2009 Acura MDX

By: TheCarConnection    1191 days 14 hours 59 minutes ago

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To assemble a comprehensive review on the new 2009 Acura MDX, the car pros at TheCarConnection.com consulted reviews from a wide range of reputable sources. TheCarConnection.com's editors also drove Acura's 2009 MDX and combined their impressions with all the available information to create this conclusive review.

Likes:
Strong, smooth powertrain
Handles nimbly for such a large vehicle
Attractive styling, except for the grille
Top-tier safety

Dislikes:
Rearward visibility
Fashion-victim instrument panel layout
Lacks high-tech options such as adaptive headlamps or laser cruise control
Premium fuel is recommended

The 2009 Acura MDX is a seven-passenger, three-row luxury crossover vehicle. The design of the MDX emphasizes style, passenger and cargo utility, and on-the-road comfort and handling, rather than off-roading ability. However, with Acura's inclusion of standard all-wheel drive, the MDX can easily handle muddy trails and shallow streams. The MDX crossover SUV was redesigned for 2007 and carries into 2009 with few changes.

Acura's Super Handling all-wheel-drive (SH-AWD) system is standard across the 2009 MDX model line; the full-time all-wheel-drive configuration distributes the optimum amount of torque not only between the front and rear axles, but also between the left and right rear wheels, to help maintain better stability and traction when cornering. A 300-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 engine brings strong acceleration to the MDX and impressive passing power, thanks to the responsive yet smooth five-speed automatic transmission. The 2009 Acura MDX has impressive towing ability for such a vehicle, with a maximum rating of 5,000 pounds.

If you've been pulled out of a sport sedan because of a growing family, the 2009 Acura MDX is surprisingly entertaining to drive. Along with the responsive powertrain, the suspension keeps the body from leaning too much in corners, even though the ride is quite supple, and the MDX can be hustled along a curvy road like a smaller, lighter vehicle. Each corner is independently suspended, and especially good steering--with feedback from the road--makes the MDX a lot more fun to drive than other utes.

A very clean interior design, with a good mix of contrasting materials and matte-metallic surfaces make the inside of the 2009 Acura MDX feel sporty yet inviting. However, the controls could be simpler--for the audio system especially. Programming the voice-activated system takes patience and time. But it's still better than BMW's iDrive. Driver and front passenger seats are generously apportioned and good for even the tallest and largest folks, but the minuscule third-row seat is only for small kids. Families will find plenty of storage cubbies as well. All models come standard with leather upholstery, 18-inch wheels, three-zone automatic climate contro