2005 Acura MDX Road Test

A terrific-sounding, six disc in-dash audio unit arrives as standard MDX fare. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

The remarkably straightforward, translucent MDX instrument cluster makes-up for the HVAC eccentricity; and so does the terrific-sounding, six disc in-dash audio unit that arrives as standard MDX fare. In fact there is very little in the way of optional equipment available in the heavily contented MDX, which is typical of Acura. A voice-recognition navigation system featuring a rear view camera for safe backing up and OnStar communications are among the few selections.

When the third row seat is folded flat, the MDX cargo area becomes quite spacious. Dropping the second row creates a cavern capable of housing a small Buick. It's the versatility of this enhanced passenger accommodation and cargo space that many purchasers are seeking when choosing an SUV over a more conventional all-wheel-drive (AWD) wagon. The dilemma often faced by such purchasers is; how big do I want to go? SUVs run the full scale of sizes, from the compact Toyota RAV4 at 4,232 mm (166.6 in) in overall length to the land-yacht, 5,751 mm (226.4 in) Ford Excursion. For my preference, the MDX pulls the tape to a perfect overall length of 4,793 mm (188.7 in). Believe it or not, that's less tape than needed to measure the 4,813 mm (189.5 in) 4-door Honda Accord on which the MDX is based, so finding adequately-sized parking should be no more challenging for the MDX driver than the Accord wheel man.

Because of its car-based architecture and the absence of low-range gearing, true off-roading isn't an MDX forte, such as it is in a Landrover, despite its (8.0 in) of ground clearance. Nevertheless the MDX possesses all of the traction capability most owners will ever ask for and more. Its automatic all-wheel-drive system uses front-wheel drive for dry pavement cruising, and engages all four wheels when needed to improve traction or stability.
 

Honda's VMT-4 4WD system is very effective when mired in snow or mud. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

Maximum traction can easily be sustained by simply pushing a dash-mounted button, engaging Honda's Variable Toque Management 4WD system (VTM-4). Doing so locks the power delivery to all four wheels when travelling less than 10 kph (6 mph). This is a very effective means of freeing the vehicle when mired in snow or mud. As the vehicle's speed increases, rear-drive torque gradually diminishes until 30 kph (19 mph), at which point rear locking is fully disengaged. I had occasion to test the ability of this setup last year during a nasty snowstorm and was most impressed with the results.