The MDX delivers a high fun-to-drive quotient, better than that of most other vehicles in the mid-size, mid-luxury SUV class. And the same traits that go into fun-to-drive also give a vehicle a better chance of avoiding, or at least minimizing, collisions'a big plus for a seven-passenger vehicle likely to perform family duties.



Besides handling, power can be viewed as an element of active safety, and here, too, the MDX delivers. Its 3.7-liter V-6 generates 300 horsepower and is mated to a smooth five-speed automatic. The combo is capable of propelling the MDX to 60 mph in just over seven seconds?impressive for a 4600-pound vehicle. The 5000-pound towing capacity is similarly impressive for a vehicle that traces its structural origins to a front-drive platform.

Fuel-economy ratings are 15 mpg city and 20 highway, and the MDX meets the top EPA and CARB emissions standards. Like other vehicles in this class, the profile of the latest MDX is a little sleeker and a little less boxy without excessive compromise of interior volume, which ranks at the top of the charts. The MDX goes for a techno-futuristic look in its styling, although some may find the buck-toothed-mole look of the front grille a bit off-putting. The interior has a sporty ambience, with supportive bucket seats in the first two rows, and of course there's a full range of features?standard and optional'to make long hauls more pleasant for everyone on board.

Verdict

Last year, we matched the MDX against seven top contenders in this class. The MDX topped the scoring, and by a substantial margin. End of story.

Click here to read our full review of the Acura MDX.

Click here to read our latest comparison test involving the Acura MDX.

What's New for 2008

The MDX received a floor-to-ceiling redesign for 2007. Enhancements for 2008 include updates to the real-time traffic information function of the navigation system, which adds more metro markets; a new interior trim option; and an auto-dimming day/night mirror.

Trim Levels

The MDX is offered in one trim level, with options-package upgrades that essentially list as distinct models. The standard vehicle ($40,910) includes all-wheel drive; anti-lock braking; stability control; 8.0-by-18-inch aluminum wheels; a power sunroof; xenon HID headlamps; heated power mirrors; speed-sensing wipers; an intermittent rear wiper; eight-way power heated front bucket seats; leather upholstery; 50/50-split-folding rear seatbacks; a power tilting-and-telescoping steering column; one-touch up-and-down power windows; power locks; keyless remote entry; memory presets for the seats, mirrors, and steering column; LED backlit gauges; a trip computer; an exterior temperature indicator; an eight-speaker AM/FM audio with a six-disc, MP3-capable in-dash CD changer and speed-sensitive volume; XM satellite radio; and three 12-volt power outlets.

Optional Equipment

As noted, Acura sells the MDX as one model with options-package upgrades. These stack equipment on top of one another and essentially exist as distinct models. The Technology package ($44,410) adds perforated leather upholstery, a nav system with a rearview camera and real-time traffic info, a 10-speaker audio system, steering-wheel-mounted controls (cruise, audio, phone, info display, voice recognition), and a GPS-linked, solar-sensing, three-zone auto climate-control system.

The next step is the Tech/Entertainment package ($46,610), which adds a DVD entertainment system, a power remote liftgate, and a 115-volt power outlet to the Technology package.

The Sport package ($46,510) stacks onto the Technology package and adds an auto-leveling feature to the HID headlamps, an active damping system, and 18-inch sport wheels.

The Sport/Entertainment package ($48,710) is the final frontier and adds to the Sport package heated outboard second-row seats, a power remote liftgate, a DVD entertainment system, textured interior trim, and a 115-volt power outlet.

Safety

Few vehicles equal the MDX's safety story. In addition to standard active features (ABS with electronic brake force distribution, stability control, traction control) and all-wheel drive, every MDX includes dual two-stage front airbags, front side-impact airbags, height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners, and three-row curtain airbags with integrated rollover sensing.

Passive safety features are augmented by exceptional structure. The MDX received five-star top ratings from NHTSA in four of five scoring categories and a four-star rating for rollover protection. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tests yielded a Good rating?the institute's highest rating?for frontal offset impact, side impact, and rear crash safety. The IIHS also named the MDX a top safety pick.