![]() ![]() Where problems come into play is with the third row. The open-pore wood trim that comes standard in both Elite trims brings the class level up considerably and is probably the most memorable element of the entire interior. There is a sunroof, but it’s smaller in size and only adds light to the front of the cabin where it’s not as needed. The pair of centre consoles between the seats in the first two rows are not necessarily beautiful, but they are eminently useful with plenty of compartments for hiding away doodads and treasures (and the one in front is large enough to hold a small handbag). Multi-driver homes will love that the driver’s seat automatically adjusts to the preferred settings for the owner of the remote that’s starting the car – a highly underrated convenience. The seats don’t leave an impression visually, but they are plush and comfortable. Inside, the design is certainly tasteful, if not especially memorable. That means that a revolution is no longer necessary, but in the next redesign it still would be nice to see an evolution through tighter and more refined lines and a larger grille in proportion to the rest of the front end. Suddenly, the entire package seems much more fashionable. The MDX made a huge leap in style when the new pentagonal grille and LED headlamps were added for the 2017 model year. However, I haven’t yet tested that model, so I can only guess that it might be a better fit for my needs. Its 3.0L V6 and trio of hybrid-electric motors produce 321 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque along with the hit of instant torque on acceleration that electric power provides. The MDX Sport Hybrid is likely a different proposition. I usually do far more city driving, which means that between my preferred settings and the requirement for premium fuel, I’d need to expect my bills at the pumps to be expensive. For people who do that sort of driving most of the time, this car would serve them well. I finished my week with the MDX at 11.2 L/100 km, but I used it for several long highway stints where the engine’s variable cylinder management no doubt was of significant help. As a result, I would plan to use a lot more fuel than the advertised 12.2 L/100 km in the city and 9.0 on the highway. If I owned this car, I would need to drive it with sport and dynamic modes enabled at all times to be able to live with it. Suddenly, I quite enjoyed driving the thing and wished I’d made the changeover as soon as I’d first sat down. Sport mode alters the transmission’s shift pattern to hold the revs in that useful range for accessing peak torque, and a push of the dynamic button flattens the ride completely, removing any trace of pitch or body roll. With those two enabled, this couldn’t possibly be a more different vehicle. ![]() The combination leaves the MDX feeling very large from behind the wheel and me feeling left behind at every light and passing opportunity.įrankly, I was ready to write the car off – until I discovered the sport and dynamic modes. On top of that, the baseline, more comfortable drive mode makes both the nine-speed automatic transmission and the suspension feel very relaxed in responsiveness. With a curb weight of 1,940 kg (4,277 lb), that amount of rotation takes a fair while to reach from a stop. Those are solid figures on paper, but the full amount of that torque doesn’t come until 4,700 rpm. The 3.5L V6 that comes with nearly all MDX models makes 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. Given the way I drive, though – and how quiet the car’s cabin is, which reduces how much growling finds its way to the driver’s ears anyway – I hope the next generation comes with a turbocharged option. But if your priorities in a high-end three-row crossover happen to line up with mine – solid handling, a usable third row with cargo space, and user-friendly connectivity – consider reading on before you make a final decision.Ī lot of drivers are delighted when they learn that the standard engine in the MDX is still a naturally aspirated classic. We could all drive identical vehicles and be well-served and entirely happy.īecause we are all very different, though, I’m about to list off some reasons why the 2018 Acura MDX is not the three-row luxury SUV I’d choose while at the same time fully acknowledging that it could very well be the perfect car for plenty of others.Īfter all, the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada voted the MDX the Best Large Premium Utility Vehicle in Canada for 2018, and that sort of accolade doesn’t form out of thin air. Life would be awfully boring if we weren’t. This is because we humans, fortunately, are a wonderfully diverse bunch. ![]() To put a modern spin on a well-worn saying: one person’s cast-off is another’s treasure. ![]()
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