SUV Review: 2015 Acura MDX Elite

Story and photos by Russell Purcell

The Acura MDX received a thorough freshening for 2014, so there are few changes to the current model.

However, the big news with the redesign was that the MDX lost weight, was more aerodynamic, and had become more refined in every department.

Now in its third generation, the luxurious sport utility has long been the Japanese company’s sales leader. The MDX offers consumers seven passenger seating in a conveniently sized package. Unlike many of its truck based rivals, the MDX delivers a ride and drive experience closer to that of a sports sedan than a pickup truck.

The MDX features a 3.5-litre V6 engine that produces 290-horsepower and 267 lb.-ft. of torque.
PNG Merlin Archive, Driving

There are four models of MDX available- MDX, MDX Navi, MDX Tech and MDX Elite – and all come fitted a 3.5-litre V6 engine that produces 290-horsepower and 267 foot-pounds of torque. This smooth operator features direct injection and variable cylinder management to help make efficient use of fuel. The latter will allow the engine to operate in 3- or 6-cylinder mode depending on load requirements.

This very efficient engine is mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission which is also equipped with Sequential Sportshift steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters. The MDX is perfectly happy performing daily duty getting you to and from your many appointments, but when you feel the need to have a little fun behind the wheel, the MDX has been engineered to perform.

Enthusiast drivers can select the Sport setting from the three-mode Integrated Dynamic System (Normal, Comfort and Sport) which will sharpen the response of the throttle, gearbox, brakes and steering, slide the shift lever into Sport mode,  and use the paddle controls to make his or her own gear selections. The MDX will sprint from a standstill to 100 km/h in about 5.5 seconds.

The MDX features stylish 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with all-season tires, but our test vehicle featured upgraded 19-inch wheels as part of the Navigation Package.
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The driving experience is much more satisfying than one would expect, as the MDX features dynamic handling and a very well sorted suspension system.

Steering is lightly assisted, and the vehicle tends to track exactly where you point the nose, even at higher cornering speeds, which inspires confidence in the driver. This is a pretty impressive characteristic for a vehicle of this type.

When the weather takes a turn for the worse or road conditions get slick and sloppy Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive system will keep you moving safely along your way.

This advanced system reacts to conditions by alternating torque from front to rear wheels, as well as splitting rear-wheel torque from left to right in an effort to maintain traction and a continuously smooth ride.

The MDX is also equipped with Agile Handling Assist, an innovative system that has been designed to complement the SH-AWD system and help improve the MDX’s cornering ability, smooth ride quality, and deliver enhanced braking performance.

The rear passenger compartment is spacious enough for three adults. The flat floor area allows room for real human feet! [PNG Merlin Archive] ORG XMIT: POS2014111810141154
PNG Merlin Archive, Driving

The interior is well designed with most controls, dials, and instruments within easy reach of their intended operator. Our test vehicle was a fully loaded MDX Elite, which features the full array of technological goodies, an arsenal of active safety equipment, and upgrades to comfort and infotainment features across the board. While plush, feature laden and very luxurious, I should point out that the base MDX is pretty well equipped for the money, and in reality, is probably where most sales will occur.

The second row seating area is very spacious, and at six-foot-two inches tall I had plenty of head-, shoulder- and legroom. Taller individuals will appreciate the carved out recess in the headliner, as well as the fact that the seats are adjustable fore and aft to accommodate knees.

The third-row seating area was made more accessible with the 2014 redesign, as there is a lower step-in height and the second row seats now move further out of the way to create a wider entry passage to the rearmost cabin. Unlike the outboard second row seats which mimic the look, shape and comfort of the front bucket seats, the third row pair sit taller, reducing leg room, and have far less cushioning. These seats are still comfortable and supportive, but they are best reserved for children.

At the same time, the size of the MDX’s cargo compartment was enlarged slightly. With the capability of hauling seven passengers, a little more room for their associated chattel is always appreciated.  Cargo capacity with all seats in place is a respectable 447-litres.

The touchscreen controller for audio and HVAC settings is very functional and easy to read.
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For those occasions when you need to transport bulky items rather than passengers, the MDX will swallow 2,575-litres of gear when both sets of rear seats are folded flat.

If you require seven-passenger seating there aren’t an awful lot of options out there.  And if the idea of owning a minivan makes you cringe, as does the thought of trying to navigate one of those enormous truck-based domestic barges through traffic and busy urban streets, then a vehicle like the MDX may be the perfect solution for your needs.

The Acura MDX represents an attractive option to those consumers looking for a good mix of luxury, comfort, performance and utility in a very stylish carrying case.

2015 Acura MDX Elite, as driven by Russell Purcell

Type of vehicle All-wheel-drive, full-size luxury SUV

Engine 3.5-litre, DOHC, 24-valve, 6-cylinder

Power 290 hp @ 6,200 rpm;  267 lb.-ft. @ 4,500 rpm

Transmission 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters

Brakes Four-wheel disc with ABS

Tires (Front/rear) P245/60 R18

Price: base / as tested $49,990 / $63,990

Destination charge $1,995

Natural Resources Canada fuel economy L / 100 km
City: 12.7L ( 22.2 mpg); Hwy: 8.5L ( 33.2 mpg)

Standard features:    Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), Agile Handle Assist, Hill Start Assist, Integrated Dynamic System, 18-inch alloy wheels, ABS brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control System, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, independent suspension, dual front and side airbags, front knee airbags, three row side curtain airbags, , engine immobilizer, alarm system, Power operated heated front seats, driver seat memory, heated windshield, chrome door handles, heated power side mirrors, headlight washers, Jewel Eye LED head lamps. LED tail lights, power moon roof, tinted glass, Acoustic glass, ambient lighting, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, electronic tilt/ telescopic steering, HandsFree Link Bluetooth, HomeLink, Colour TFT Display, Smart Entry Keyless Access, multi-angle rear view camera, power tailgate, power windows, push-button start, remote linked 2-position memory for driver’s seat / steering column / climate control / mirrors, Tri-Zone Climate Control,  432-Watt AM/FM/CD / XM /MP3 / WMA with 8 speakers, Bluetooth audio, leather trimmed interior, 10-way power driver’s seat, 8-way power passenger seat, heated steering wheel, 50/50 split third row bench seat,  steering wheel audio controls, cruise control.
Options    Navigation Package ($5,000): Includes Acura Navigation System with voice recognition, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Information System, 19-inch wheel upgrade, puddle lights, rain-sensing wipers, AcuraLink Connectivity System,  501-Watt Premium ACURA/ELS  Surround Sound System,  Hard Disc Drive Storage; Technology Package ($4,000): Includes DVD entertainment system with 9-inch display, smart keyless access for rear doors, perforated premium leather seats, auto-levelling headlamps, power folding mirrors, self-dimming side mirrors, 529-Watt Premium ACURA/ELS  Surround Sound System, heated 2nd row seats, rear door sunshades, roof mounted centre channel speaker, 115-volt A/C outlet; Elite Package ($5,000): Includes Acura Ultra-Wide Entertainment System with 16.2-inch display, Surround View Camera System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Roof rails, real Olive Ash trim, 546-Watt Premium ACURA/ELS  Surround Sound System, power lumbar support (passenger), ventilated front seats, remote starter, additional roof centre channel speaker, and parking sensors.

2015 Acura MDX Elite, as driven by Russell Purcell

Overview    Seven-passenger, full-size luxury SUV.
Pros Exceptional cabin layout, top safety marks, competent handling dynamics and good fuel efficiency when compared to competitors.
Cons Options are expensive. Lacks the name cache needed to impress your friends.
Value for money Good
What would I change? The navigation system is a little more complex than it needs to be.
Vehicle rating: 2015 Acura MDX Elite
Interior   8/10
Exterior 8/10
Storage and cargo 4/5
Performance 8/10
Quality and refinement 8/10
Value 12/15
Driveability  12/15
Tech and toys 4/5
Fuel economy 7/10
TOTAL 71/100
Editor’s choice? No