2005 Acura MDX Review and Test Drive

The Acura MDX is the granddad of the mid-size, car-based SUV. Short but wide and tall, it drives a lot smaller than it actually is. With its exceptionally roomy and luxurious interior, the MDX’s ergonomics, like those of every Honda Motor automobile since time began, are flawless. Every control is exactly where it should be and everything works as intended every time. Exterior styling is unchanged for 2005. Price: $36,700; Warranty: 4/50,000.

First Glance

Exterior styling is unchanged again for 2005 leading one to wonder whether Acura’s stylists felt they got it exactly right the first time or whether they’re saving themselves for the next time. I can understand Honda not wanting to mess with a good thing – after all, the MDX continues to sell in very large numbers – but, frankly, its looks are beginning to pall. The interior features standard leather seats along with leather trim on the steering wheel and gearshift knob. The power moonroof is equipped with a convenient key-off operation, which should be standard on all moonroof-equipped vehicles. Standard VSA (vehicle stability assist) with traction control helps the driver keep the vehicle upright and between the lampposts in dangerous road conditions or when emergency evasive action is necessary. If bad things happen, the driver and front passenger are protected with front and side airbags as well as a sensor that automatically deploys side curtain airbags in a rollover. The rear passengers have to rely on their seatbelts with pre-tensioners (and to some extent on the side curtain airbags). Engineered front and rear crumple zones will help mitigate crash impact.

In the Driver's Seat

The first thing you notice once you manage to climb up and get yourself seated in the comfortable, fully adjustable seats (power 8-way for the driver) is the great visibility from every seat. Acura claims it’s a full 285 degrees. After the extraordinary array of luxury touches and electronic wizardry, the next thing you notice is the MDX feels a lot smaller from inside than it actually is, which comes as something of a surprise considering its generous exterior dimensions. Standing beside the Honda CR-V (which is classified as a full size SUV everywhere except North America) the MDX looks positively immense. However, it drives a lot smaller than it actually is. Perhaps it’s the very tight 38 ft turning circle, which means you can cleanly turn 180 degrees in a standard city street. This is important, especially on today’s jam-packed streets. Nominally, the MDX has room for 8 persons but the 3rd row bench is really only suitable for occasional use or for young children. If you have to carry 6 or 7 adults on a regular basis, you’ll be much better off with a minivan like the new Odyssey. In any case, the 3rd row folds flat into the floor, as does the second row. The 2nd row seats have ample legroom and offer terrific visibility.

On the Road

The MDX comes with a sophisticated aluminum alloy 3.5L V-6 with Honda’s brilliant VTEC variable valve timing. Power was increased in ’04 to 265hp and torque to 253 lb-ft. Maximum torque is available over an exceptionally wide range of engine speeds (3,500 – 5,000 rpm), which makes you think in highway passing situations there’s a V-8 under the hood. Acceleration is on a par with ‘60s era muscle cars. But because of the MDX’s slab sides, a strong crosswind can push you around during higher speed cruising. The superlative 5-speed automatic with grade logic means that when required the transmission will drop down a gear without any input from the driver. This reduces the dreaded “searching” common in less refined automatics. Fully automatic 4WD with Honda’s variable torque management (VTM-4) further reduces the margin for driver error in difficult road conditions. Even though the MDX offers good clearance (8 inches) and great approach and departure angles (because of minimal overhang), it’s no off-roader. If you peel away the bulk and the 4WD technology what you’ll find is an Accord family sedan. What this means is the MDX shouldn’t be used weekends for crawling up rock-strewn dry creek beds.

Journey's End

The made-in-Japan MDX is sold in North America and very few other parts of the world. It’s simply too big for most cities. And the way the roads in my corner of the world (Vancouver, BC) are filling up, probably too big for here as well. Nevertheless, I’ll bet dollars to donuts the next version of the MDX, which will likely be offered up in 2006, will be just as big. To lessen the impact of what are sure to be even higher gasoline prices, the 2006 will probably offer Honda’s brilliant hybrid drive and new multiple displacement technology (available this year in the new Odyssey minivan). I certainly hope so. Toyota began offering its hybrid system in its Lexus equivalent this year. I also hope the next version of the MDX will finally offer a power rear lift gate. That this is perhaps the major shortcoming of the current MDX shows very clearly just what a great automobile we’re talking about. The MDX has been a real winner for Acura since it was first introduced here almost five years ago. Inertia alone should see that success continue through 2005.