Acura MDX 2010 – First Drive Review

Acura MDX 2010 – First Drive Review

With Acura’s upcoming 2010 ZDX crossover-coupe-whatever setting the tone for the brand in terms of refinement and technology, its once-techno-trendsetting MDX sibling is looking a bit long in the tooth. Indeed, the second-gen MDX—which placed first out of eight in our last shootout of $50,000 SUVs—has sat relatively unchanged since its 2007 debut, and this fact combined with a number of newly engineered goodies also used in the ZDX makes this year the perfect time for an update.

Six Gears and a Better Ride

Perhaps the most notable upgrade is Acura’s first-ever six-speed automatic transmission in place of the previous five-speed. The transmission will proliferate through the company’s V-6 models, with the ZDX, in which the gearbox was first shown, being the next Acura to market so equipped. The company says the new gearbox also will work with four-cylinder vehicles such as the RDX and base TSX. Unfortunately, many other luxury carmakers already are moving on to seven- and eight-speed units, and the six-speed doesn’t improve fuel economy much in the MDX, which is now estimated at a still-thirsty 16/21 mpg city/highway versus 15/20 in 2009. The transmission shifts quickly and smoothly, and its ability to perform multiple-gear downshifts nicely augments the Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive system during sporty driving. The gearbox’s standard and Sport modes are selected via the console-mounted shifter, and all trim levels get steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters as standard.

Also new are retuned active dampers that come as part of the Advance package, which takes the place of last year’s Sport package. Despite the MDX’s handling prowess and all-wheel-drive grip, we’ve criticized its ride for being a bit harsh and unyielding, particularly in the sportiest suspension setting. And while it remains firm, our brief jaunt north of Detroit revealed the new version to be far more compliant in both Sport and Comfort settings while still maintaining good body control.

Acura MDX is powered by 3.7L V6, 6 Speed Automatic Transmission delivering 300 HP @6300 RPM. Fuel Type System is Gas Engine / Multi-Port Fuel Injected. Nineteen-inch wheels are now a factory option, but 18-inchers remain standard, although they’re now lighter than before and have a new design. While all this serves to bolster the MDX’s already surprising agility, we were taken aback by the ultra-light steering—at all speeds—that felt much more artificial and over-boosted than we remember.