2007
Acura MDX

by Steve Schutz, MD

The original MDX, introduced to great acclaim in 1999, was Acura’s attempt to compete with the Lexus RX 300, the dominant mid-size luxury SUV on the market back then. The RX, now called the RX 350, still rules the segment, but Acura has decided to aim the MDX at the BMW X5 instead, perhaps figuring that their new (and smaller) RDX SUV can serve as their RX fighter.

It makes sense, really. Acura’s renewed focus on performance luxury suggests that they believe— accurately I think — that Infiniti is fading and Lexus has the “comfort luxury” market sewn up. Hence the all-new 2007 MDX, which is faster and more powerful than before, and is visually close to the X5.

The horsepower boost is the first thing you notice when you drive the new MDX. In place of the 257 HP V6 from last year’s model, the 2007 MDX has an upgraded 3.7 liter motor that boasts 300 HP and 275 lb-ft of torque for quick acceleration off the line. That’s enough oomph for a zero-to-sixty MPH time of 7.5 seconds, a number that splits the difference between the inline-six and V8 versions of the X5. Like most V6s, though, the MDX’s engine can’t match the silky smoothness of a BMW inline six; it’s a geometry thing (Manufacturers know this, but V6s are cheaper to build than their inline counterparts because they can be engineered and manufactured in tandem with a V8. And the bottom line is the bottom line.).

The Acura’s engine powers all four wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission that comes standard with paddle shifters. Few owners will use these doohickies — I love them on light sports cars but rarely touch them on SUVs or big sedans — but for those who do, they work well.

Estimated fuel economy is 17 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway. Not terrific, but certainly respectable for a sporty SUV that weighs 4,500 pounds and can seat seven. Premium fuel is recommended.

The SH-AWD system—the SH stands for super handling, if you were wondering—works well, producing a neutral and very pleasant handling experience. One indication of how much Acura is gunning for the X5: the suspension and AWD systems were tuned at the world-famous Nurburgring race course in Germany, and benchmarked against both the X5 and Porsche Cayenne. While my week with the MDX involved everyday driving, the handling and ride were exemplary—very X5-ish, frankly.

Still, the design is the area where Acura most obviously benchmarked the X5. From the (very) prominent chrome grille to bulging fenders with big wheels and low profile tires to its sweeping profile, the new MDX bears more than a passing resemblance to the iconic BMW. In fact, visually the MDX has more in common with the BMW than the previous MDX, a fact that surprises me since that vehicle’s design was original and attractive and the MDX was a strong seller.

Inside, the Acura mercifully spares owners an iDrive experience by sticking to interior controls patterned after the RL and TL. Round electroluminescent gauges and a large navigation screen draw the eye, and a non-intimidating cluster of dials and buttons sits in the center stack just below that screen. The largest knob located in the center of the cluster controls most of the navigation, audio and climate functions, and unlike the iDrive, it clarifies rather than infuriates. I was pleased to discover that I could manage numerous tasks with little distraction from driving (For the record, BMW has significantly improved the iDrive).

The MDX uses high quality plastics, woods and other materials throughout the cabin, but it lacks the richness and warmth of a Lexus, Mercedes or BMW interior. Given its sportier mission, I can see why Acura wanted a different driving environment than Lexus and Mercedes, but I expected something more like what BMW owners are used to. That may be unfair since, with a MSRP of $39,995 to $47,795 the MDX costs (at least) several thousand dollars less than its competitors from the above mentioned manufacturers.

Like all luxury SUVs, the standard MDX is packed with plenty of comfort, convenience and safety equipment. Included are 18-inch alloy wheels, HID headlights, leather upholstery, in-dash six CD changer, sunroof, heated front seats, bluetooth cellphone connectivity and airbags galore.

For those customers looking for something more, Technology, Entertainment and Sport option packages are available. The Technology package includes a navigation system with voice recognition and real-time traffic information integration, surround-sound audio, rearview camera, and solar-sensing climate control. The Sport package has all the features of the Technology package, plus an Active Damper System sport suspension, special wheels and perforated leather trim. Check off the box for the Entertainment package and you get a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, heated second-row seats, a remote-linked power tailgate and a supplemental 115-volt power outlet.

Acura wants to challenge the mighty BMW X5 with their new MDX, and they’ve obviously done their homework. Not only does the MDX look a lot like the X5, but it drives like one too. And it costs significantly less, a major issue for families on a budget (like mine and probably yours). If you need a seven passenger SUV but still want to enjoy driving, check out the MDX. You may never make it to the BMW dealer.