New Car

2010 Acura MDX Review

Acura MDX combines a comfortable highway ride with responsive in-town handling and car-like construction with respectable off-pavement capability, manageable dimensions with seven-passenger capacity, the MDX has been one of our favorite SUVs since its introduction for the 2001 model year. In fact, as it trails only the Lexus RX 350 in category sales, the MDX has proven to be a favorite of many. Acura has made several improvements with new emphases on performance, styling and technology, for 2010. Fortunately, the characteristics that made the original MDX appealing are still present in the current model.

You'll Like This SUV If...

The perfectly practical MDX is also one of the most tech-savy V6 SUV on the road, most powerful, giving it assured access to the top tier of any premium midsize SUV shopping list.

You May Not Like This SUV If...

If you prefer the softer, tamer side of a premium lifestyle, you might be more comfortable in the Buick Enclave or Lexus RX 350.

What's Significant about this Car?

The 2010 MDX see major changes in the area of design, power and technology. Acura's largest SUV sports a new front and rear end, a host of interior upgrades and a new Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission. Improvements have been made to the rear suspension, as well as to the navigation and audio system. A new option this year is the Advance package, which offers a revised Active Damper System and larger 19-inch wheels.

Driving Impressions

The fact that Acura introduced the MDX on a racetrack with other high-performance SUVS says quite a bit. The fact that it was indeed the MDX that put the biggest smiles on our faces says even more. When pushed hard, the MDX's 300 horsepower, sophisticated AWD system and optional active damping system combine to deliver an SUV that's fun to drive even at or near its limits. We were also impressed by the MDX's off-road ability, which we were able to sample on a short but extreme course. Fortunately, because very few will ever negotiate a racetrack or even a muddy trail, the handily athletic MDX is even more pleasing around town and on the highway than any MDX before it.

Favorite Features

Technology Package
With a navigation system that provides real-time weather and traffic info and an audio system that delivers amazing six-channel Surround Sound via DVD-Audio disc, we'd be hard-pressed not to check this option box.

SH-AWD
Squeeze the throttle while in the middle of a corner and the MDX's Super Handling AWD system transfers more torque to the rear outside wheel, delivering truer steering response and perceptibly higher cornering limits.

Exterior

Complementing its wider, lower, more aggressive stance, the boldly styled MDX features a shield-like take on Acura's five-sided grille, thick wheel arches filled with 18-inch wheels and prominent oval tailpipes. High-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, mirror-integrated turn signals and LED taillamps further the cutting-edge appearance, as does a radio antenna that's been cleverly integrated into the rear spoiler. The MDX is longer, wider and taller, by varying degrees, than the Volvo XC90 and Lexus RX 350.

Interior

In its pursuit of greater performance, the 2010 Acura MDX has given up nothing in practicality. For example, the MDX offers 15 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the third row, which is just two cubic feet less than the full-size Chevrolet Tahoe. For bigger loads, both rear rows fold flat. The reclining second-row seats offer enough legroom for those six feet tall and more, while the third row is best suited for smaller folks riding on shorter trips. The MDX even offers a minivan-like 10 cupholders. Up front, the MDX is an attractive mix of sport, luxury and technology, with highlights that include perforated leather or premium Milano leather seats, wood-like or metallic trim and a collection of intuitive controls and LED lighting.

Notable Standard Equipment

Some of the bigger features included at base price include the powerful V6 engine and sophisticated AWD system, 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, power and heated front seats, power moonroof, HID headlamps, Bluetooth hands-free phone interface, a 253-watt eight speaker audio system with six-disc CD/MP3/WMA changer, three-zone automatic climate control, an auto dimming mirror, steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls, six airbags and electronic traction and stability controls.

Notable Optional Equipment

All of the 2010 Acura MDX's optional features are bundled into three packages: Entertainment, Technology, and Advance Package. The Entertainment Package includes a DVD rear entertainment system. The Technology Package highlights include AcuraLink real-time traffic and weather reports, Zagat restaurant reviews, sophisticated navigation system with new eight-inch LCD screen, plus a DVD-Audio Surround Sound system and power rear liftgate. The new Advance Package features a sport steering wheel with paddle shifters, an active suspension, Collision Mitigating Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control, blind spot information system, ventilated sport seats covered in rich Milano leather, auto leveling HID front headlamps and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Under the Hood

The MDX features Acura's most powerful engine ever, connected to a new six-speed automatic transmission and the Super Handling AWD system that distributes torque not only between the front and rear wheels, but also between the left and right rear wheels. In addition to cornering advantages, the system also makes for a less-intrusive stability control system. The available Active Damper System, in which the shock absorbers can change from soft to firm in milliseconds, helps mitigate the traditional trade-offs between a spirited handling and comfortable ride. The MDX features unibody construction and a fully independent suspension, and can tow up to 5,000 pounds with the added benefit of a Trailer Stability Assist feature.

3.7-liter V6
300 horsepower @ 6300 rpm
270 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/21

Pricing Notes

The 2010 Acura MDX's MSRP starts in the low $40,000 range and extends to just under $55,000 when fully equipped. The well-equipped, well-rounded MDX makes a worthy competitor to a wide-range of premium SUVs – from the Porsche Cayenne to the Volvo XC90 – with pricing that we feel compares favorably to anything in the category. As for resale value, we expect the MDX to perform better than average, but still fall below the Lexus RX 350.

Review | Specs | Safety | Acura | Home