2018 Acura MDX – Test Drive, Review, Ratings, Spec

The Natural Habitat of Automotive Species

The Acura MDX sits somewhere along the lines of clumsy cashflow, but closer towards the lines of expensive extraordinaire. Though priced in the higher end of the spectrum, its outer shell is not the brightest sight of eye candy; neither is its cabin space classified anywhere close to a luxury resort. Rather, its entire methodology revolves around basic concepts of subtle design and organic power in a 7-seater form factor.

Cabin and Tech

Curves remains relatively intact over the last few years; that is, until the refreshed styling features came abroad in this year’s iteration with most prominently the polygonal front grille that gives off a unique holograph effect.  Headlamps employ a unique cube-shaped Jewel LED headlamps, rims are carved out with more complexity and its front and rear bumpers receive sharper lines to give off a more aggressive look. And there’s also that classical piano black accompanied by chrome plated elements that spells its subtle design character.  With all that said, Acura achieves both stylish and sporty looks on a a full-size SUV – a feat not many have really accomplished. But if that still doesn’t fit the bill, a smaller ad more compact RDX version is also available by offering a more agile look in a tighter form factor.

Interior is a complete homogeneous black fitted with beautiful finishing. Looks and feel of all leather materials are soft to the touch and all console and climate buttons are ergonomically laid out in uniform fashion. Front row seats provide generous offerings of legroom as well as offering both heating and cooling. The same is said for its rear seating. Cluster dials are also made up of simple mechanical clock work. Cushioning is also very plush and comfortable even for long duration of driving.

Unique to Acura’s creativity is the push button gear shift panel replacing the old fashioned and dated gear lever – a design feature that substantially cleans up the interior and giving it a much cleaner and modernized look.

Tech is where the MDX falls a bit short. A massive infotainment screen is well laid out on its center console, but its use limited by its user interface. Unfortunately, navigation is near impossible to use through voice recognition, or manual input through its center control knob. Other than that, I still like the dual screen layout and the flexibility of tri-climate control for all seats.

Acura has put in effort to increase the user interface response time by up to 30%, and overall, the performance navigating between screens isn’t bad.  Still; the graphics color scheme still falls a bit behind on what today’s fast paced tech has to offer.

Fluent Driving

This is where the MDX wins awards – at least for its price point category. Powering the MDX is a naturally aspirated V-6 with direct fuel injection technology and i-VTECH technology. This formula pumps out 290 horsepower and 283 ft.lbs of torque. Coupled to the shaft is a butter smooth 9-speed automatic transmission.

While the horsepower numbers won’t frighten you, punching it off the line is surprisingly fast. Acceleration is also swift and natural with minimal obscurity in its torque path. Engine tone also sounds raw and natural. Steering remains precise and shows ability of athleticism around corners. And despite its 7-seater weight class, the MDX still feels light and nimble. Suspensions also do a good job holding the MDX stable around corners without too much body roll.

The beast comes alive when the automatic transmission is switched to manual sequential shift mode.  Downshifting a few gears via the steering mounted paddle shifters reveals the underlying power and aggression from the V6 VTEC engine.  Adding to the performance driving is the equipped SH-AWD system with torque vectoring control.  The outer wheels are automatically applied with more torque when cornering to enable faster and more responsive turns.  And it works with the end result of a large 7 passenger feeling like a sports car.

City driving is nice with its quiet cabin space and good suspension absorption of road bumps. Fuel economy scores good in the green category as well with EPA ratings of 19/27/22 city, highway and combined respectively. All in all, the MDX is a pretty good package for what it offers. I can’t think of anything major to complain about the MDX other than the semi-broken navigation system. But if that is really a concern, throw it out in your configuration package. What’s left remaining, is a luxury level 7-seater sedan with a smooth ride and athletic agility along the straight line, and around corners.

 

Specifications

• Vehicle : Acura MDX
• Model : Acura MDX SH-AWD
• Vehicle Type : Crossover SUV
• Seating Capacity : 2+3+3
• Engine : 3.5L V6 with Direct Fuel Injection and i-VTEC
• Transmission :  9-Speed Automatic
• Price: $55,230

Pros

• Classic and Luxurious Looks
• Offers fun driving for a 7-seater
• Good driving comfort for everyday commute
• Quiet and comfortable cabin space

Cons

• Near impossible to use navigation and voice command
• Styling may be a bit archaic for newer generations