With Acura’s upcoming 2010 ZDX crossover-coupe-whatever setting the tone for the brand in terms of refinement and technology, its once techno-trendsetting MDX sibling is looking a bit long in the tooth.
Base Price: $43,815 - $55,340
Indeed, the second-gen MDX—which placed first of eight in our last shootout of $50,000 SUVs—has sat relatively unchanged since its 2007 debut, and this fact, combined with a number of newly engineered goodies also used in the ZDX, makes this year the perfect time for an update.
Six Gears and a Better Ride. Perhaps the most notable upgrade is Acura’s first-ever six-speed automatic transmission in place of the previous five-speed. The transmission will proliferate through the company’s V-6 models, with the ZDX, in which the gearbox was first shown, being the next Acura to market so equipped. The company says the new gearbox also will work with four-cylinder vehicles such as the RDX and base TSX.
Six Gears and a Better Ride. Perhaps the most notable upgrade is Acura’s first-ever six-speed automatic transmission in place of the previous five-speed. The transmission will proliferate through the company’s V-6 models, with the ZDX, in which the gearbox was first shown, being the next Acura to market so equipped. The company says the new gearbox also will work with four-cylinder vehicles such as the RDX and base TSX.
Unfortunately, many other luxury carmakers already are moving on to seven- and eight-speed units, and the six-speed doesn’t improve fuel economy much in the MDX, which is now estimated at a still-thirsty 16 city mpg and 21 highway mpg versus 15/20 in 2009. The transmission shifts quickly and smoothly, and its ability to perform multiple-gear downshifts nicely augments the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system during sporty driving. The gearbox’s standard and sport modes are selected via the console-mounted shifter, and all trim levels get steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters as standard.
Also new are retuned active dampers that come as part of the Advance package, which takes the place of last year’s Sport package. Despite the MDX’s handling prowess and all-wheel-drive grip, we’ve criticized its ride for being a bit harsh and unyielding, particularly in the sportiest suspension setting. And although it remains firm, our brief jaunt north of Detroit revealed the new version to be far more compliant in both sport and comfort settings while maintaining good body control.
The 300-hp, 3.7-liter V-6 has been retuned for more flexible power delivery, while nineteen-inch wheels are now a factory option; 18-inchers remain standard, although they’re now lighter than before and have a new design. All of this serves to bolster the MDX’s already surprising agility, but we were taken aback by the ultra-light steering—at all speeds—that felt much more artificial and over-boosted than we remember.
Specifications
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 5-door wagon
ESTIMATED BASE PRICE: $43,850
ENGINE TYPE: SOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection
Displacement: 224 cu in, 3664cc
Power (SAE net): 300 bhp @ 6300 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 270 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 6-speed automatic with manumatic shifting
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 108.3 in Length: 191.6 in Width: 78.5 in Height: 68.2 in
Curb weight (C/D est): 4700 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST):
Zero to 60 mph: 7.0 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 15.5 sec
Top speed (governor limited): 120 mph
FUEL ECONOMY (MFR’S EST):
EPA city/highway driving: 16/21 mpg
Source : http://www.caranddriver.com
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