MDX is the largest of the “X” or All Wheel Drive Crossover Utility Vehicles that Acura brings to the Canadian market and it is manufactured in Alliston Ontario. The largest of the Acura crossovers, MDX has been freshened up for 2010.
Exterior
Up front, Acura has put in their signature grille and made some other changes to the front fascia, fenders and hood. There has been a little cosmetic tweaking of the sides by changing the side sills. At the rear, tail lights have a new shape and brighter LEDs installed. The lower rear fascia is now sculpted around the dual polished stainless steel exhaust tips giving a classier look to the rather large tail.
Engine
Improvements that you can’t see start with an increase in displacement of the V6 to 3.7 litres. Add to that a revised engine block that is stiffer than before, uses a high-strength crankshaft, heavy duty rods and high compression pistons. On top of that are revised cylinder heads with better cooling, new intake valve springs, new EGR system, unique longer reach spark plugs and a larger throttle body. All this is done to keep up with Acura’s pledge to provide V8 power from a V6. At 300 hp and 270 lb.ft. of torque, the company has fulfilled its mandate.
Other improvements include throttle by wire, variable valve lift and timing on the intake cams and a computer controlled dual stage induction system; Acura has broadened the torque curve so that there is more useable power throughout the power band. In addition to the increases, Acura has improved fuel economy over the previous MDX as well.
Transmission
A new engine with different characteristics requires a new transmission to make the best use of what it can do. The MDX's new transmission is an electronically controlled six-speed box with sequential sport shift and a multi-clutch torque convertor. The first five gears are relatively short for good acceleration and economy around town. Sixth is a taller highway gear optimized for fuel efficiency and quiet cruising.
All Wheel Drive
Acura uses their Super Handling All Wheel Drive system or SH-AWD for short on the MDX. This system shuffles power not just from front to rear but from side to side as well. It reduces under steer while cornering and makes use of the best traction available regardless of surface.
 |
| Up front, Acura has put in their signature grille and made some other changes to the front fascia, fenders and hood. (Photo: Charles Renny/Auto123.com) |
Exterior
Up front, Acura has put in their signature grille and made some other changes to the front fascia, fenders and hood. There has been a little cosmetic tweaking of the sides by changing the side sills. At the rear, tail lights have a new shape and brighter LEDs installed. The lower rear fascia is now sculpted around the dual polished stainless steel exhaust tips giving a classier look to the rather large tail.
Engine
Improvements that you can’t see start with an increase in displacement of the V6 to 3.7 litres. Add to that a revised engine block that is stiffer than before, uses a high-strength crankshaft, heavy duty rods and high compression pistons. On top of that are revised cylinder heads with better cooling, new intake valve springs, new EGR system, unique longer reach spark plugs and a larger throttle body. All this is done to keep up with Acura’s pledge to provide V8 power from a V6. At 300 hp and 270 lb.ft. of torque, the company has fulfilled its mandate.
Other improvements include throttle by wire, variable valve lift and timing on the intake cams and a computer controlled dual stage induction system; Acura has broadened the torque curve so that there is more useable power throughout the power band. In addition to the increases, Acura has improved fuel economy over the previous MDX as well.
Transmission
A new engine with different characteristics requires a new transmission to make the best use of what it can do. The MDX's new transmission is an electronically controlled six-speed box with sequential sport shift and a multi-clutch torque convertor. The first five gears are relatively short for good acceleration and economy around town. Sixth is a taller highway gear optimized for fuel efficiency and quiet cruising.
All Wheel Drive
Acura uses their Super Handling All Wheel Drive system or SH-AWD for short on the MDX. This system shuffles power not just from front to rear but from side to side as well. It reduces under steer while cornering and makes use of the best traction available regardless of surface.
 |
| At the rear, tail lights have a new shape and brighter LEDs installed.(Photo: Charles Renny/Auto123.com) |