2012 Acura MDX SUV Review and Price

2012 Acura MDX is a luxury crossover that provides comfort, technology, and a satisfactory driving dynamics. Dynamics comfort of the Acura MDX comes from its “Super Handling” all-wheel-drive system (SH-AWD). Lots of luxury crossover buyers who only consider the rear or all-wheel-drive model and the Acura uses the AWD system to automatically allocate resources to the 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.

2012 Acura MDX is supported by a 3.7 liter V6 engine that is able to deliver 300 hp and 270 pound feet of torque. In addition, this car uses a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive is standard. At the time of testing, MDX acceleration from 0-60 mph takes about 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.

Acura MDX cabin is a technology that is really fun. The MDX connected creature comforts are easy to use via a multipurpose knob and a selection of voice commands. As in most Acura’s, 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 Technology package adds a multi-view parking camera, GPS-linked and solar-sensing climate control, upgraded leather upholstery, a navigation system with 8-inch display and dial controller, real-time traffic and weather, voice controls and a 10-speaker Acura/ELS surround-sound audio system with digital music storage and an iPod/USB interface.

2012 Acura MDX MSRP from $42,930.