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2011 Acura MDX

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2012 Acura MDX

Overview

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2011 Acura MDX Review

By Jason Allan, KBB.com Editor

By combining manageable dimensions with 7-passenger capacity, a comfortable highway ride with responsive in-town handling and car-like construction with respectable off-pavement capability, the MDX has been one of our favorite SUVs since its introduction for the 2001 model year. In fact, as it trails only the Lexus RX 350 in category sales, the MDX has proven to be a favorite of many. Last year, Acura gave its flagship SUV a few major upgrades which carry over onto the 2011 model. Fortunately, the characteristics that made the original MDX appealing are still present on the current version.

You'll Like This Car If...

The perfectly practical MDX is also one of the most powerful, most tech-savvy V6 SUVs on the road, giving it assured access to the top tier of any premium midsize SUV shopping list.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you prefer the softer, tamer side of a premium lifestyle, you might be more comfortable in the Lexus RX 350 or Buick Enclave.

What's New for 2011

There are no major changes for 2011.

Driving the MDX

Driving Impressions The fact that Acura introduced the MDX on a racetrack with other high-performance SUVS says quite a bit. The fact that it was indeed the MDX that put the biggest...

smiles on our faces says even more. When pushed hard, the MDX's 300 horsepower, sophisticated all-wheel-drive system and optional active damping system combine to deliver an SUV that's fun to drive even at or near its limits. We were also impressed by the MDX's off-road ability, which we were able to sample on a short but extreme course. Fortunately, because very few will ever negotiate a racetrack or even a muddy trail, the handily athletic MDX is even more pleasing around town and on the highway than any MDX before it.

Favorite Features

Technology Package
With a navigation system that provides real-time traffic and weather info and an audio system that delivers amazing 6-channel Surround Sound via DVD-Audio disc, we'd be hard-pressed not to check this option box.

SH-AWD
Squeeze the throttle while in the middle of a corner and the MDX's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system transfers more torque to the rear outside wheel, delivering truer steering response and perceptibly higher cornering limits.

2011 Acura MDX Details

Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

In its pursuit of greater performance, the 2011 Acura MDX has given up nothing in practicality. For example, the MDX offers 15 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the third row, which is just two cubic feet less than the full-size Chevrolet Tahoe. For bigger loads, both rear rows fold flat. The reclining second-row seats offer enough legroom for those six feet tall and more, while the third row is best suited for smaller folks riding on shorter trips. The MDX even offers a minivan-like 10 cupholders. Up front, the MDX is an attractive mix of sport, luxury and technology, with highlights that include perforated leather or premium Milano leather seats, wood-like or metallic trim and a collection of intuitive controls and LED lighting.

Exterior

Complementing its wide, low, aggressive stance, the boldly styled MDX features a shield-like take on Acura's 5-sided grille, thick wheel arches filled with 18-inch wheels and prominent oval tailpipes. High-intensity discharge (HID) headlights, mirror-integrated turn signals and LED taillamps further the cutting-edge appearance, as does a radio antenna that's been cleverly integrated into the rear spoiler. The MDX is longer, wider and taller, by varying degrees, than the Lexus RX 350 and Volvo XC90.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Some of the bigger features included at base price include the powerful V6 engine and sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, power and heated front seats, power moonroof, HID headlamps, Bluetooth hands-free phone interface, a 253-watt 8-speaker audio system with 6-disc CD/MP3/WMA changer, 3-zone automatic climate control, an auto dimming mirror, steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls, six airbags and electronic traction and stability controls.

Optional Equipment

All of the 2011 Acura MDX's optional features are bundled into three packages. The Technology Package highlights include a sophisticated navigation system with an 8-inch LCD screen, AcuraLink real-time traffic and weather reports, Zagat restaurant reviews, plus a DVD-Audio Surround Sound system and power rear liftgate. The Advance Package features an active suspension, ventilated sport seats covered in rich perforated Milano leather, a sport steering wheel with paddle shifters, Collision Mitigating Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control, blind spot information system, auto leveling HID front headlamps and 19-inch alloy wheels. The Entertainment Package includes a DVD rear entertainment system.

Under the Hood

The MDX features Acura's most powerful engine ever, connected to a 6-speed automatic transmission and the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system that distributes torque not only between the front and rear wheels, but also between the left and right rear wheels. In addition to cornering advantages, the system also makes for a less-intrusive stability control system. The available Active Damper System, in which the shock absorbers can change from soft to firm in milliseconds, helps mitigate the traditional trade-offs between a comfortable ride and spirited handling. The MDX features unibody construction and a fully independent suspension, and can tow up to 5,000 pounds with the added benefit of a Trailer Stability Assist feature.

3.7-liter V6
300 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm
270 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/21

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2011 Acura MDX Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.1

Out of 10

Based on 203 Ratings for the 2007 - 2012 Acura MDX models.

Review this car

Value

9.2/10

Quality

9.2/10
Reliability

9.4/10

Performance

9.3/10
Comfort

9.3/10

Styling

9.3/10

Nice SUV

By SGRogue (GA) on Saturday, May 12, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 28,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Plenty of space, excellent navigation"

Cons: "Rides lower than traditional body-on-frame SUV"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"We purchased our 2011 Acura MDX w/ Tech Package in Bali Blue Pearl new in April of 2011. It literally came off the showroom floor, with add-ons such as the roof-rails and running boards. The MDX sure is a looker!! After test driving the Lexus GX 460, Mercedes-Benz ML350, and BMW X5, the MDX fit our needs the best out of them all. Our previous vehicle was a 2006 Lexus GX 470 (w/o nav--sold w/ 90,000 mi). We have had a previous experience with Acura, owning a 2005 TSX simultaneously with the GX. In the past year, we have covered nearly 30,000 miles and have found some pros and cons. Acura, having been known for its technology innovations, has totally blown us away with the stellar navigation system and ELS sound system. However, push button start should've been added to the 2010 refresh. Acura's switchblade key is really too large and cumbersome. One overly annoying "feature" of the key fob is that if you use the 'Driver 1' key fob as the primary key, as we do, it automatically resets vehicle to the Driver 1 settings as you open the door after Driver 2 was driving, forcing you to wait as it loads Driver 1 to then turn around and make it load Driver 2 again. The Super Handling-All Wheel Drive is fantastic when the weather is not. We are also getting better fuel economy than with the GX. The little display in the gauge cluster claims 18.5, better than the 14 overall in the GX. Premium gas is required. On the negative side, it, as expected, rides lower than our old GX. We have also experienced some cosmetic issues with the MDX such as ill-fitting panels in the cargo area, a broken cup-holder, a snapped cover on the passenger side seatbelt anchor, and easily scratched plastics. I really wish that cooled seats came with all MDXs instead of just the Advance model as we only have heated seats. For an SUV, this vehicle is great to drive. However, if we were to do it again, we would likely not purchase the MDX again but instead go for the new RDX, a fantastic car. Thats not to say that the MDX is a bad car, but it is just not what we thought we needed. The Acura service has been fantastic!! Our first service was free and we have only had to go back for one service since then."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Allot of vehicle for the money

By DBO (LA) on Tuesday, April 03, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 80,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Fit, finish, ability to tow, utility"

Cons: "road noise, stereo could be a bit louder"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"My only complaint would be the road noise. I know that is very tire and road-dependent, but I feel the cabin should have better sound deadening. It's not horrible by any means, just not what you would expect from a luxury SUV."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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