Acura’s 2008 MDX is Exhibit A in the argument that discerning SUV buyers can have it all: performance, luxury, cutting-edge technology, daring styling and — yes, Mary— VALUE.
Being a kind, loving soul respectful of my elders, I can only summon this explanation for my colleague’s unprovoked rant last week: Maybe Mary Lowry missed a dose of her daily meds. It’s OK Mare, it happens. I understand. No hard feelings. I hope you’re feeling better.
The MDX clearly establishes itself as a driver’s SUV with Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, sport package with active damper system, 3.7-liter VTEC V6 engine and a sequential SportShift five-speed automatic transmission.
Designed and engineered in the United States, the MDX delivers a spacious, seven-passenger interior, excellent fuel economy, ultra-low emissions, and numerous Larry-pleasing amenities including an Acura navigation system, AcuraLink satellite communication system with real-time traffic and a spectacular 10-speaker ELS premium surround sound system.
The interior is equal parts luxury, functionality and versatility. Features like leather seating, drop-down DVD player with wireless headphones and remote control, 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, and an electronic tilt and telescoping steering wheel cover luxury.
Acura promotes the MDX as “4+3 seating” — meaning there is ample room for four adults plus a third-row bench seat that folds flat into the rear cargo hold. The rear seat accommodates two smaller adults (or children) while a third passenger can be squeezed into the second row.
A remote release rear tailgate opens to reveal a cavernous cargo hold (when the third-row bench seat is folded flat). This was particularly handy when my daughter and I visited Stocker Farms in Snohomish and loaded up with a hay bale, corn stocks and pumpkins for the annual Lark family Halloween front porch display.
My tester came loaded, including a technology package, sport package and entertainment package. The technology package includes whiz-bang gizmos that include the previously mentioned navigation system with rearview camera and satellite radio, 410-watt stereo with six-disc, in-dash CD player, and GPS-linked, solar-sensing, tri-zone automatic climate control system with humidity control and filtration.
The sport package adds the active damper system, leather seating, exclusive alloy wheel design, auto-leveling Xenon headlights and textured metallic interior accents. The entertainment package brings to the party a DVD player, 115-volt power outlet in the center console and heated second row outboard seats (in addition to the front buckets).
Acceleration is not an issue with this powerful V6 engine that generates 300 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 275 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm. The vehicle earns a 5,000 pound tow rating and is pre-wired for a trailer and includes a high-capacity radiator with twin cooling fans.
The MDX is a breeze to maneuver into tight parking spots, has a tight turn radius and delivers a bird’s-eye view of the road with virtually no blind spot.
Anti-lock brakes, vehicle stability assist, tire pressure monitoring system, torque-sensing variable power-assist rack-and-pinion steering, and heated outside mirrors add to the driver’s sense of well being.
And, a rollover sensor adds one more level of security.
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