | 74 | 73 | 72 | 70 |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 65 | |
| Average Score | 69 | |
| High Score | 79 |
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2009 Acura MDX Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/12/2008
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
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2009 Acura MDX Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Acura MDX 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 108.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 190.7 |
| Overall Width, in. | 78.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 68.2 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4539 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 83.5 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 21.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.2 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.2 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.6 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 38.7 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| sohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.7 /224 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 300 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 275 @ 5000 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 5-speed automatic | 15/20 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Acura MDX 4-door wagon |
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Built in:
Canada
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive
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Also in the 2009 Acura MDX Review:
5.
6.
Acura MDX Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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