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2005 Acura MDX Road Test

Long-Running Premium Crossover Shines On

Although the 2005 Acura MDX is essentially unchanged from 2004, it continues to be a high achiever in the mid-size, premium SUV market. In fact the MDX has changed little since its introduction in 2001, which would suggest that Acura got it "right" the first time- something that is rare in the auto industry. Despite getting it "right" in so many ways, I am not sure they got it "right" design-wise as I have never been enamored by the nose job on the MDX. From day one I found it a little weird, as if it was intended to mimic the bow of a ship. Apart from its questionable marine imagery, the MDX projects a clean set of lines dominated by plenty of glass and sedan-like "C" pillars.

The roomy MDX will seat seven passengers thanks to its four doors and standard-equipment third row seat. But beware each row of seats become less comfortable as one migrates rearward.

The roomy MDX will seat seven passengers thanks to its four doors and standard-equipment third row seat. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

Sliding into the over-stuffed leather front seats is almost blissful. They offer near infinite power adjustments and are heated. Thanks to first-rate padding and support, stiffness and fatigue are minimized during long stints behind the wheel. Jumping back a row places less fortunate derrieres into a three-position second row bench- a move accompanied by a significant sacrifice in space and comfort. Legroom here is decent as is headroom, but given the premium stature of the MDX, the seating feels flat and under-cushioned. Lastly, the cramped third row seat is best reserved for children. Sure an adult

Due to the splitting of the HVAC controls, some adjustment time is required before usage becomes intuitive. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

can squeeze into it, but chances are he or she will end-up whining like a child before long.

An aspect of the MDX that I particularly admire is its interior build quality. High-grade materials and smooth functioning switchgear abound in the accurate, tightly assembled cabin. Something I found odd though is the placement of HVAC controls, which are split among two locations on the imitation wood-faced center stack. A small grouping set high on the center stack control a portion of the HVAC functions while the fan speed, mode and A/C buttons are positioned much lower on the center stack, beneath a large LCD screen. Due to the splitting of these controls, some adjustment time is required before HVAC usage becomes

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

intuitive. 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. Its 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

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

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 166.6 inches in overall length to the land-yacht, 226.4 inch Ford Excursion. For my preference, the MDX pulls the tape to a perfect overall length of 188.7 inches. Believe it or not, thats less tape than needed to measure the 189.5 inch 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 isnt an MDX forte, such as it is in a Landrover, despite its 8.0 inches 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.

The highly refined powerplant in the MDX generates a healthy 265 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

Maximum traction can easily be sustained by simply pushing a dash-mounted button, engaging Hondas Variable Toque Management 4WD system (VTM-4). Doing so locks the power delivery to all four wheels when travelling less than 6 mph. This is a very effective means of freeing the vehicle when mired in snow or mud. As the vehicles speed increases, rear-drive torque gradually diminishes until 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.

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