2012 Acura MDX - SUV Review



2012 Acura MDX SUV

 Introduction
The 2012 Acura MDX could be the best high-class cross-over you haven't yet regarded. Missing among the European-style symbols, the United states bulk carriers and its own Japanese competitors, the Acura MDX is a quiet challenger. It offers some of the grateful high-class sessions, top safety and comfort technology, and rewarding driving characteristics in the class without depending on brand name cachet to get your attention. 

Much of the MDX's dynamic enjoyment comes from its "Super Handling" all-wheel-drive system (SH-AWD). Many luxury crossover shoppers will only consider a rear- or all-wheel-drive model, and the Acura uses its AWD system to apportion power automatically to outside wheels during cornering. While the MDX is still mostly driven by the front wheels in straight-line cruising, the system kicks in undetected to all but the savviest drivers during spirited maneuvers on twisting sections of road. The net effect is a crossover with predictable driving dynamics in all kinds of weather conditions, plus communicative steering that makes this utility vehicle feel smaller than it is.

Inside its cabin, the MDX rivals Acura's flagship RL sedan for quality. Soft leather, handsome wood trim, and buttons, switches and knobs with a precise action to them demonstrate Acura's attention to detail. The base MDX comes with a wealth of standard features, but three available packages push the tech and luxury into territory more familiar to buyers of European models.

Safety

Standard safety equipment for the 2012 Acura MDX includes antilock brakes, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags, active front head restraints, traction control and stability control with a stabilizing feature for trailer towing. The optional CMBS monitors following distance and closure rate, and uses visual and auditory warnings to alert the driver to a possible collision. If the system senses an imminent collision, it can apply hard braking and cinch up the front seatbelts. 

In government crash testing, the MDX received four out of five possible stars for overall frontal crash protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the MDX its top score of "Good" for occupant protection in frontal offset and side-impact crashes. In brake testing, the MDX came to a stop from 60 mph in 123 feet, an average result for this class of vehicle.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2012 Acura MDX is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 that produces 300 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard.

In  performance testing, the MDX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined. Properly equipped, the MDX can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Driving Impressions
For a three-row SUV, the 2012 Acura MDXMDX's center of gravity feels lower than it looks to the eye. The active dampers (available with the Advance package) soak up the bumps when necessary and firm up when the pace quickens, though the standard suspension works just fine (and without the added cost).

Acceleration from the 3.7-liter V6 is a little soft until the revs reach the midrange. From there the engine pulls with enthusiasm, while the MDX's six-speed automatic transmission upshifts smoothly. Overall, the MDX is one of the most rewarding luxury crossovers to drive.

Interior Design and Special Features

The MDX's cabin is a technology lover's dream. Thankfully, the MDX's connected creature comforts are easy to use via a multipurpose knob and a selection of voice commands. As in most Acuras, the center stack is loaded with buttons for climate control and multimedia. It's an intimidating array at first, but the learning curve is short. The Panasonic/ELS surround-sound audio system is one of the best in the business, as is the navigation system.

The MDX is pretty spacious for a three-row midsize luxury crossover SUV. The rearmost seats are better suited to children, but adults can ride there for short journeys without complaint. Second-row seats recline for additional comfort, but if you need legitimate room for adults in the third row, the Buick Enclave and Ford Flex are better choices. The MDX yields 83.5 cubic feet of cargo space with its second and third rows folded, which is above average for a midsize luxury crossover.

2012 Acura MDX - SUV Specs

Measurements

• Width: 78.5 in.
• Height: 68.2 in.
• Length: 191.6 in.
• Ground clearance: 8.2 in.
• Front track: 67.7 in.
• Rear track: 67.5 in.
• Wheel base: 108.3 in.
• Cargo capacity, all seats in place: 15.0 cu.ft.
• Maximum cargo capacity: 83.5 cu.ft.
• Maximum towing capacity: 5000 lbs.
• Curb weight: 4594 lbs.
• Angle of approach: 22.2 degrees
• Angle of departure: 23.8 degrees

Engine & Performance

• Base engine size: 3.7 L
• Cam type: Single overhead cam (SOHC)
• Cylinders: V6
• Valves: 24
• Valve timing: Variable
• Torque: 270 ft-lbs. @ 4500 rpm
• Horsepower: 300 hp @ 6300 rpm
• Turning circle: 37.6 ft.
• Base engine type: gas

DriveTrain

• Drive type: all wheel drive
• Mechanical center differential
• Transmission: 6-speed shiftable automatic
• Center and rear limited slip differential
• Brake hill holder

Suspension

• MacPherson strut front suspension
• Multi-link rear suspension
• Four-wheel independent suspension
• Front and rear stabilizer bar

Fuel

• Fuel type: gas
• Fuel type: premium unleaded (required)
• Fuel tank capacity: 21.0 gal.
• Range in miles (cty/hwy): 336.0/441.0 mi.
• EPA mileage est. (cty/hwy): 16/21 mpg

　2012 Acura MDX - SUV