The Acura MDX Gets a Facelift

The Acura MDX has been the best selling vehicle in its class for a long time. A facelift in 2010 gave it a new look and updated technology. It has also undergone a recent overhaul, adding some bold new features and improving its fuel economy.

For the first time ever, the MDX is available with front-wheel drive. This model gets 26 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, which is pretty good for a luxury midsize SUV. There's also a version of the MDX with all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive models get 1 mpg less in the city and 3 mpg less on the highway.

The Acura MDX is spacious and comfortable for passengers, though the third row has a relatively small interior. The cabin is well built with quality materials and piano black accents. In the second and third rows, the seats can be folded to make more room for luggage or cargo. You can get an optional audio system that includes four speakers in the roof. Also, the MDX can be fitted with a foot sensor, which lets you control the power tailgate.

Some of the Acura MDX's active safety features include radar cruise control, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning. Every model also comes with automatic emergency braking. And with the Advance Package, you can also get a blind spot monitor, auto leveling headlights, and a collision mitigation braking system. Lastly, you can get a navigation system and remote start.

The third-generation Acura MDX was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Those engines were upgraded to a 265-horsepower version in the fourth generation. With this new engine and transmission, the MDX was able to improve its performance and ride comfort. Another improvement was the use of forged aluminum pistons. These pistons give the MDX a smooth ride and excellent handling.

Other improvements included a more rigid body. New high-strength steel, a double wishbone front suspension, and damper forks allow the Acura MDX to handle better, while reducing weight. On the exterior, the new model's Diamond Pentagon grille, Jewel-eye headlights, and dynamic wheels add to the sporty nature of the vehicle.

Inside the Acura MDX, you can find soft Milano leather and an open-pore wood interior. The seats can be equipped with 16-way power adjustability. Adding an Advance package gives you ventilated and heated front seats. Lastly, the ELS Studio(r) Premium Audio System includes HD Radio(tm) and Song by Voice(r) integration.

There's also an optional rear-view camera. The MDX is also available with dual-zone automatic climate control, GPS-linked climate control, and automatic wipers. However, the brakes are a bit spongy. Moreover, the touchpad on the infotainment screen doesn't work very well. To remedy this, the Acura engineers should have added a touch interface for the display, and it should be able to be operated with a hand.

The Acura MDX is available in three trim levels. There is the base model, the Sport, and the Advance. The Advance features adaptive cruise control, massaging front seats, and a blind spot monitor. Meanwhile, the A-Spec features a carbon fiber-trimmed interior, a redesigned grille, and red leather seats with black alcantara inserts.