2015 Acura MDX Review

In This Guide:

Since its introduction in 2000, the Acura MDX exhibits the luxury that has become synonymous with their name. In its fourth generation with a complete refresh in 2014, the MDX has taken its place in the ever-widening crossover market, but little has changed for the 2015 model year. This seven passenger SUV, with three rows of seats, comes across as practical, yet plush, and exudes the value-oriented nature of Acura.

The 2015 Acura MDX ranks second place of 18 luxury mid-size SUV’s in U.S. News and World reports analysis. It exhibits good fuel economy and capable handling with quick acceleration and a quiet ride, the Acura MDX exhibits its luxury heritage. Reliability and a high resale value will not only give you a dependable SUV, it will give you an investment.

Trim Levels, Options & Pricing

Available with only one trim level, with a well-equipped base model, Acura offers two upgrade packages for those who desire more than the basic offering. Priced between $42,000 and $56,000, depending on option packages, the MDX, while not the highest priced mid sized luxury vehicle on the market, it still holds second place against the completion and is well equipped for the price, even in its base form.

The base model Acura MDX sits on 18-inch wheels and offers heated eight-way power seats for both the driver and front passenger, with power lumbar support for the driver. Add to that list, heated mirrors, LED headlights for the exterior, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, leather upholstery, auto dimming rear view mirror, and tri-zone automatic climate control for the comfort of you and your passengers.

Twin console displays are standard providing a seven-inch touch screen and eight-inch information screen with a multi-angle rearview camera, which gives you all the information you need at a glance. The standard AM/FM radio with CD player drives eight speakers, and Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, as well as an iPod/USB interface, so you will always be able to listen to your favorite music. The system is Pandora compatible and satellite radio is a standard feature of the Acura MDX.

When equipped with the Technology package, Acura sits on 19-inch wheels and adds voice controls for the audio and navigation systems, Navigation, AcuraLink and a ten-speaker Acura/ELS audio system with surround sound and HD radio. This package also includes rear door keyless ignition, rain-sensing wipers, LED puddle lights, and for your added safety, lane departure, forward-collision and blind-spot warning systems come with this package.

With you opt of the Technology and Entertainment package, Acura adds heated rear seats, rear-door and window sunshades, a 110-volt power outlet, and a rear-seat entertainment system with a nine-inch screen and another speaker.

The Advance and Entertainment packages includes the above features and adds to it, front and rear parking sensors, remote engine start, upgraded leather upholstery with ventilated front seats, auto dimming side mirrors, roof rails to add to your cargo capabilities, and for your safety, lane-keeping assist, frontal collision mitigation system, and adaptive cruise control are part of the package. Power lumbar is added to the passenger seat with this package and the rear entertainment system is upgraded to a 16.2-inch screen two more speakers are added along with HDMI input.

Powertrain and Performance

Power for the Acura MDX comes from a 290 horsepower, 3.5-liter V6, which turns out 267 pound-feet of torque and is connected to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. All models of the MDX are available with all-wheel drive as an option, even the base model.

The estimated mileage is 28/28 mpg, city/highway for the front-wheel drive version and 18/27 mpg, city/highway for the all-wheel drive MDX, which are respectable numbers for a vehicle of this size with the capability to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Acceleration numbers for the Acura MDX, AWD has returned 0-60 mph times of 6.5 seconds, which handily beats much of the competition in this class.

Safety Features

Standard safety equipment on the Acura MDX, includes four wheel anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags, a driver knee airbag, active front head restraints, and head rests all around, will keep you and you occupants safe in the event of a mishap. The MDX has earned a five-star overall rating in government crash tests, making it one of the safest vehicles on the road.

When you add the Technology package, you also get lane departure, forward-collision and blind-spot warning systems. Move up to the Advance and Entertainment package and Acura adds lane-keeping assist, frontal collision mitigation system, which adds to the safety of you and your passengers.

Interior Design and Best Features

The Acura MDX is a fine vehicle overall but one of the coolest features are the rear seats that move forward at the push of a button to allow access for passengers in the third row seat. Another feature that has become more common on SUVs, but is still very handy is the power liftgate, which enables you to load the cargo bay even when your hands are full. The cargo space is a little smaller than that of competitors, but with 15.8 cubic feet of space, but when you fold the second two rows of seats that space becomes an expansive 90.9 cubic feet.

Driving Impressions

The refined handling of the Acura MDX makes it a pleasure to drive. The engine has a throaty tone when you kick it, and it shifts silkily through the gears. It handles the twisties with aplomb, and when you add the all-wheel drive system, the handling only gets better and you will have the assurance of a safe vehicle beneath you when the weather gets nasty. The ride is quiet, but a little firmer than other SUV’s, due to stiffer suspension. Drivers will appreciate the firm ride, which attributes to the great handling of the MDX.

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