Acura styling radically different

This week, we test drive Acura’s MDX Touring R&N luxury sport utility, powered by a 265-horsepower V-6 engine. Built on the same platform as its cousin Honda Pilot, the MDX is nearly $10,000 more thanks to those special Acura luxury features we’ve come to love. The styling is also radically different, as are the handling characteristics.

For 2005, MDX offers new standard features that help maintain its position as a front-runner in the luxury SUV division. The cabin is multipurpose yet refined. Three easily transformable rows of seats allow up to seven passengers, with a convenient walk-in feature provided at the right (curb) side. The second-row seat slides forward with the touch of a lever, making entry easy for smaller children and the elderly.

If you need to haul supplies from the home center, the second- and third-row seats split and fold flat into the floor, resulting in 81.5 cubic-feet of cargo room. With all three rows in use, the MDX’s cargo is reduced to 14.8 cubic-feet, still a good deal of space for weekly grocery needs.

Acura’s standard features include a moonroof, multi-function digital trip computer, climate-control system, two rows of leather-trimmed seats, premium sound system, heated front seats, and steering-wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls.

Notable is MDX’s standard premium sound system that comes with XM Satellite Radio (and a complimentary 90-day subscription). All Touring models are equipped with an upgraded 225-watt, eight-speaker Acura/Bose Music system with six-disc In-Dash CD changer. Add HandsFreeLink mobile communications, a Navigation System with Voice Recognition, OnStar Digital/analog tri-modal system and a spectacular DVD Entertainment System with a pull-down LCD screen, and you’ve got the latest in entertainment and communications technology.

The 3.5-liter, 24-valve, all-aluminum V-6 engine pumps out 265 horsepower and 253 foot-pounds of torque. MDX offers better fuel economy than most of its luxury SUV competitors, with EPA ratings of 17-mpg city and 23-mpg highway. (The four-wheel-drive MDX uses front drive only on the highway for better fuel economy.) Coupled to the engine is a wide-ratio five-speed automatic transmission designed for street, off-road and towing ease.

Driving manners come from a four-wheel fully independent suspension with four-wheel, four-channel ABS disc brakes mated to beautiful 17-inch alloy wheels and all-season tires. Front and rear stabilizer bars, a wide track and a low center of gravity finish off the MDX suspension, resulting in good, but softer, cornering response.

Handling is further enhanced by a Vehicle Stability Assist system that works in concert with the VTM-4 four-wheel-drive and drive-by-wire throttle systems to provide enhanced control during acceleration, braking and cornering. Your Acura dealer can explain these high-tech standard features in detail. Occupants are well-protected, thanks to a great front, side and side curtain air bag system.

Important numbers include a wheelbase of 106.3 inches, 19.2 gallon fuel tank (premium unleaded) and a curb weight of 4,510 pounds. Our MDX came fully loaded for $49,470, with everything standard except the $570 destination.

MDX is an SUV for those who prefer luxury to bold off-road ability. Although MDX will take you off-road, it is best suited for navigating slippery highways and hauling the family to a ballgame. If you want more off-road ability, buy the Pilot with the manual transmission for about $10,000 less. If not, MDX is for you. We rate this Acura a nine on a scale of one to 10.

Likes: Acura quality, roominess, lots of standard high-tech features.

Dislikes: Handling is on the softer side, no gear-shifters allowed.