2007 Acura MDX: What's New

Vehicle Overview
Acura introduced its MDX as a 2001 model. Before long, the midsize sport utility vehicle from Honda’s luxury division began to tally impressive sales totals. Shoppers even faced waiting lists for the car-based seven-passenger MDX, which is loaded with luxury features. For 2007, the MDX has been redesigned, gaining more horsepower and Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, as well as numerous options.

The MDX competes against such rivals as the BMW X5, Lexus RX 350 and Mercedes-Benz M-Class. It features Bluetooth connectivity, variable power-assist steering, a tire pressure monitoring system and a 5,000-pound tow rating for 2007.

Exterior
With the 2007 redesign, Acura went for a more integrated look in the MDX’s rear quarters. No longer does the rear glass area look tacked on. Instead, conventional A-, B- and C-pillars are in place, and the overall look is more similar to BMW’s X SUVs than Lexus models.

The grille is more pronounced, with two planes of metal framing the Acura caliper badge. Side views show a pronounced, almost fender-like arch over the wheel wells. At the rear, there is an integrated bumper and an overall smooth, chiseled appearance.

The MDX comes with 18-inch wheels and high-intensity-discharge low-beam headlights. A Sport Package adds auto-leveling xenon headlights and a different wheel design.

Interior
The MDX carries seven people and has a 10-way power driver’s seat that can remember settings for two drivers. Front passengers have to make do with eight-way adjustment. There are also standard heated front seats, automatic three-zone climate control and a cargo space that can be configured six ways depending on how the seats are folded.

An Entertainment Package includes a rear DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones and remote, a 110-volt power outlet in the center console, second-row heated outboard seats and a remote-operated power tailgate.

The Technology Package includes Acura’s voice-recognition navigation system, real-time traffic information and a GPS-linked, solar-sensing automatic climate control system.

The Sport Package adds leather seating surfaces and metallic accents to various trim pieces.

Under the Hood
The 2007 MDX gets a bigger engine that produces more power and torque. The 3.7-liter V-6 turns out 300 horsepower and 275 pounds-feet of torque, up from 253 hp and 250 pounds-feet of torque in the previous model. The engine is mated to a five-speed automatic with sequential manual shifting. Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system is standard. The Sport Package adds an active damper system.

Safety
Dual-stage front airbags, side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor for all three rows of seats are standard. For 2007, both the driver and front passenger get knee airbags and active head restraints. All-disc antilock brakes are installed.