Along with the rearview camera, the infotainment screen actually does triple duty. It displays a very straightforward, easy to use navigation system featuring voice prompts, plus it's also the interface for manual air conditioning and fan settings should there be a desire to over-ride the automatic climate control system, which is standard equipment on the MDX. The screen is nicely positioned in the central pod area of the dash just above the sophisticated integrated audio head.
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| The 7-inch, roof-mounted, DVD screen flips down and can be easily viewed from the second and third row seats. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
With that in mind the Bose audio system allows the front speakers to play CDs or the radio, while the DVD system plays its audio through a pair of wireless headphones for rear seat passengers. Interestingly, the wireless headphones are only capable of receiving a signal behind the front seats, preventing the driver from wearing them. The 7-inch, roof-mounted, DVD screen flips down and can be easily viewed from the second and third row seats. This is definitely a well-planned vehicle for long distance family hauling duties. Completing the versatile MDX audio design are steering wheel mounted controls for volume, channel and mode.
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| The MDX's interior is better than the majority of domestic SUVs, including the more expensive Cadillac SRX. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
The cabin is crafted to very high standards. Most prominent surfaces are nice to touch, with joints and seams that are accurately fitted together and switchgear that operates with Rolex-like precision. Before driving the new TL sedan I would have said Acura had not skimped on the MDX interior or made-do with sub-standard components, but it's clear the all-new sedan is a major step forward. Some of the dash plastics, while better than the majority of domestic SUVs, are hard and not up to the quality levels of a BMW X5, Volkswagen Touareg, Volvo XC90 or Lexus RX 330. On the flip side the MDX is quite a bit better put together than the Cadillac SRX, which starts and ends much higher in price. All in all, its perceived interior quality is not anything that would give me concern if my money was on the table, a somewhat lesser amount than the first three of these four examples by the way.
