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Introduced for 2007, the redesigned MDX comes on the chassis of the most-recent version of the Honda Odyssey minivan, which itself is based on Honda’s midsize sedan platform that also holds the Accord and Acura TL.

The previous generation of the MDX, introduced in 2001, had a similar heritage — based on the platform of the previous Accord/TL/Odyssey.

With such a sedan/minivan derivation, it stands to reason that the ’07 MDX is marketed by Honda’s premium division as a crossover utility vehicle.

As I’ve before, though, crossover is just a new term for wagon. The MDX could accurately be described as a TL wagon, or even a minivan without the requisite minivan sliding doors.

The so-called crossover is just the latest form of mom-mobile, replacing minivans and/or traditional truck-based sport utility vehicles in many suburban driveways.

These are the new-age family wagons, but with some significant differences from those big wagons of the ’60s and ’70s that many of us baby boomers grew up with. But instead of being the ugly, poor-handling people-movers that those old wagons were, many of the vehicles in this new breed actually have some style and sporty performance.

That’s certainly the case with the MDX, which probably has the boldest styling yet of any Honda-built family hauler.

The grille alone is somewhat controversial, which is unusual for Honda. This is a company that until now has gone to great lengths to be anything but controversial; Honda builds cars for the masses, and for the most part, the masses don’t care for flashy, cutting-edge styling.

A starting price of $39,995 (plus $670 freight) puts the MDX up against other solid entries in this class, including the Lexus RX 350, BMW X5, Volvo XC90, Saab 9-7X, Mercedes-Benz ML, Cadillac SRX, and all-new Lincoln MKX.

With all the available options, our test vehicle’s sticker totaled $48,465 (with freight). The base price is about $2,000 more than last year’s while the top price is about $4,000 more.

You can buy a cheaper version of the MDX – the Honda Pilot – but will have to wait until later this year to get the redesigned (2008) Pilot. As with the original MDX and Pilot, Honda introduced the Acura model first.

The MDX’s shieldlike grille is its most notable exterior feature. Some critics have called it “polarizing.” That’s a term that I’ve used to describe some other automakers’ products, such as the 2004 Nissan Quest minivan or the current Chrysler 300 sedan – it means that people generally either love it or hate it; there is no in-between. But while Nissan and Chrysler products are often edgy enough to be polarizing, that’s a new concept for Honda/Acura.

I like the styling of the new MDX, including the grille, but I’m not sure I’m ready to call it edgy. It certainly is more interesting than the previous MDX, which looked more like a minivan than an SUV.

Inside, the MDX is well-designed, except for one feature: the knob-style controller for the optional dash-mounted navigation system (which also includes a backup camera system). This unit replaced the very user-friendly touch-screen nav system that was offered in the previous MDX. I’m not sure what Honda’s interior designers were thinking, but using a controller that is nearly as confusing as the ridiculous iDrive contraption in some BMW vehicles is not very Honda-like. It did come from another Acura vehicle, though – the flagship RL sedan.

Beyond that, there is little to complain about with the new MDX.

Our vehicle’s optional upgraded leather seats were part of a nicely designed interior that is more like an upscale living room than a car.

Honda wanted this premium crossover to appeal to the well-heeled consumers who generally prefer European brands such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

To that end, the 2007 MDX has near-sport-sedan handling, especially with the optional “active-damper” sport suspension, which was included on our test vehicle.

This system has two settings – “Sport” and “Comfort” – and uses special magnetic-oil-filled shock absorbers whose damping rates are controlled by an onboard computer. The system allows for crisp cornering, even in “Comfort” mode, but especially in the “Sport” setting (which is the default).

I couldn’t tell the difference in ride quality between the two settings, however. Both were quite comfortable to me, smoothing out routine road bumps nicely.

There’s a considerable boost in power over the previous MDX. The only engine offered is a 3.7-liter V-6, a slightly larger version of the 3.5-liter that came in the 2006 model. Horsepower is now up to 300 from the previous 253; torque has been boosted to 275 foot-pounds, up from 250.

While the power increase is noticeable at higher rpms, there is a lack of low-end torque that makes it hard for this vehicle to get moving from a stop. Honda says it goes from zero to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, which is hardly sport-sedanlike performance. It’s more than sufficient for a family SUV, however – just don’t plan on having a lot of fun at the track with the MDX.

EPA fuel-economy ratings are 17 miles per gallon in the city and 22 mpg on the highway using the 2007 formula; with the government’s new criteria for 2008, those figures probably will be about 14 city/20 highway.

The new model is two inches longer than before, has a two-inch longer wheelbase, and is 2.3 inches wider. It’s also a half-inch lower than the ’06 model, but for some reason, it looks even lower than that. Its lower center of gravity and wider track help with the cornering abilities. The changes were designed to make the vehicle less-prone to rolling over.

Continuing with Honda’s “safety for everyone” initiative, the new MDX has a side-curtain air bag system for all three rows of seats, designed to help protect occupants in side-impact crashes and in the event that a rollover does occur.

A standard electronic stability control system is designed to prevent rollovers by applying braking to various wheels and cutting back on the throttle in the event of a panic maneuver.

Other safety features include standard front seat-mounted side air bags, a tire-pressure monitoring system, antilock brakes, and an impact-absorbing body structure. There is room for up to seven passengers in the MDX. Although the third seat is most comfortable for smaller adults or children, larger adults can sit back there in relative comfort for at least short trips.

All versions of the MDX come with Acura’s “Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive” system, a new five-speed automatic transmission with sequential sport-shift, and a host of premium features that consumers in this vehicle class expect.

Among standard amenities are a three-zone automatic climate control system with humidity control; a hands-free wireless telephone interface; and a 253-watt, eight-speaker audio system with six-disc CD changer, XM satellite radio and an auxiliary input jack the center consoled for an iPod or other portable music player.

The base model has enough included equipment to stand on its own, but there are three options packages offered for those who want to dress the MDX up.

An extra $4,495 adds the Technology Package, which brings the navigation system and a 10-speaker, 410-watt, Acura/ELS premium audio system. This raises the total price to $43,495 (plus freight).

For $2,100 on top of that, the MDX comes with the Technology Package and a Sport Package. This brings the Acura “active damper” sport suspension, as well as an upgraded leather interior, unique alloy wheels, auto-leveling xenon headlights, and exclusive interior trim.

The rear entertainment package is an additional $2,200, and includes a factory installed DVD system with LCD screen for the rear passengers, along with a 110-volt power outlet, heated second row seats and a remote-controlled power tailgate.

Either the Technology or Sport package is required before the entertainment system can be added. If you opt for the rear DVD system, you lose the iPod jack in the center console. An iPod can be connected to this system using regular audio cables, but it overrides the audio portion of the DVD movie playback.

G. Chambers Williams III is staff automotive columnist for the San Antonio Express-News and former transportation writer for the Star-Telegram. His automotive columns have appeared regularly in the Star-Telegram since 1995. Contact him at (210) 250-3236; chambers@star-telegram.com.

At a Glance: 2007 Acura MDX

The package: Midsize, four-door, seven-passenger, all-wheel-drive, V-6 powered, premium crossover utility vehicle. Highlights: Redesigned for 2007, this is the second generation of Acura’s midsize crossover; a redesign of the similar Honda Pilot will follow for 2008. This vehicle is on the same chassis platform as the Honda Odyssey minivan, which was derived from the Honda Accord architecture. There is a bolder exterior design and more power. Negatives: Third seat is too small for larger adults; poor fuel economy and it requires the more-expensive premium fuel. Engine: 3.7-liter V-6. Power/torque: 300 HP/275 foot-pounds. Transmission: Five-speed automatic. Brakes, front/rear: Disc/disc, antilock. Length: 190.7 inches. Curb weight: 4,539-4,587 pounds. Cargo volume: 15 cubic feet (behind third seat); 42.9 cubic feet (third seat folded); 83.5 cubic feet (all rear seats folded). Towing capacity: 5,000 pounds. Electronic stability control: Standard. Side air bags: Seat-mounted for front occupants; side curtain for all three rows. Major competitors: Lexus RX 350, Infiniti FX 35, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz M-class, Mercedes-Benz R-class, Buick Rendezvous, Buick Enclave (2008), Volvo XC90, Volkswagen Touareg, Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne, GMC Acadia. EPA fuel economy: 17 miles per gallon city/23 highway. Fuel capacity/type: 21 gallons/unleaded premium required. Base price: $39,995 plus $670 freight. Price as tested: $48,465 including freight and all available options. On the Road rating: 8.3 (of a possible 10).