2007 Acura MDX Review | Buyer Guide
New Acura MDX Combines Sport With Luxury
When it came time to redesign the MDX, the folks at Acura wanted to develop an SUV that would appeal more to family men, yet would not turn off the lady of the house. By any measure, the 2007 MDX successfully meets those objectives. It has more power, sportier handling and, sleeker styling, while maintaining a high level of luxury and practicality.
The first thing that catches your eye is the new body. The 2007 MDX features a broader grille and wider stance. It looks more formidable than its predecessor. Acura claims that the design was inspired by “high-powered magayachts.” This may seem like a stretch, but the MDX does have a smooth and finely sculpted look.
The interior blends the purposefulness of a sport sedan with the functionality of an SUV. A wide center console separates the driver and front passenger. Broad bands of woodgrain trim wrap around the dash and onto the console and doors to emphasize a twin-cockpit design. Both, driver and front passenger, as well as the outside passengers in the second row, get well-bolstered seats to hold them in place during spirited driving.
The MDX is a larger vehicle this year. It’s two-inches longer in wheelbase and length, as well as 2.3 inches wider now. The MDX accommodates seven passengers with more elbowroom for all. Leather seats are standard, and the ones up front are heated too. The cargo area, with the third-row seats folded into the floor, is large enough to hold four golf bags. When the second row is also down, there’s a whopping 83.5 cu-ft of cargo space.
Like its predecessor, the ‘07 MDX comes with a wide array of luxury features. Included on the standard equipment list is an eight-speaker premium sound system, XM satellite radio, tri-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity for your cell phone and Acura’s anti-skid system. For those who want even more, there are option packages that offer voice-activated navigation, a DVD entertainment unit and an electronically controlled damper setup. This last system enables the driver to set the shocks for a compliant ride or more firmly for vigorous driving.
Acura gave the MDX a power boost for 2007. A 3.7-liter V-6 engine pumps out 300 horses. It’s the most powerful V-6 in any Acura, and is the leader of its class. It won’t give you whiplash when you take off from a traffic light, but it does deliver a steady stream of power. The MDX can now tow 5000 pounds.
Teamed with the potent V-6 is a five-speed automatic transmission with grade logic and a manual shift mode. Grade logic will hold the transmission in the right gear going up or down hills, and the manual shift feature gives you that extra control you want on twisty roads.
But more impressive than the power train is sporty handling of the MDX. Acura tuned the suspension on Germany’s famed Nurburgring racetrack. But just as important is Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. SH-AWD not only transfers power from front to rear as needed, but also from side to side. In cornering situations, more power is directed to the outside rear wheel, to get the MDX around a turn without running wide. The MDX displays a handling prowess that instills confidence.
In everyday driving, the MDX feels as solid as a vault. The ride is smooth and the cabin is quiet. It offers a nice combination of sport and luxury in an SUV. Pricing starts at $40,665.
Snapshot Review
Smart Styling
Exceptional handling
Excellent Power
High-Tech Features.
Specifications
Bas Price $40,665
Engine 3.7-ltr, DOHC, V-6
Horsepower 300
Transmission 5-sp auto
Brakes disc, ABS
Gas Mileage 17-22 mpg
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