Vehicle: 2007 Acura MDX Elite
Price as tested: CDN$63330

Performance: Underneath the MDX is Honda’s new SOHC VTEC 3.7L V6 engine. With Honda’s variable valve timing and lift electronic control or VTEC, its good for 300 horses and 275 lb/ft of torque. Honda has set the standards, in terms of smoothness/quietness/sweetness and flexability with this new powerplant in this class. While the engine note remains sporty, it doesn’t have the “boy racer” sound of one of its major competitors. With 275 lb/ft of torque available at 5 grand, it might look torqueless down low. The fact is its torquery and powerful in low rpm while retains Honda VTEC’s healthy and additive rush on top. The 5-speed sequential gearbox is as impressive as its engine. Honda engineers decided to allow enthuisasts to rev it through the redline, instead of upshifting, to prove this is a sporty SUV. The shifts are crisp and smooth. All the ratios are very well spaced and matched perfectly with MDX’s character.

Handling: Along with a stiff chassis, MDX comes standard with the same impressive SH-AWD, or Super Handling all-wheel drive. In terms of dynamics, MDX rates very highly in my book. The steering is precise and responsive, with plenty of feedback and weight. While there are still some safe understeer, which is kinda expected in a CUV, it remains a very composed package when hustling through twisty bits. The ride quality, on the other hand, its simply exceptional. The suspension simply eats up all the expansion joints and washboard pavement, with a sense of European suppleness tuned. One has to give mod to Honda for designing its VSA as an uninstrusive type. It simply won’t step in until the last minute, when the driver can’t override law of physics. The Active Damper System also acts as an enhancement to MDX’s dynamics. In “sport” mode with stiffer shocks, it handles much sportier than in “comfort” mode. The changes are dramatic between these 2 modes. One can experience the ride as comfort as a RL or handling as impressive as a TSX in a push of a button. Nifty indeed.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, MDX’s braking performance simply lives up to its sporty prowess through corners and straight line. The brake pedal feels crisp and linear, without all the spongy feedback usually associate with SUV.

Interior: Honda has always been regarded as one of the best interior builders in the world, the same is true in an MDX. There are nice piano wood trim decorating around the dashboard. The instrumentation gauges are clear and analog. With tri-zone climate control, everyone can adjust their ideal temperature in their own seating positon. With 8-way power adjustable driver’ seat and power adjustable steering, everyone can find their driving position easily. The leather seats are well-made with nice hides and comfortable.

The second row remains a very comfortable place with plenty of head and legrooms. While the third row has improved its legroom, its still better leave for kids back there. If you want a 7-seater, buy a minivan please.

Conclusion: The outgoing MDX was a runaway success for Acura simply because it offers unbeatable package at a very attractive price. With the introduction of new MDX, Acura has added some spice into the successful receipt. A class-leading powerplant and a wonderful SH-AWD plus Active Dampers, if you opt for a loaded Elite. At the end of the day, its the customers who will be hard to choose between a sportier RDX or more luxurious MDX in Acura showroom.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2007 ACURA MDX
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4.5/5