Acura's MDX is a fav car in Canada

Built in Canada, the 2009 Acura MDX (Elite Package shown) debuted in 2001 and has constantly been refined keeping it a hot seller in the mid-size luxury SUV/CUV segment. '




Acura's MDX mid-size luxury crossover (CUV) is part of a Canadian success story.

It is one of three Acura vehicles (CSX and ZDX) being constructed in Alliston where the Honda Civic sedan is also built.

It's been a win-win for everyone involved and that includes the federal and provincial governments who never had to worry about shelling out money to Honda. Parsimoniously run while producing vehicles people want is why Honda and Acura have been so successful since the first Civics started arriving on the Canadian market way back in 1973.

Introduced in 2001, the MDX (which stands for Multi Dimensional luXury) was the first mid-size CUV to come with a third row seat. Designed to do battle with the Lexus RX300/330, the MDX now faces a host of competitors in its segment.

The 2009 version is equipped with a 3.7-litre V6 producing 300 hp and 275 lb/ft of torque using Honda's VTEC variable valve timing system for a fuel consumption rating of 13.8L/100 km city and 10.0L/100 km highway on premium.

The only transmission available is a five-speed automatic with sequential SportShift mode that allows "manual" selection of the gears.

All MDX models are fitted as standard with a heavy-duty version of the automatic transmission and heavy-duty radiator with dual fans. That enables the MDX to tow up to 5,000 lb.

Cargo volume with the second (50/50 split) and third row (60/40 split) seats folded is 2,364 litres.

The integrated ABS and Vehicle Stability Assist (Acura's term for electronic stability control) also features Trailer Stability Assist that senses when the trailer is starting to wander and gets both it and car back on an even keel.