2010 Acura MDX
Power: 3.7-liter, V6, 300 horsepower
Mileage estimate: 16-21 mpg
Price: $42,320
Standard features include: heated front seats; paddle shifters; antilock disc brakes with brake assist; stability control with a stabilizing feature for trailer towing; collision mitigating braking system; power liftgate; sunroof; tri-zone automatic climate control; eight-way power front seats; 50/50-split-folding third-row seat; leather upholstery; eight-speaker stereo with in-dash six-CD changer, satellite radio
Late winter reminders were everywhere on this weekend ski trip to Lake Tahoe: mountains painted white with snow, roads that were beaten up by harsh weather, signs of animals starting to come out of hiding, and people shedding clothing on two very sun-drenched ski days.Prepared for any weather change, but with only a hint of snow late one evening, I traveled pleasantly into the Lake Tahoe region and back thanks in part to the all-around road capability of the 2010 Acura MDX.
Now in its fourth year of production by Honda’s luxury division, the all-wheel drive MDX is one of many midsize luxury crossover sport utility vehicles that can make any drive more appealing. It provides what practically all drivers are seeking – performance, handling, convenience and comfort.
The sales dilemma facing the MDX and the whole crowd in this category is contending with each other. In driving many of them over the past several years, a true favorite doesn’t immediately come to mind.
The MDX has plenty of company in the Infiniti FX35, BMW X5, Buick Enclave, Porsche Cayenne, Mazda CX-9 and the Lexus RX 350, which was the forerunner in this highly competitive class.
Not residing on its laurels, the MDX has a modest redesign for 2010. What some people may notice first is the adaptation of a grille that some industry folks are calling a “corporate grille” because of its commonality to other Acura models.
This year’s MDX, which has three rows of seating and can accommodate seven passengers, has abandoned the standard five-speed automatic transmission and moved to a six-speed. The change provides a modest increase in both power and fuel economy, which now ranges between 16-21 mpg.
