Model Strengths:

300-horsepower V6; super handling all-wheel drive; luxury coupled with reliability.

Model Overview

There are only a few vehicles that can be used in place of a small fleet of cars, and the 2009 Acura MDX is one of the best of them. For starters, the MDX doubles nicely as a luxury sedan. The front leather-trimmed power seats both coddle and support you, plus their heating function is a godsend when winter's arctic blasts hit. The electric moonroof, tri-zone automatic climate control, speed-sensing windshield wipers, satellite radio, and incredible sound system almost seem out of place in an SUV. The MDX is still an SUV, though. All-wheel drive ensures MDX can handle inclement weather, a possible 83.5 cubic feet of storage space guarantees a trip to the home center won't be a problem, seating for seven helps for carpool duties, and a 5,000-lb towing capacity can get the boat to the lake. The MDX was developed partly on European racetracks, and offers driving dynamics that make it a suitable substitute for sportier alternatives. The 300-hp 3.7L VTEC V6 goes a long way to satisfying boy-racer fantasies. The four-wheel disc brakes provide ample stopping power, the ride is excellent, and the handling is assured. A 5-speed automatic transmission backs up all MDXs. Other standard equipment includes a 10-way power adjustable driver seat, an 8-speaker, 6-disc CD stereo with MP3 playback, steering wheel controls for cruise control and the stereo, and Bluetooth handsfree wireless telephone interface. A Technology Package adds navigation, a rearview camera, real-time traffic updates, a premium 10-speaker stereo, and remote power tailgate. The Sport Package comes with an active damping suspension system that adjusts the shocks in milliseconds to meet driving demands. A button on the console allows the driver to select between sport and comfort modes. Most impressive is Acura's use of its SH-AWD (super handling-all wheel drive). Not only is power shifted front to rear to aid when the road becomes slippery, but it also transfers a goodly portion of the 275 lb-ft of torque between the right and left rear wheels to provide better drive out of the corners. The Sport Package also tacks on premium leather seat trim, the power tailgate, and the contents of the Technology Package. An Entertainment Package can be added to either of the above and includes heated second row seats, a DVD rear-seat entertainment system, and a 115-volt console outlet.

Model Changes

Following a major redesign in 2007 and only minor changes last year, Acura's top-of-the-line MDX SUV carries over into 2009 with minimal updates. The remote-operated power tailgate previously available only with the Entertainment Package is now included in the Technology and Sport packages.

Model Value

The 2009 Acura MDX is sporty enough to make most drivers forget they are behind the wheel of a seven-passenger people carrier while still being convenient to use for family and household activities. The lavish attention to detail will leave you feeling as if you'll never need a luxury sedan again.