2008 Acura MDX Detroit MI
(586) 296-1300
Roseville, MI
(248) 471-9200
Farmington Hills, MI
(734) 786-9115
Ann Arbor, MI
(313) 259-1200
Detroit, MI
(313) 886-3000
Detroit, MI
(800) 731-8356
Troy, MI
(616) 942-8040
Kentwood, MI
(313) 846-8000
Detroit, MI
(313) 891-8000
Detroit, MI
(313) 202-3890
Detroit, MI
2008 Acura MDX
October 27, 2009 By Alison Lakin, Associate Editor
2008 Acura MDX
DriverSide Overview
With so many large vehicles out there for you to choose from, narrowing it down to the one that both you and your kids like can be an immense challenge. Thankfully, your hunt for a seven-seat family SUV may finally end with the 2008 Acura MDX . This SUV provides a grounded, sporty drive on a crossover chassis and delivers ride comfort to all seven occupants. Accessories like DVD players and navigation systems will appease the rowdiest of children and spouses. While the gas-sipping V-6 won't win any drag races, it will provide a solid ride for those who want more than a ho-hum SUV to schlep the gang around.
What's to Like
The first two rows of seats are incredibly roomy, especially for a crossover SUV, and there seems to be a never-ending amount of storage nooks. The Acura Navigation System is simplistic in its efficiency, and the at-eye-level screen is easy to read.
What's Not to Like
Due to the more sporty nature of the MDX, the ride can be a little bumpy. The power outlets have silly covers on them that could impede larger plugs, and the third row of seats can really only accommodate children.
The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
You would think that a crossover SUV's hefty weight would impact driving. You would, in this case, be wrong. The MDX has a surprising amount of pickup for a vehicle with three rows of seats, and competitors, like the base Volvo XC90 , lack the horsepower that this car produces. Acura has definitely leaned toward the sportier setup, the suspension is a little hard for luxury driving, but around corners you'll love the sturdy and powerful feel from the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive System. Saying that, the drive quality is diminished slightly by the command position – you feel a bit like you're floating above everything and not as connected to the road as you'd like.
Engine and Drivetrain
Acura has upped the power in this second generation MDX. A 3.7-liter VTEC V-6 engine produces 300 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. Its wide wheelbase, while less sporty than its RDX sibling, is almost as dynamic. The all-wheel drive system can transfer 100% of its power to the wheels that need it most, giving you a more secure ride. The transmission is a five-speed automatic with Sequential SportShift controlled at the shifter.
Interesting Vehicle Features and Options
There are an impressive number of standard features in this crossover. Off the bat you're given leather seats, an mp3 auxiliary jack, three months of XM Satellite Radio and Bluetooth interface. If you're feeling flush, we'd recommend the $3,500 technology package, which adds a navigation system with real time traffic and the ELS audio system – an aural dream. DVD entertainment is available in a few optional packages as well, and sport packages provide an active damper system.