2007 Acura MDX Review

There are only a few vehicles that could be used in the place of a small fleet of cars, and the 2007 Acura MDX is one of the best of those vehicles.

The newly redesigned MDX can double nicely as a luxury sedan. The front eight-way leather-trimmed power seats both coddle and support you, plus their heating function is a godsend when winter's arctic blasts hit. The electric moonroof, tri-zone automatic climate control, speed-sensing windshield wipers, satellite radio, and incredible sound system almost seem out of place in an SUV.

A Tech Package adds cruise, audio, and phone controls to the steering wheel, and a rearview camera, hands-free telephone interface, and real-time traffic updates to further the luxury theme. An Entertainment Package add heated second row seats, a remote power tailgate, and a DVD entertainment system.

The MDX was developed partly on European racetracks, and offers driving dynamics that make it a suitable substitute for sportier alternatives. Sure the MDX weighs nearly 4,600 pounds and has a high center of gravity, but the 300-horsepower 3.7L VTEC V6 goes a long way to satisfying boy racer fantasies.

We thoroughly enjoyed driving our tester on both snowy and dry roads. The four-wheel disc brakes provide ample stopping power, the ride is excellent, and the handling when powering out of a favorite 270-degree entrance ramp tops that of some sports cars.

An optional Sport Package comes with an active damping suspension system that adjusts the shocks in milliseconds to meet driving demands. A button on the console allows the driver to select between sport and comfort modes. Most impressive is Acura's use of their SH-AWD (super handling-all wheel drive). Not only is power shifted front to rear to aid in the slippery stuff, but it also transfers a goodly portion of the 275 lb-ft of torque between the right and left rear wheels to provide better drive out of the corners. The Sport Package also tacks on auto-leveling xenon headlights, premium leather seat trim, and the contents of the Tech Package.

The MDX is still an SUV, though. All-wheel drive ensures the vehicle can handle inclement weather, a possible 83.5 cubic feet of storage space guarantees a trip to Home Depot won't be a problem, seating for seven helps for carpool duties, and a 5,000-pound towing capacity can get the boat to the lake.
The new-for-2007 Acura MDX is at the top of its class. Bold new body panels go a long way to separating the MDX from the rest of the look-alike SUVs, and the interior is even more refined and luxurious than before. Last year's 3.5L V6 made 253 horsepower and has been replaced by a marvelous modern 3.7L V6 that makes 300 horsepower. It is backed up by a fun-to-shift five-speed automatic.

The MDX can still seat up to seven people and is only available with all-wheel drive. With the second and third row of seats folded, cargo volume has increased to 83.5 cubic feet. A new optional power liftgate opens with the push of a button. see less