Road Test: 2009 Acura MDX
After being sold on buying giant SUVs, many Americans are now finding their full-sized SUVs are too expensive, too bulky and not so much fun to drive. This is exactly why crossover vehicles (CUVs) have become more popular than SUVs. And the 2009 Acura MDX may be one of the best CUVs on the market today.
First, you won’t have to sacrifice passenger space. The 2009 Acura MDX holds seven passengers in relative comfort. Secondly, you’ll be saving money at the pump as the 2009 Acura MDX gets a decent 20 mpg highway and 15 mpg city. Last, but not, least the 2009 Acura MDX drives more like a car and less like a heavy SUV. Plus, the 2009 Acura MDX comes with a long list of standard comfort and luxury features.
2009 Acura MDX Interior
On my road test this week, I was surprised to discover this navy blue-colored 2009 Acura MDX Sport had a base MSRP of $48,890. Everything on this model came standard, including the voice-activated navigation system (with AcuraLink’s real time traffic and weather forecasting), DVD rear entertainment system with wireless headphones, power leather seats, a 10-speaker surround sound system, Bluetooth connectivity, power tailgate, power tilt moon roof, 18-inch allow wheels, steering wheel-mounted cruise, heated front seats, audio and Bluetooth voice controls. And much more….wow!
Inside, the 2009 Acura MDX has tons of creature comforts and eye-pleasing design. The swooping driver and passenger cockpits have a sporty luxury look with lots of great textures like shiny faux bois wood, burnished metals and textured plastics. The driver and passenger seats are super comfortable with 10-way power adjust and power lumbar support.
In the back, the second- and third-row seats include lots of cup holders, bottle holders and niches for mobile devices. And as for cargo space, the third-row back seats fold down completely flat. In fact, we were able to fit an almost 10-foot Christmas tree into the 2009 Acura MDX by quickly folding both the second and third row seats. Now that’s holiday cheer!
However, it may take some time to get used to the 2009 Acura MDX’s controls. Although I found the central control panel to be eye catching, there’s too many buttons everywhere and I had a hard time figuring it all out in my week long road test. The temperature controls, in particular, were rather mystifying. As always, however, I enjoy any car with controls built into the steering wheel. And the 20009 Acura MDX comes with some wonderful ergonomic steering wheel controls for the audio system, cruise controls and voice activation for Bluetooth, navigation and AcuraLink.
Speaking of AcuraLink, I was SUPER impressed with Acura’s navigation system with voice activation, rearview camera and AcuraLink communication system. I mean, this system rocks! In my road test, I was constantly using the system to check everything from upcoming traffic to weather forecasting to its lane analysis feature, which accurately shows you each straightaway and turning lane. And, AcuraLink has tons of other handy features like a calculator with weight and area converter and even Zagat restaurant reviews. The system uses buttons and a ball-like feature to deliver one of the most easy-to-use infotainment systems in the industry.
In addition, the 2009 Acura MDX’s 10-speaker surround sound system with Dolby Pro Logic is top notch. The whole family enjoyed bumping the sound system all week with its XM satellite radio, six-disc CD changer and MP3/auxiliary input jack.
Outside, I found the 2009 Acura MDX to also be a winner. Although the styling isn’t as brash as Acura’s new TL sedan, the Acura MDX can definitely compete with other luxury CUVs and SUVs in the design department.
2009 Acura MDX Performance
As for performance, I was happy to road test Acura’s new “super handling” all-wheel-drive system on its 2009 Acura MDX SH-AWD. Acura says the SH-AWD system delivers better cornering capabilities by eliminating torque steer. I agree. The excellent handling and cornering on the 2009 Acura MDX SH-AWD gives it a friendly drive in both city and highway driving. Plus, the 3.7-liter, 300hp VTEC V6 engine on the 2009 Acura MDX delivers great acceleration for a rather heavy mid-sized CUV. The 2009 Acura MDX SH-AWD is surely a fun-to-drive CUV in all driving conditions, especially during inclement weather.
2009 Acura MDX Safety
The 2009 Acura MDX SH-AWD also has excellent safety features, including lots of air bags, vehicle stability assist, anti-lock brakes and active front head restraints. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administrative gave the 2009 Acura MDX SH-AWD five star ratings in both its front and side crash tests. And, the 2009 Acura MDX SH-AWD received four-star rollover ratings.
Sheryll Alexander is a lifestyles writer based in Costa Mesa, Calif.
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