Acura's popular MDX crossover utility vehicle gets a makeover for 2010, including what the automaker calls “bold new styling.”
This isn't a complete restyling of the vehicle, though, which Acura acknowledges in a report in which it calls the newest MDX model “significantly enhanced.”
Outside, changes include a new grille, taillights and bright stainless steel exhaust outlets, along with 18-inch, five-spoke aluminum wheels.
The interior features new gauges and better placement of audio and heating/air-conditioning controls in the center dash stack, Acura says.
Some of the enhancements were expected, including the six-speed automatic transmission used in the all-new Acura ZDX crossover sedan for 2010.
Built on the same architecture as the seven-passenger MDX, the ZDX is lower and more steeply sloped at the rear. It's configured for five passengers; consumers with a need for the third seat will have to choose the MDX.
Both vehicles come with the same drive train — a new 3.7-liter V-6 engine with 300 horsepower and 270 foot-pounds of torque, connected to the six-speed transmission.
Also standard on both is Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. This system is intended primarily for on-road use, though, not for trail driving. It does not include the low-range gearing found on the four-wheel-drive systems of most off-road-capable SUVs.
EPA mileage ratings for the new MDX are 16 mpg city/21 highway, up from 15/20 for the 2009 model.
The chassis of the MDX also has been revised, and there is “additional content along with enhanced safety and convenience features,” Acura said.
Starting price for the new MDX is $42,230 (plus $810 freight), and the vehicle is arriving now at Acura dealerships (Acura is the premium brand of American Honda Motor Co.).
The price of the 2010 MDX is up just 3 percent from 2009, but there are more standard features that justify the additional cost, Acura says.
Among these features are a power rear tailgate, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with integrated rearview camera screen, LED backlit instruments, hill-start assist, and premium loop-style floor mats.
Standard features on all models also include a leather interior, power moon roof, three-zone automatic climate control and Bluetooth wireless telephone link.
All MDX models also come with the 253-watt Acura Premium Sound System, which has eight speakers, XM satellite radio, a six-disc CD changer and an auxiliary jack for iPods and other portable audio devices.
An optional Technology Package brings Milano premium leather seats; a voice-activated navigation system with AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic information and Traffic Rerouting, AcuraLink Real-Time Weather with radar maps, a new VGA color display and an innovative multiview rear camera; and the 410-watt Acura/ELS Surround Sound premium audio system with 10 speakers, a hard-disk drive, in-dash CD/DVD-audio player, XM radio, Dolby Pro Logic II, USB port and auxiliary jack.
The new Advance Package includes all of the features of the Technology Package, along with Acura's Collision Mitigating Braking System, radar cruise control, a blind-spot warning system and an active suspension-damping system.
Also in the Advance Package are 19-inch, seven-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with Michelin Latitude all-season tires; auto-leveling, high-intensity-discharge headlights; ventilated front seats; a sport steering wheel with paddle shifters for the transmission; and textured metallic interior accents.
An Entertainment Package, offered only in conjunction with either the Technology or Advanced package, tacks on a rear DVD player with 9-inch color screen, two sets of wireless headphones and an illuminated remote control. This package also includes heated second-row outboard seats and a 115-volt power outlet in the center console.
The 2010 MDX with the Technology Package lists for $45,905; and with both the Technology and Entertainment packages, the price is $47,805.
With the Advance Package, the price is $51,855; and with both the Advance and Entertainment packages, the total jumps to $53,755. No other factory options are offered.
Standard safety features include Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure, as well as front seat-mounted side air bags, roof-mounted side-curtain air bags for all three rows, antilock brakes with traction control, and electronic stability control.
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