First Drive: 2010 Acura MDX

[svgallery name="10_Acura_MDX"] Story and photos by John LeBlanc PEBBLE BEACH, Calif.–Compared to German brand rivals that take a lot more from your wallet, we've always liked Acura's value-laden MDX sports utility vehicle. And seeing as it has been Acura Canada's best-selling vehicle for the past few years, Canadians seem to agree. Whereas lower-priced models are the volume sellers for other luxury brands (think Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C Class, Infiniti G), the mid-size seven-passenger MDX is one of Acura's most expensive offerings (only the recent ZDX and RL sedan are pricier). Did I mention the new-for-2010 five-seater ZDX? The so-called coupé version of the MDX has stolen its larger sibling's title as the brand's flagship in terms of refinement, technology and styling. So not to be left too far behind, Acura has applied some mid-life touch-ups to the current generation MDX – a vehicle that's been around since 2007. One of the big appeals with the MDX has always been its excellent value-added features. And the 2010 model continues that tradition. You can get into a 2010 MDX for $51,990. A $5,300 Technology Package and $10,000 Elite Package are available. Either way, that's thousands below comparably equipped luxury seven-seaters like the Acura Q7, BMW X5, Land Rover LR4 and Mercedes-Benz GL. Exterior styling and interior upgrades aside, the biggest MDX news is a new powertrain that it shares with the ZDX. Based on the previous MDX's powerplant, a new 3.7-litre V6 makes a 300 hp and 270 lb.-ft. of torque. That's a nice enough improvement. But the bigger deal is in the transmission department. Shown the door is the old five-speed automatic transmission, replaced this year by a new, sequential six-speed autobox. The transmission offers two automatic shift modes, and can be operated manually via steering wheel paddle shifters. With Grade Logic Control, Shift Hold Control, Cornering G Shift Control and Hill Start Assist, Acura says it's the most "advanced" automatic it has offered. The automaker also says this new transmission can be matched with four-cylinder vehicles such as the RDX crossover and TSX sedan, and will eventually make its way throughout the Acura lineup. While making our way up the California coast on scenic Highway 1, the 2010 MDX's new engine/transmission combo delivered excellent responses. Throttle reactions are "right now." And immediate thrust comes throughout the r.p.m. range. It's not as agile as the lighter ZDX, but for such a large and heavy vehicle we've always liked the MDX's confident handling capabilities. A newly retuned active suspension (from the Elite package) has been adjusted for more compliance over rough pavement, while a revised power-steering system, stiffer rear trailing arm mountingd body rigidity improvements have made the MDX feel even more solid. And don't forget: Acura's exclusive, torque-vectoring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system is there for when road conditions are good, fair or dreadful. Inside the MDX, nothing much has changed. It's still roomy for five (and seven on occasion) with first-rate materials and build quality. And the centre console still presents a stack of indecipherable buttons that make the Space Shuttle cockpit look simple. For 2010 there's more leather, a thicker sport steering wheel, gauges, power tailgate and more techno-goodies. Ventilated front seats, navigation, rear-view camera with three view choices, upgraded rear entertainment system, an enhanced audio system with a dedicated 15-GB hard disk drive (HDD) and USB port connectivity, are all available above the base model.

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