Our review score: 8.8 / 10
The 2015 Acura MDX may not be the best, but it definitely holds its own against other midsize SUVs thanks to opulent features, sizeable cargo area and unparalleled dependability.
The MDX stands above so many other SUVs because it places a priority on the luxury experience without cutting back on sensibility. With three rows of seating, superior handling and formidable fuel economy, the premium-grade SUV is perfect for a growing family.
There are plenty of SUVs out on the market that make a big deal, placing a lot of prestige in relation with luxury. Take a glance at European manufacturers and what they offer with their premium utility vehicles and you’ll understand what I mean. The 2015 Acura MDX offers the same amount of awe, but distinguishes itself as a lively yet practical choice with standard features that rival models that are considered “high-end.” The Acura MDX is all-round luxury SUV, not a vehicle full of compromise.
Spacious and Plenty of Cargo Room
The MDX’s high-quality materials and driver-focused design make the cabin comfortable and easy to operate with clear and simple gauges. Compared to the likes of the Lexus RX, BMW X5 and Audi Q7, the Acura MDX is more than spacious, with design that’s both rich and impressive. The SUV deserves to be on the list with those brands, for sure.
Flexible, accommodating and with a lot of generous space, all seven of your passengers can enjoy the pleasant ride – though it lacks in cargo room in comparison to competitors. The third row, however, is best saved for children as it is a bit of a squeeze.
With the third row seats up, the MDX has 15.8 cubic feet of space. However, with the second and third row seats down, the overall cargo room increases to 90.9 cubic feet.
Layered Technology and Safety Features
There is much to highlight when it comes to the 2015 Acura MDX. Starting at $42,565, the MDX is available in four trims, offering an elite selection of features. The highly-regarded Advance & Entertainment model increases the price of the vehicle to $56,780, but has real-time traffic reports, a DVD player with a 9-inch screen, a 110-volt power outlet, heated rear seats and safety features, such as blind-spot information system, lane-departure warning system and forward-collision warning system. By no means are these features considered overwhelmingly priced when compared to Acura’s competitors.
Also coming optional, the MDX has front and rear park-assist sensors, adaptive cruise control system and collision-mitigation braking system, which is designed to avoid impact in slow-moving traffic. The standard edition has antilock disc brakes, stability control and numerous airbags for the driver and curtain airbags for everyone else.
The 2015 Acura MDX has a top five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a top score of “Good” in safety crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Fuel Economy
The V6 engine features Variable Cylinder Management, a technology that allows the crossover to “shut off” three of the six engine cylinders when it is cruising or decelerating.
Rated number five behind its aforementioned competitors, the 2015 Acura MDX all-wheel drive has EPA ratings of 18 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg combined.
Advanced Performance
Touted as one of the most luxurious rides a crossover can offer, the 2015 Acura MDX is quite convincing with a formidable 3.5-litre V6 engine that is capable of producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. If you have a trailer or a boat, the MDX can tow up to 5,000 pounds when it is set up properly.
The crossover is also built with amplitude-reactive dampers, which reduce vibration on cracked pavement, gravel roads and other less-than-ideal driving surfaces. Although the steering is not as crisp as on the older version, the vehicle does not lose any confidence in its capabilities. The MDX is also available with the Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system in addition to the standard front- and all-wheel model, which gives it terrific traction in all weather.
Verdict
The 2015 Acura MDX is an inspiring vehicle with aptitude for comfort and performance. Is it the best SUV around? Not necessarily, but it is definitely one of the best on the market.
