Acura MDX: One Minute Road Test

The Acura MDX is designed to be a practical SUV, with seating for up to seven and as much as 83 cubic feet of cargo space. But to thrive in a world WAY too full of so called "sport" utility vehicles, the MDX has to offer more than just practicality. Luckily in the case of the MDX, Acura didn't forget the "sport" in Sport Utility Vehicle. As a matter of fact, that's what sets the MDX apart from the competition.

- Its 300 horsepower V-6 engine - the most powerful V6 in its class BTW
- It's comparatively light curb weight
- And a suspension developed on the mother of all test tracks: the Nurburgring.

That development work has paid off, as the handling is every bit as good as some very well regarded European competitors. And I'm talking about sport sedans, not SUVs. Acura's Super Handling All Wheel Drive is that good.

If you are in the market for a family vehicle with both the "Sport" and "Utility," Acura has really delivered the ideal combination of performance, luxury and usability. And with a list price of just over $40,000, the MDX is also a hard-to-beat value.

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SPECIFICATIONS

Layout - Front engine / Rear wheel drive

Engine
- Type: OHC V6
- Displacement: 3.7 liters
- Valvetrain: 4 valves per cylinder
- Fuel delivery: PGM-FI multi-point injection
- Block/head: Aluminum/aluminum
- Power (SAE) : 300 hp @ 6000 rpm
- Torque : 275 lbs-ft @ 5000 rpm
- Fuel type: Premium

Gearbox
- 5-speed automatic

Chassis
- Wheelbase: 108.3 in.
- Track: (Front) 67.7 in. (Rear) 67.5 in.
- Curb weight : 4564 lbs.
- Brakes: 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist - Suspension: (Front) Independent strut and stabilizer bar, (Rear) Independent multi-link and stabilizer bar

Performance
- 0-60 mph : 7.3 sec.
- Top Speed : 118 mph
- Mileage: 15 city / 20 highway

Base Price
- $40,195