2007 Acura MDX

By Daniel Souza

Situated somewhere on the eastern part of 300 South in Provo and having Springville as the backdrop, the 2007 Acura MDX gets its picture snapped as the not-so-warm sun peaks from behind the clouds, setting the perfect canvas for the Japanese descent machine.

Take another brisk glance at this all-new sport utility vehicle and your mind may trick you in believing an U.F.O. landed in this Area-51 bordering state. No, the '07 MDX did not come from a far, far away galaxy, but it could have. Its new fascia displays bold impressions from a sci-fi derived movie. Its dramatic styling utilizes large surface areas, sweeping curves and decisive angles. Longer, wider and lower (and with a longer wheelbase) than the original MDX, the new dimensions create a more athletic appearance.

The MDX is equipped with High-Intensity Discharge (HID) low-beam headlights, an array of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) in the tail lamps and center high-mounted stoplight, and exterior mirror-mounted turn signals. The new grille also reflects a fresh look for the MDX. Careful aerodynamic tailoring reduces drag noise and high speed dynamic stability.

The MDX has been very important to Acura, accounting for about 30% of the division's sales since the vehicle's introduction as a 2001 model.

The 2007 MDX—which sits up to seven passengers—has an all-new chassis to complement its V-6 engine and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive(TM) (SH-AWD(TM)). Engineers targeted the BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne when developing the MDX chassis, and then tested and refined it at the Nurburgring circuit. The Active Damper System, available in the Sport Package, has proprietary fully active dampers that adjust to road conditions on a real-time basis - in less than five milliseconds (0.005 sec.).

With its 5000-pound towing rating, standard trailer pre-wiring, high-capacity radiator with twin cooling fans, ATF cooler and Trailer Stability Assist, the MDX needs only a dealer-installed hitch and wiring to tow a substantial trailer.

As for the inside, this oriental SUV wows any passenger aboard, but it will take time and practice—lots of it—to get used to its airline carrier-like instrument cluster panel. Set aside a day (or a whole weekend) to familiarize yourself with its controls. It certainly packs impressive and useful features, but usability will only come with repetition.

On the other hand, passengers aboard will appreciate the MDX's Tri-Zone automatic climate control system and new 253-watt, 8-speaker Acura Premium Sound System with multi-format 6-disc in-dash CD, MP3, WMA changer, AM/FM tuner, and XM(R) Satellite Radio. An auxiliary jack for personal audio devices is also included.

Standard convenience features include HomeLink(R), Smart Maintenance, and adaptive and flexible cargo space with six configurations. Included in the available Entertainment Package is a power tailgate, the first on an Acura SUV.

With a displacement of 3.7 liters, the 2007 MDX features Acura's largest and most powerful V-6 engine. Developing 300 horsepower and 275 lbs.-ft. of torque, the MDX's output is competitive with many V-8 engines - without the fuel-economy penalty that some V-8 engines suffer. To widen the powerband and improve emissions and fuel economy the engine has VTEC(R) (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control), a dual-stage intake manifold, and an electronic Drive-by-Wire Throttle System(TM). EPA estimated mileage of 17/22 mpg (City/Highway) and a large 21-gallon fuel capacity should get you to Las Vegas without a refuel stop.