Acura's high-tech V-6 is partnered exclusively with an excellent five-speed automatic. Smooth shifts are its calling card (some makers haven't yet fitted their premium sedans-much less SUVs-with five-speed autos). What about cruising in the dirt? Acura calls its unique system VTM-4, for variable torque management four-wheel drive. We'd describe it as clever, light, quiet, and electronically sophisticated. Basically, the MDX operates as a front-driver on dry pavement. Its rear wheels are engaged only when its wheel-speed sensors and electronic control unit anticipate or read front-wheel slippage.
When the sensors detect wheel slippage, the VTM-4 computer sends current to electromagnetic coils on the right and left sides of the rear-axle drive unit. These coils apply wet clutches that mechanically lock the halfshafts to the pinion-driven ring gear. The halfshafts then transfer the muscle out to the wheels. This system also offers the driver a lock button to hold engagement of the rear wheels until 18 mph to aid the vehicle under ultraslippery or sticky conditions. Braking is similarly well controlled, utilizing big four-wheel discs with ABS.
Design
The MDX's chiseled exterior is stylistically subtle and reasonably slippery, with a 0.36 drag coefficient. A glance across the competing SUV design spectrum reveals a devotion to huge slabs of gray-and-black plastic cladding. Vehicles like the Pontiac Aztek and the Isuzu VehiCross have roughly 50 percent of their body sides fortified with composite shielding. Not here: The MDX carries none of the stuff-just bold, clean shapes doing the talking. Its badges, headlamp reflectors, dual exhaust tips, brushed aluminum wheels, and chrome door handles are the only exterior brightwork. Acura's stamping dies pressed some nicely muscular lines into the hood, body sides, and wheel arches. We definitely like this upscale approach to SUV styling. About our only bodywork-related issue was noticeable amounts of wind turbulence around the sideview mirrors at higher speeds.
The large LCD screen provides a multitude of readouts from the trip computer and the optional nav system, as well as some of the HVAC functions. Cool feature: an mpg tally is automatically kept for each of the past five tanks.
Inside
The MDX feels truly like a luxury sedan, with a high, command-style seating position. Its handsome, four-spoke steering wheel carries convenient cruise and radio controls. The businesslike dash is covered with a reasonably convincing version of faux wood (though we still prefer the real thing). The three-gauge cluster with its 8000-rpm tach, 140-mph speedo, and coolant/fuel gauge is easily readable and tastefully rendered.
In addition to the gauges, a large central LCD screen provides a multitude of readouts from the trip computer and the optional navigation system. Herein lies one of our few complaints about the MDX's people-friendly packaging: Some of the HVAC functions are managed via buttons, while others require interaction with the complex LCD touch screen. Furthermore, the fan switch is sequential: If you have it set on 2 and you want 1, you must scroll through 3, 4, and 5 to get there. It's just more hassle than it needs to be. In the area of beverage control, however, all is well: the cupholder count is eight.