2010 Acura MDX

2010 Acura MDX
The MDX provides the luxury appoints you'd expect in a premium brand, surprisingly good road manners and lots of attention to detail inside and outside the vehicle.
2010 Acura MDX
The exterior is simple and straightforward with chunky lines along the side that hideous grille, which looks like something Vince Shlomi would sell on late-night television. "It slices, it dices, and if you act now, we'll throw in, not one, not two but three gut 'n grilles." Acura, however, has done a nice job with the narrow headlights that seem to flow right out of that grille.
2010 Acura MDX
For the 2010 model year, Acura tried to toughen up the MDX's looks and, overall, succeeded. Even with that grille, the MDX has an athletic stance. All of the lines seem to be drawn parallel to the ground to create a very stable look. The extra thick D-pillar in the back may make looking out more difficult from the third row, but it adds to the dramatic curves cut by the windows.
2010 Acura MDX
The MDX comes with either 18- or 19-inch wheels and looks better with the bigger wheels stuffed into the round wheel wells.

More importantly, the MDX rides and drives the way you'd expect an Acura to roll. The 300-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 provides lots of power. It feels a little heavy on the road -- tipping the scale at over 4,500 pounds -- but it is more of a luxury heavy feel that comes with much more expensive vehicles.
Torque Vectoring

One of the MDX's best features is the super-handling all-wheel drive system that can use the2010 Acura MDX car's power to help its handling. Known as torque vectoring, the system will distribute power to the wheels the MDX needs spinning to stay on the road. It's amazing to experience the system, though it is not recommended for use on city streets.

2010 Acura MDX

Type: 7-passenger, all-wheel drive luxury crossover
Price : $42,230
Engine: 3.7-liter VTEC V-6Horsepower: 300Torque: 270 pound-feet
Readline : 6,700
Transmission: Six-speed automatic with sequential sport shift
EPA gas mileage: 16 mpg city / 21 mpg highway
Suspension:
Front: Independent
Steering : Variable power assist rack-and-pinion
Turning circle : 37.6 feet
Brakes: (4-wheel anti lock braking system)
Front: 13-inch ventilated rotors
Rear: 13.2-inch solid rotors
Wheels: 18- or 19-inch wheels
Fuel tank: 21 gallons
Max towing : 5,000 pounds
Curb weight : 4,550 -- 4,627 pounds
Dimensions (inches):
Wheelbase: 108.3
Length: 191.6
Width: 78.5
Height: 68.2
Interior front/second row/third row
Head room: 39.2 / 38.6 / 37.5
Legroom: 41.2 / 38.7 / 29.1
Hip room: 59 / 59.1 / 42
Shoulder room: 61.6 / 61.5 / 57.1
Cargo space:
All seats up: 15 cubic feet
Third row folded: 42.9 cubic feet
Second and third rows folded: 83.5 cubic

2010 Acura MDX

A vehicle the size of the Acura MDX is usually a little too large for my tastes, so why then have I asked the nice lady in the Honda PR department if it’s okay for me to keep it?

I guess it’s that some vehicles just make you feel good when you’re in the driver’s seat – and the MDX is one of them. It also drives smaller than its 4,867 mm overall length and 2,109 kg curb weight. I like that.

I also like the fact it’s built at Honda of Canada’s Alliston, Ont. assembly plant.

Freshened for 2010, this seven-passenger SUV gets Acura’s signature design front grille, new front and rear fascia and side sills, revised hood and taillights with bright LED lights and many new trim pieces. And the gorgeous 19-inch seven-spoke aluminum alloy wheels are part of my test vehicle’s Elite package.

Acura employs what it calls Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) which not only directs power to the wheel with the best traction in slick conditions, but also is programmed to turn the outside wheels a little faster to help you hug the curves.

A new 3.7-litre V6 makes 300 hp at 6,300 rpm and in testing by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada for the 2010 Canadian Car of the Year competition, the MDX raced from 0-100 km/h in 7.6 seconds – second quickest of the five vehicles in its category. It also registered an 80-120 km/h time of 5.7 seconds.

Surprisingly, for a vehicle in this price class, the all-new six-speed transmission is not the smoothest. Upshifts and downshifts seem to take a while, and are quite noticeable.

But you can use the paddle shifters, even in Drive.

Also surprisingly, in such an advanced vehicle, is the absence of keyless ignition.

Otherwise, the MDX Elite is packed with technology – all of it driver friendly – including heated and ventilated power front seats, rearview camera, rear DVD entertainment system, heated outside mirrors with reverse tiltdown, anti-lock brakes, tri-zone automatic climate control, 410-watt premium sound system with 15GB of hard disc storage, vehicle stability assist with traction control and a navigation system with bilingual voice recognition.

Although the cabin is relatively quiet (for a tall, boxy vehicle), with little wind noise, there is a fair amount of road noise from the Michelin Latitude tires.

Acura enhances MDX for 2010

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.

2010 Acura MDX

2010 Acura MDX Picture

The 2010 Acura MDX starts at $43,040. That's $1,240 more than the outgoing MDX.
Acura has raised prices on the 2010 MDX, which is mildly redesigned for the new model year. The 2010 Acura MDX starts at $43,040, including an $810 destination charge, and tops out at $54,565 for a fully loaded MDX with the Advance and Entertainment package.

The base 2009 Acura MDX started at $41,800, including an $810 destination charge. The base price on the MDX has increased $1,240. Honda said the MDX gets a 3 percent price increase for 2010. The new MDX is on sale now.

The 2010 MDX is in the middle of the pack in terms of pricing. The 2010 Lexus RX 350 starts at $37,675, including an $875 destination charge. The 2010 BMW X5 starts at $48,325, including an $825 destination charge.

Pricing Announced for 2010 Acura MDX

Acura announced that the 2010 MDX luxury SUV will have a starting MSRP of $42,230, not including an $810 destination charge. For 2010, the MDX gets a new grille and other exterior enhancements as well as a new six-speed automatic transmission, which bumps up its fuel mileage by 1 mpg.

This is a decent increase in starting price from the 2009 model, which had a base of $40,990. The 2010 MDX tops out at $53,775 with both the Advance and Entertainment Packages.

The 2010 Acura MDX went on sale last week.

2010 Acura MDX loads on value-added features

Compared to German brand rivals that take a lot more from your wallet, we've always liked Acura's value-laden MDX sports utility vehicle. And seeing as it has been Acura Canada's best-selling vehicle for the past few years, Canadians seem to agree.

Whereas lower-priced models are the volume sellers for other luxury brands (think Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C Class, Infiniti G), the mid-size seven-passenger MDX is one of Acura's most expensive offerings (only the recent ZDX and RL sedan are pricier).

Did I mention the new-for-2010 five-seater ZDX?

The so-called coupé version of the MDX has stolen its larger sibling's title as the brand's flagship in terms of refinement, technology and styling. So not to be left too far behind, Acura has applied some mid-life touch-ups to the current generation MDX – a vehicle that's been around since 2007.

One of the big appeals with the MDX has always been its excellent value-added features. And the 2010 model continues that tradition.

You can get into a 2010 MDX for $51,990. A $5,300 Technology Package and $10,000 Elite Package are available. Either way, that's thousands below comparably equipped luxury seven-seaters like the Acura Q7, BMW X5, Land Rover LR4 and Mercedes-Benz GL.

Exterior styling and interior upgrades aside, the biggest MDX news is a new powertrain that it shares with the ZDX.

JOHN LEBLANC FOR THE TORONTO STAR

With a base price of $51,990, the 2010 MDX is thousands cheaper than its competition from Mercedes-Benz, BMW and others in the luxury class.

Based on the previous MDX's powerplant, a new 3.7-litre V6 makes a 300 hp and 270 lb.-ft. of torque. That's a nice enough improvement. But the bigger deal is in the transmission department.

Shown the door is the old five-speed automatic transmission, replaced this year by a new, sequential six-speed autobox.

The transmission offers two automatic shift modes, and can be operated manually via steering wheel paddle shifters. With Grade Logic Control, Shift Hold Control, Cornering G Shift Control and Hill Start Assist, Acura says it's the most "advanced" automatic it has offered.

The automaker also says this new transmission can be matched with four-cylinder vehicles such as the RDX crossover and TSX sedan, and will eventually make its way throughout the Acura lineup.

2010 Acura MDX: New look and transmission

Acura has given its largest SUV, the MDX, a thorough refresh for the 2010 model year. Building on the corporate look previewed by the TL and TSX, the MDX gains revisions to its front and rear fascia, as well as a revised suspension and a new six-speed automatic transmission.

2010 Acura MDX Review

Acura has updated its MDX for the 2010 model year, with a number of styling, performance, and technology updates to keep it fresh against its rivals. The big SUV keeps its versatile seven-passenger, three-row layout but sports a new exterior look, a revised powertrain, several chassis refinements, more comfort features and a longer standard equipment list.

The MDX may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, especially when it comes to off-roading, but it’s still an entertaining vehicle to drive and, despite some odd exclusions on the features list, a supremely confident family vehicle with an excellent safety record. Pricing starts at roughly $43,000 and stretches beyond $50,000 for fully loaded versions. TheCarConnection.com accepted travel expenses to an Acura-sponsored event to produce this hands-on road test.

Visually, the seven-passenger 2010 MDX receives more aggressive styling in the form of new front and rear bodywork, a new front grille and numerous new trim enhancements. Other details include a revised hood, new side sills, polished stainless-steel exhaust tips, and revised taillights with brighter LEDs.

Inside, the 2010 MDX benefits from the expanded use of Milano leather, a new, thicker sports steering wheel with racing-inspired paddle shifters, new gauges, optional ventilated front seats and upgraded interior trim.

Under the hood sits a more refined version of the 3.7-liter V-6 engine from the 2009 model. The VTEC unit produces 300-horsepower and 270-pound-feet of torque and is mated to a new six-speed automatic transmission with pseudo manual control.

2010 Acura MDX: First Look

Back to where it all began. When the Acura MDX was redesigned for 2007, its new two-tiered, mesh-like “shield” of a front grille would soon become the inspiration for Acura’s new corporate face. Every model, including the TSX, TL, RL and RDX, now sport a revised take on that look. Now, for 2010, the MDX’s original shield has been replaced by what it brought: a solid, silver V-shaped crest.

We’re not sure of the final treatment. The still-spectacular headlights don’t seem to line up properly with the new grille. Perhaps if the silver V floated in the middle of the grille instead of at the top, the proportions would look more streamlined. New lower vents aped from the new TL are a definite improvement, however. The rear and hood also get some slight tweaks.

More important, the 3.7-liter V-6 engine is thankfully now accompanied by a six-speed automatic transmission with a manual mode and shift paddles on the steering wheel. It’s still good for 300 hp, but mileage goes from 15/20 mpg city/highway to 16/21 mpg, according to early estimates. The MDX still comes with standard all-wheel drive.

The interior is mostly the same, with new leather seating surfaces, a slightly larger steering wheel and other updated materials. The layout, however, remains basically unchanged.

There is still a base trim and a Technology Package trim, which adds navigation and an upgraded sound system. Instead of a Sport Package topping the lineup, there’s now an Advanced Package that includes the Technology Package plus performance equipment like 19-inch wheels and a new adaptable suspension system, as well as additional creature comforts, like heated and ventilated seats.

The current MDX is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick, and the 2010 will supposedly pass future roof-strength tests as well. According to Acura, the MDX’s roof can support three times the vehicle’s weight instead of the mandated 1.5 times.

The 2010 goes on sale this fall and will likely be priced similar to the outgoing model’s $40,990-$47,140 range.

More Photos

2010 and 2009 Acura MDX

2010 Acura MDX Interior