2009 Acura MDX Technology Review

The marketing experts at Acura are clearly not afraid of words. They do not hesitate to label their new MDX as a sport utility vehicle even though this expression is now associated with some of the worst gas-guzzlers in the minds of many consumers.

The second-generation MDX is one big, polarizing SUV.

Is it fair? Well, consider this: when breaking down all vehicles currently found on North American roads, you’ll soon realize that there are way more minivans than SUVs. Yet, their average fuel economy is pretty much identical. So which one’s the real guzzler?

Notwithstanding the green debate, one thing’s for sure: there will always be people interested in buying premium utility vehicles. Along with the Lexus RX, Mercedes-Benz M-Class and BMW X5, the Acura MDX is one of the most popular in its class right now. Just like the first two, it offers a smooth, comfortable ride. As for the X5, it’s so firm and sporty that the ride becomes harsh and almost painful!

Like it or not, it’s in your face!
The 2009 MDX is built at the Honda assembly plant in Alliston, Ontario. Now in its second generation, it stands out from the pack with eccentric styling that marks a radical departure from the previous model. The MDX shares many design cues with other Acura products, particularly the bold metallic grille that looks like a triangular tooth (also found on the RL, TL and TSX sedans).

In fact, Acura says that designers were asked to give the MDX "a decidedly bold and innovative look that would allow it to unequivocally assert its unique SUV character." From this point of view, no one can deny that they succeeded in their mission. The 2009 Acura MDX is one big, polarizing machine!

Powerful engine
The 3.7-litre V6 that powers the MDX is also shared with the RL and TL (but not the TSX). In this application, the engine produces 300 horsepower and enough torque to make V8-powered competitors jealous. Having said that, fuel economy is not as enviable. My tester posted an average just shy of 15 litres per 100 kilometres. And remember: this premium SUV drinks premium gas!

Honda engineers successfully kept exterior noises out of the cabin by using composite seals inside the door panels. The result is a tremendously-quiet, Lexus-like atmosphere on the road.

The cockpit sure is attractive, but the controls and switches on the center stack all look the same and therefore require more attention from the driver.

The automaker claims that the MDX is a "4+3" vehicle, which means that it should comfortably sit four adults: two in the front buckets and two in the second-row bench. Three additional seating positions are available in the third row: one in the middle and two smaller ones on each side.

Folding the second- and third-row seatbacks creates a perfectly-flat cargo floor.

Ready for summer
The MDX can tow up to 2,268 kilos (5,000 lbs). Moreover, it comes out of the factory pre-wired for trailer connection and equipped with a heavy-duty automatic transmission cooler and a heavy-duty radiator with dual fans. All you need to haul your boat to the lake is a trailer hitch and wiring harness. Any dealer will be happy to make the installation for a slight premium.

Like most of its rivals, the MDX offers high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights that project such a sharp, clear-colored beam that you no longer want to drive a car with ordinary headlights after trying out this Acura.

Meanwhile, the taillights use two dozen light-emitting diodes (LED) for superior brightness and a modern look. Also, they light up much more quickly than traditional incandescent bulbs and will undoubtedly outlast the combined ownership experience of several successive drivers.