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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2010 Acura MDX

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2014 Acura MDX

Overview

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2010 Acura MDX Review

By KBB.com Editors

By combining manageable dimensions with seven-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. For 2010, Acura has made a number of improvements with new emphases on performance, technology and styling. Fortunately, the characteristics that made the original MDX appealing are still present in the current model.

You'll Like This Car If...

The perfectly practical MDX is also one of the most powerful, most tech-savvy V6 SUV 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 2010

The 2010 MDX see major changes in the area of design, power and technology. Acura's largest SUV sports a new front and rear end, a host of interior upgrades and a new Sequential SportShift six-speed automatic transmission. Improvements have been made to the rear suspension, as well as to the navigation and audio system. A new option this year is the Advance package, which offers a revised Active Damper System and larger 19-inch wheels.

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 six-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.

2010 Acura MDX Details

Interior

In its pursuit of greater performance, the 2010 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 wider, lower, more aggressive stance, the boldly styled MDX features a shield-like take on Acura's five-sided grille, thick wheel arches filled with 18-inch wheels and prominent oval tailpipes. High-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, 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 eight speaker audio system with six-disc CD/MP3/WMA changer, three-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 2010 Acura MDX's optional features are bundled into three packages. The Technology Package highlights include a sophisticated navigation system with new eight-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 new Advance Package features an active suspension, ventilated sport seats covered in rich 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 new six-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 @ 6300 rpm
270 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/21

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2010 Acura MDX Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.9

Out of 10

Based on 229 Ratings for the 2007 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.0/10

Quality

9.0/10
Reliability

9.2/10

Performance

9.2/10
Comfort

9.2/10

Styling

9.2/10

I love this vehicle.

By Kevin (NH) on Friday, July 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 160,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "great value, fun to drive, versatile, looks great,"

Cons: "low MPG, loose stick to change gears"

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

"This car is one of my favorites that I have ever driven. The navigation system is user friendly, the car handles amazingly even well into its life, and it is very versatile. When it has the sports rack, it looks incredible from the outside. My only complaints are the double whammy of mediocre gas milage and premium gas, but if you are willing to do 20 MPG @$4 a gallon, it is well worth the money."

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Literally best in class!

By Acura lover ATX (TX) on Monday, May 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 74,600

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Handling, options, roomy, value"

Cons: "."

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

"Loved my previous Acura's before this MDX and love my MDX just the same if not nor than previous A's. best driving dynamics in the class, sport/advance suspension makes this tank feel like a sport luxo sedan. Great stereo & DVD system. Gas mileage is impressive for a loaded, AWD and powerful SUV. Three row seating is better than most others in the segment. Most every "luxury" option comes standard on MDX and with a few packages its loaded beyond he competition."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Ordinary style

By Samyjade (TX) on Monday, March 11, 2013

I owned and sold this car
Reason: Didn't fall in love with this SUV - My approximate mileage is 10,000

10 6.0

overall rating 6 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 6/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Comfy"

Cons: "Gas milage, blah exterior style"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 2

"We were in the market for a luxary SUV, test drove BMW X3, looked at some others, and finally fell for the "special" our local Acura dealer had on their MDX and bought one(They probably had the special because they had a ton of them in their inventory with no buyers). This is a nice SUV but the exterior styling has no character to it... for that price, I think the styling should stand out a little and not blend in with the other cheaper SUVs on the road. Gas milage was not good, but we knew that already. Interior was ok, except the fake wood grain always had a glair right into my eyes every time I drove in the sun. Also I got in a Honda Accord once and noticed the interior looked a lot like my Acura MDX, which was disappointing to pay that price and get the same interior as they put in their Honda Accord. Anyways, overal, I liked the driving dynamics of it at first which is why we bought it, but I fell out of love with it very quickly. If you are in the market for something stylish and something that stands out a little, this isn't it."

9 people out of 19 found this review helpful

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Great SUV, mileage could be better

By Tony (NY) on Sunday, March 03, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Quality,ride, features, handling"

Cons: "Gas mileage could be better"

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

"I just bought the 2013 MDX...traded in my 2003 MDX with 106,000 miles. I drove every American-made SUV...none are close to the MDX for quality, technology, ride, etc."

9 people out of 9 found this review helpful

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Entertaining SUV

By lpac (MI) on Friday, March 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 26,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Performance, Handeling, Maintenance Cost"

Cons: "Not fuel efficient"

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

"I enjoy driving this vehicle. I didn't think I would, my previous car was a Audi S4 and I needed something that would haul the family in and handle the Michigan winters. As much as I liked my Audi I didn't enjoying paying out the exorbitant maintenance costs - every time I would go into the dealer it would cost $300-$1k to fix the vehicle. My wife has a Honda Pilot with 150k miles on it and we've paid low maintenance cost so I expect similar value from the Acura. In summary, this SUV feels and handles like a sports sedan. It will tear up curves and has great acceleration. I've equipped mine with Blizzaks winter tires and have driven through several west Michigan snow storms and the MDX was solid and surefooted at speed. Only downer for me is 19mpg on premium, luckily I work out of my home office so it doesn't hit me as much as say someone who has to commute for their job."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Gas hog and takes premium

By DM (TN) on Wednesday, February 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 15,000

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 3/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Comfortable, smooth ride, quiet"

Cons: "Poor gas mileage, premium gas"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 3

"I will admit that the MDX is nice to drive, but it delivers less than advertised gas mileage and costs me an arm and leg to keep on the road. If I had it to over, I would have stayed away from a car that requires premium gas."

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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See all 229 reviews