The engine is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission with SportShift manual mode that delivers ultra-quick shifts. The MDX does not provide paddle shifters on the steering wheel, though. Drivers have to make do with the console-mounted gear selector when using the manual mode.
This midsize SUV comes standard with Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). Using sophisticated electronics, the system automatically monitors road conditions and alternates torque from front to rear while also splitting rear-wheel torque from left to right.
In normal driving conditions, about 90 percent of the available torque is transferred to the front wheels, meaning the MDX basically handles like a front-wheel drive vehicle.
On other occasions, like when you accelerate on a slope, up to 70 percent of the torque (or even 100 percent if need be) is shifted to the rear axle in order to ensure maximum traction. Contributing to sportier driving dynamics when attacking corners at cruising speeds, SH-AWD can even rotate the rear outside wheel 1.7-percent faster than the inside wheel.
Lavish cabin
The interior of the 2009 Acura MDX welcomes a maximum of seven passengers in a very opulent environment. The list of features and amenities include a navigation system with bilingual voice recognition and rearview camera, HandsFreeLink Bluetooth wireless mobile phone interface (a challenge to synchronize), tri-zone automatic climate control with humidity control and air-filtration system as well as a 10-speaker premium sound system that turns the cabin into a concert theater!
The driver gets a generously-sized, 10-way, power-adjustable seat (including adjustable lumbar support and 2-position memory) in addition to a power tilt and telescoping steering column. Three leather tones are available (Ebony, Taupe and Parchment), but no wood trim. Meanwhile, the front passenger benefits from an 8-way, power-adjustable seat -- a sweet feature that is seldom found in more plebeian offerings.
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| The name of the vehicle refers to "Multi-Dimensional luXury". |
This midsize SUV comes standard with Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). Using sophisticated electronics, the system automatically monitors road conditions and alternates torque from front to rear while also splitting rear-wheel torque from left to right.
In normal driving conditions, about 90 percent of the available torque is transferred to the front wheels, meaning the MDX basically handles like a front-wheel drive vehicle.
On other occasions, like when you accelerate on a slope, up to 70 percent of the torque (or even 100 percent if need be) is shifted to the rear axle in order to ensure maximum traction. Contributing to sportier driving dynamics when attacking corners at cruising speeds, SH-AWD can even rotate the rear outside wheel 1.7-percent faster than the inside wheel.
Lavish cabin
The interior of the 2009 Acura MDX welcomes a maximum of seven passengers in a very opulent environment. The list of features and amenities include a navigation system with bilingual voice recognition and rearview camera, HandsFreeLink Bluetooth wireless mobile phone interface (a challenge to synchronize), tri-zone automatic climate control with humidity control and air-filtration system as well as a 10-speaker premium sound system that turns the cabin into a concert theater!
The driver gets a generously-sized, 10-way, power-adjustable seat (including adjustable lumbar support and 2-position memory) in addition to a power tilt and telescoping steering column. Three leather tones are available (Ebony, Taupe and Parchment), but no wood trim. Meanwhile, the front passenger benefits from an 8-way, power-adjustable seat -- a sweet feature that is seldom found in more plebeian offerings.
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| The front buckets are quite large but not supportive enough for cornering manoeuvres. |