2016 Acura MDX

For the 2016 model year, the SUV gets a new 9-speed automatic transmission along with additional safety techs bundled with optional packages. The SUV retains its powertrain from the previous model year and carries a starting price of $43,015. In the segment, the SUV competes against the Volvo XC90, BMW X5, and the Audi Q7.

For the 2016 model year, the Acura MDX is packed with a V-6 gasoline engine which was first introduced in 2014 and offers superior efficiency along with adequate performance figures. The MDX is only offered in one standard trim that has a long list of standard features including features like tri-zone climate control, power-adjustable seats, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto among other features. There are several packages available which are treated as “trims” by Acura and each of them come with their own sets of features. The list of packages is the AcuraWatch Plus Package, the Technology Package, the Entertainment package, and the Advance package.

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Since there are no other trims available other than the base trim, one has no choice but that's a good thing because the standard trim offers a lot for the money. You can also opt for any optional “trim” levels to suit your needs with specific sets of features.

The 2016 Acura MDX gets a standard 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 motor and it dishes out 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of maximum torque. The motor is coupled to a newer 9-speed that feels much more refined than the previous unit. The motor also offers some impressive refinement levels too with a sporty character and brisk acceleration. The acceleration times are one of the best in its class with 0-60 MPH taking 5.9 seconds and the quarter-mile coming up within 14.4 seconds.

The BMW X5 carries the maximum price tag here and has the best performance and power figures on tap as well. The Volvo XC90 is the least powerful vehicle here with its base engine onboard and offers some decent performance levels. The Audi Q7 has slightly better power and torque figures than the XC90 but offers a higher torque output than the Acura MDX.

The 2016 Acura MDX delivers impressive fuel economy numbers for the segment and is at par with its direct rivals as well. The SUV returns 19mpg in the city, 27mpg out on the highways, and 22mpg of combined mileage as tested by the EPA. It also has a decent-sized gas tank holding about 19.5 gallons of fuel and offers a great overall driving range.

The Volvo XC90 is the most fuel-efficient SUV here courtesy of its efficient four-pot motor but gets a rather small 18.8 gallons gas tank. The BMW X5 impresses with its EPA ratings considering the power and performance levels it possesses. The Audi Q7 is as economic as the X5 but with a huge gas tank of 26.4 gallons, it offers some excellent city and highway driving range figures. 

The 2015 Acura MDX interior offers adequate comfort along with excellent interior storage such as large cup holders, door bins, and smart storage cubbies. However, it's not the most luxurious in its class in its basic form. But it can be upgraded with the additional packages which add some premium features like rear door window sunshades, upgraded leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats among other features. The interior design is stylish and more driver-oriented than its rivals but some inferior quality materials bog down the overall luxurious feeling.

The Volvo XC90 has the most minimalistic yet elegant interior design here along with superior comfort levels and a premium build quality as well. It also offers a generous amount of cargo space as well. The BMW X5 has the most spacious cabin here with oodles of headroom for the front seat passengers and a huge cargo area as well. The Audi Q7 also has a well-appointed and spacious cabin but its cargo space is just about at par with the rivals here.

Some interior features include:

• Leather-Trimmed Interiors
• Front 8 Way Power Adjust Seats with Power Lumbar Support
• Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
• Heated Rear Outboard Seats
• 40/40 Split-folding second-row seats
• Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control with Humidity Control and GPS Linking
• Keyless Access with Push Button Start
• Auto-Dimming Frameless Rearview Mirror
• Power Windows with Auto-Up/Down, Auto Reverse, and Key-Off operation
• Heated and Leather Wrapped Electronic Tilt/Telescopic steering wheel

How intuitive is the 2016 Acura MDX’s infotainment unit?

The 2015 Acura MDX gets an impressive and unique infotainment setup with twin displays mounted on the center of the dashboard. The upper 8-inch screen acts as an information display while the lower 7-inch touchscreen display acts as the main infotainment interface. The system comes loaded with features such as Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, an eight-speaker sound system, CD Player, and Siri Eyes Free voice controls for Apple devices among other features.

Some infotainment features include:

• Voice Recognition/Siri with Bluetooth hands-free
• 10 Speaker ELS Audio System
• USB Charging Ports and Media Connectivity ports
• SiriusXM/HD Radio with Bluetooth and AUX connectivity
• 8" Touchscreen Infotainment System with Navigation
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Since its 2014 redesign, the Acura MDX hasn't changed much in terms of exterior appeal. It does look like a sport wagon rather than an SUV. The front grille is typically Acura and resembles a bird beak with automatic jewel-design LED headlamps. Yet, the rest of the SUV’s design elements make it quite forgettable with the rivals getting better exterior design cues than the MDX.

The MDX is the lightest one among the competition and its wagon-like design attracts the true family people out there. The Volvo XC90 gets a perfectly balanced exterior design incorporating both elegance and aggressiveness. The BMW X5 looks the most handsome one here with the kidney grille and the brand’s traditional ring-shaped LED DRLs. The Audi Q7 has the most aggressive design here especially at the front which it received in the recent major redesign.

Some exterior features include:

• 20-inch alloy wheels(optional)
• Standard 18-inch alloy wheels
• Pentagonal grille
• LED DRLs
• Jewel-shaped LED headlights

The 2016 Acura MDX has a strong safety quotient too with its impressive safety techs and strong build quality. The SUV aced the government crash test by scoring a perfect overall 5-star score and the same in all the sub-parameters along with the best possible “Good” rating from the IIHS as well. Some of the safety features include trailer stability function(AWD only), a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, and a lane-departure warning system among other features.

Some of the safety features are-

• Dual-Stage, Multiple-Threshold Front Airbags (SRS)
• Front Side Airbags Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor
• Driver's Knee Airbag Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control and Motion Adaptive Steering 4-Wheel
• Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
• Brake Assist LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with Location and Pressure Indicators
• Theft-Deterrent System

The 2016 Acura MDX offers great competition against the German rivals that have been dominating this segment for a long time now. The MDX is loaded with features from the inside out with adequate comfort levels and it looks handsome too from the outside. The fuel efficiency rating of the SUV is one of the best in the segment along with great performance from the powertrain. Overall, the MDX is a compelling choice for a daily driver, a family hauler, and a grocery getter.