The 2011 Acura MDX performs admirably for a seven-seat SUV and includes a luxurious and high-tech interior. The Acura MDX should appeal to a wide range of people. Consumer Guide says the MDX “has contemporary styling and thoughtful features. MDX has a highly desirable blend of luxury, performance, and convenience.” On the road, the Acura MDX shines with its powerful V6 engine. Acrua’s Super-Handling All-Wheel drive system is standard, and the MDX does well in crash tests.
Inside, reviewers like the MDX’s comfortable first and second row seats. The Acura MDX checks off its family car requirements by having three sets of LATCH connecters for car seats in the second row. It has a standard third row seat and a lower price tag than the MDX.
Much of the fun-to-drive quality relates to Acura's so-called "Super Handling" all-wheel-drive system (SH-AWD). By proportioning power automatically to the outside wheels during cornering, the system helps make the MDX feel more agile and happier in the corners. For the money, the 2011 Acura MDX makes a lot of sense. The 2011 Acura MDX is available in one trim level. The Advance package includes all Technology items and adds 19-inch wheels, an adaptive suspension, adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot warning system, the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), auto-leveling headlamps, a sport steering wheel and ventilated front seats. The Entertainment package, which can be added to the Technology or Advanced packages, adds a rear-seat entertainment system and heated second-row seats.
The 2011 Acura MDX is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 that produces 300 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission and Acura's "Super-Handling" all-wheel-drive system are standard.
In Edmunds performance testing, the Acura MDX went from zero to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds. When properly equipped, the MDX's maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds.
Safety
Standard safety equipment for the 2011 Acura MDX includes antilock disc brakes with brake assist, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags, active front head restraints and stability control with a stabilizing feature for trailer towing. The MDX's cabin is a technology-lover's dream. The MDX is pretty spacious for a three-row midsize luxury crossover SUV.
Driving Impressions
For a three-row SUV, the 2011 Acura MDX does a fine job of acting as if it's not one. The MDX is truly one of the most rewarding luxury crossovers to drive.
In the world of luxury SUV’s, the Acura MDX doesn’t quite grab the amount of attention most car magazines devote to its BMW and Mercedes competition-which is unfortunate. The MDX, Acura’s first serious attempt at an SUV debuted as a 2001 model. So while the competition grabs the headlines, we at The Garage were interested in how Acura’s Canadian-made MDX holds up. Acura has apparently taken that sentiment to heart, as that nose is shared across the Acura line.
Inside, the MDX provides a welcoming cabin. All MDX’s use Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system, which can adjust power delivery from the front to rear, and between the rear wheels for better handling. As for handling, the MDX was excellent, feeling smaller than it was.
The 2011 Acura MDX starts at $42,580, and comes standard with XM Radio, power heated front seats, power tailgate and power moonroof. Finally, for the kiddies the MDX has the Entertainment Package, featuring DVD rear entertainment with 9″ screens, wireless headphones, and heated rear seats. Final tally of our fully loaded MDX was $54,965USD, including delivery.
The Acura MDX has its own unique corner of the premium-SUV market.