2015 Acura MDX

Combined with Acura’s strong reliability reputation and a decent resale value, the MDX is definitely one of the best value-for-money propositions in its segment. Pricing starts at $42,765 and climbs up to $54,980 for the highest-end model. The 2015 Acura MDX competes with the Buick Enclave, Lexus RX 350, and INFINITI QX60. Let’s delve deep inside the 2015 iteration of the Acura MDX and discover all it has on offer for luxury-oriented shoppers.

The Acura MDX follows a different trim nomenclature unlike other SUV models in its segment. Customers have the usual base MDX variant available for purchase. Acura allows the customer to select from various packages to customize their SUV, and each package is considered a separate MDX variant. The packages available for selection are- Tech, Tech/Entertainment, and Advance/Entertainment. Every MDX variant features the same powertrain and can also be equipped with an all-wheel drive by shelling out extra bucks.

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We would love to opt for the Acura MDX with the Technology package for the best value under a $50000 budget. With this configuration, you are getting the privilege of a navigation system with voice controls, a premium sound system, upgraded climate control, and better safety features. Add in Acura’s excellent SH-AWD system and you are looking at a well-fitted luxury SUV with all desirable luxury features and assets installed.

The 2015 Acura MDX gets its dose of adrenaline from the same direct-injected 3.5-liter V-6 engine, capable of churning out 290 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque to soothe your taste buds for power. The engine is coupled to a 6-speed automatic transmission as the only choice of the gearbox. The MDX’s power is sent to the front wheels as standard. Acura’s off-road capable Super Handling All-wheel Drive (SH-AWD for short) is also available for all models at an extra price. 

Acura’s V-6 engine is one of the best engines out in the market, offering refined performance and flair every second of your drive. Its reworked suspension makes light work of every nasty road bump. The automatic gearbox is well-equipped to give you smooth downshifts and upshifts at your command. The Acura MDX sprints past 60 MPH in a time of 6.3 seconds and clocks in the quarter-mile run in 15.2 seconds. The MDX has a top speed of 145 MPH which is an above-average figure for most modern SUVs.

It is quite a close call between the Acura MDX and the Buick Enclave in the power charts. The Acura MDX has the bragging rights in the speed charts though, as it outclasses every other rival with its breezy 0-60 mph and quarter-mile times. The Lexus is the second-best in terms of speed. However, the MDX leads the pack with the best power output and the fastest straight-line speed timings.

The 2015 Acura MDX can stroll for an MPG of 20 in the city with the base powertrain. The same coupe returns a respectable MPG of 25 while cruising on the highway. With its decent fuel tank capacity of 19.5 gallons, the MDX can traverse 270 miles within the city and 423 miles in the countryside. The MDX has an EPA-estimated combined MPG of 23. The Acura MDX is one of the most efficient non-hybrid SUVs in the fuel economy sector. AWD buyers are in for a treat with much-improved MPG figures of 18/27/21 for city/highway/combined. 

The Acura MDX is easily the most fuel-efficient SUV in its class and is only matched by the INFINITI QX60 in terms of fuel economy. The MDX’s smart aerodynamic design reduces drag and contributes to overall better fuel consumption. The MDX fares better than the INFINITI in the highway sector. Its frugal fuel economy helps you save more bucks in the long run than your average SUV. 

The dashboard inside the 2015 Acura MDX has a V-shaped stack of controls, which complements well with the rest of the cabin. The dashboard looks classic and timeless, although functionality is a bit amiss. The center console features more space than ever before, easily fitting in a tablet and well within the reach of the driver. The whole selection of interior materials looks polished and well-appointed. The MDX sports a whisper-quiet cabin, thanks to the better engine mounts, active noise cancellation, and thicker windshield and side glass to reflect any road disturbances. The seats also look delectably comfortable from a first glimpse and are equally soft to the feeling when you take a seat on them. 

The cabin is rated to fit in 7 or 8 passengers with ease. The front seats have ample headroom and legroom, although they only offer basic adjustability functions compared to rivals. The 2nd-row passengers will have a great time thanks to the ample headroom and legroom. The seats can also slide back and forth on a 6-inch track to cater to various legroom needs. The 3rd-row bench seat is more comfortable than before, thanks to the increased wheelbase. Although these seats should be reserved for kids, adults will fit in just about right. The smart slide feature makes access to the 3rd row and managing cargo space especially easy.

The MDX offers 14.8 cubic feet of space behind its 3rd-row of seats. Folding them opens up a cargo space of 38.4 cubic feet. Folding down the 2nd-row seats as well permits the MDX a maximum cargo space of 68.4 cubic feet. This figure is on par with most modern-day crossovers. The Acura MDX also has decent interior dimensions, although other rivals are more generous. Acura’s sliding 2nd-row seat grants it an above-average versatility in terms of space management, although its 3rd-row is still a bit impractical. A summary of all the splendid interior features of the Acura MDX:

• Heated 8-way power front seats 
• Driver power lumbar
• Leather upholstery
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Driver seat memory

How intuitive is the 2015 Acura MDX’s infotainment unit?

The Acura MDX has a dual touchscreen setup mounted inside, derived from Honda’s latest vehicle interactions. The 7-inch touchscreen that sits centrally houses all the entertainment functions. Just above it, an 8-inch touchscreen is reserved as the navigation system. Acura offers a range of ways to search up destinations, using a central control dial, the touchscreen below, or the enhanced voice recognition system. 

The base model is connected to an 8-speaker sound system. The higher trims get the premium Acura/ELS audio system, which is available in 3 different configurations. The top-of-the-line Advance package gets a 12-speaker sound system. A list of all the salient infotainment features include:

• 7-inch touchscreen
• 8-inch information display
• Bluetooth
• iPod/USB interface
• Pandora and Aha compatibility
• Satellite radio
• Available navigation with voice controls
• Available 12-speaker Acura/ELS surround-sound audio system

The Acura MDX continues to impress with its upscale and graceful exterior stance. The size of the SUV remains the same, though it looks much cleaner thanks to some visual styling cues and a more curvaceous design. Upfront, the MDX has a beak-like front-end which does look a bit out of place, although the LED headlights maintain a sublime character. The MDX even while being the fastest has a classy and elegant design language. 

At the rear, the SUV gets a chiseled nose with big LED tail lamps to solidify the looks. The tapered roof design gives the MDX the optical illusion of being smaller than its actual size. The wheels on the MDX are 18-inch ones in the lower trims while the higher trims come with larger 19-inch ones. Overall the MDX is a looker and looks extremely classy.

Comparatively, the Acura MDX has one of the shortest wheelbases in its segment. The MDX is about the same length and width as most of its rivals. The MDX has the lightest curb weight amongst its rivals, thus permitting it a better ride quality and a spritely acceleration. The Buick Enclave is the heaviest while the Acura is the lightest. The major exterior features of the Acura MDX include:

• Automatic LED headlights
• Heated mirrors
• Power liftgate
• Sunroof
• Rear privacy glass
• 18-inch wheels

The Acura MDX exerts its dominance over others in the safety sector as well. The federals rated the SUV the highest safety rating of 5-stars. The MDX also excelled in the IIHS crash safety tests, grabbing the top scores in every test and ending up with the best IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. Standard safety features on the Acura MDX include airbags for all passengers, active front head restraints, traction and stability control, and a rearview camera. The Acura MDX also has a plethora of optional advanced safety tech like:

• Lane-departure warning
• Blind-spot warning
• Collision-mitigation braking
• Forward-collision warning
• Lane-keeping assist system

The Acura MDX offers a fine balance of every aspect that makes for an excellent luxury midsize SUV. The MDX delivers all the luxury features and refined performance at a much more reasonable price than its costly European counterparts. The Acura’s driving experience is one of the finest you will experience in this crowded segment. Although its interiors and technology suite may not be as compelling as its higher-end rivals, the MDX doesn’t compromise on passenger comfort, interior space, and safety. The 2015 Acura MDX is a top choice in the 3-door luxury crossover SUV segment, offering a slew of creature comforts and impressive value.