Redesigned Version of Acura MDX

Anthony Fontanelle
June 5, 2008

The Acura MDX is a mid-size crossover SUV produced by the Japanese automaker Acura. It has been into production in 2001 as Acura’s entry for emerging demands in crossover SUVs. It is known to be the first crossover SUV to have third-row seating.

A redesigned version of Acura’s upscale MDX midsize SUV debuted for 2007. It's larger than the previous model and has been improved in every area. It went out with a completely redesigned exterior and advanced interior features as well as other auto body parts. Later Acura released the 2008 Acura MDX that has some improvements over the 2007 model.

“The 2008 MDX is a 4-door, 7-passenger luxury sport-utility, available in 7 trims, ranging from the Base to the Sport Package w/ Rear DVD System. Both trims are equipped with a standard 3.7-liter, V6, 300-horsepower engine that achieves 15-mpg in the city and 20-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.” With this engine specification, reviewers agree that it drives more like a sports sedan than an SUV.

Reviewers like the MDX's bolder and richer look. According to Frank Paluch, the chief engineer of both the original and second-generation MDX models, the goal was to provide a "stealth family package," which the design team accomplished by lowering the visual center of the vehicle, what they call the C-line, and angling the D-pillar sharply forward to camouflage the third-row seating. It features a large pentagonal front grille with an elegant dark cherry paint job.

Many reviewers are complimenting the luxurious and hi-tech interior features of this car. It has seating for seven: two in the first row, two in the second row, and three in the third. Like the exterior, it has become more stylish than before. It has a navigation system that provides real-time traffic information and an audio system that delivers amazing six-channel Surround Sound via DVD-audio disc. The Acura MDX offers plenty of cargo space, especially with the third row folded down. It has 15 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the third row, which is just two cubic feet less than the full-size SUV.

This vehicle is comprehensively equipped and offers great styling. Acura did extremely well with the plan of redesigning the MDX.

According to usnews.rankingsandreviews.com, the 2008 Acura MDX does extremely well in federal government crash tests, earning five stars for driver safety and passenger safety in frontal crash tests and five stars for both the front and rear seats in side crash tests.

Source:  Amazines.com