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2016 Acura MDX Quick Spin Review

Lyndon Bell
by Lyndon Bell
September 29, 2015
3 min. Reading Time
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The 2016 Acura MDX is noteworthy for a number of reasons. First of all, as a Honda product, its engineering quotient is definitely on target. Further, its reliability and resale value are also quite exceptional. What’s more the advanced technological features offered with Acura’s flagship SUV are absolutely outstanding. You’ll find cutting edge driver assistance technologies and an outstanding array of infotainment features. Exceptionally well rounded, the MDX is arguably the most competitive vehicle in its segment. If it’s sounding like we look upon the Acura MDX with a great deal of favor, it’s because we do. Pricing starts at $42,865.

What’s New For 2016?

For the 2016 model year, the Acura MDX gets a new nine-speed automatic transmission, which is controlled by a new push-button electronic gear selector. This opens up considerable real estate above the center console. The other powertrain update is a new Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system boasting a twin-clutch design capable of better apportioning torque transfer among the Acura’s four wheels; thus improving its handling capabilities. The 2016 Acura MDX and MDX with Technology Package models can now be equipped with the AcuraWatch suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies. This addition marks the first application of road departure mitigation and rear cross traffic monitoring to Acura’s flagship SUV. Finally, MDX with the Advance Package comes standard with AcuraWatch for 2016.

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Exterior Design

This iteration of the Acura MDX bowed as an all-new model back in 2014. Over the ensuing years, little has been done to alter its appearance. At once identifiable as an Acura product, the MDX wears the company’s shield-shaped grill treatment—regarding which there remains considerable polarization. Some people think it imparts an air of strength and solidity, others think it blocky and cumbersome. One thing it does do is blend nicely with the overall wedge shape of the Acura. The fluidly tapering lines disguise the size of the MDX, making it look smaller than it actually is. The “Jewel Eye” headlights mark the crossover as a premium product, while also serving as a signature styling element.

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Interior Features

The 2016 Acura MDX adds a number of additional luxury upgrades including a sleek new frameless rearview mirror, Siri Eyes Free voice recognition, and an easy-entry/exit driver's seat. The seat moves rearward when the driver's door is opened. Another highly useful features is the Acura’s innovative Tire Pressure Monitoring System fill assist. Sounding an audible alert when a tire is inflated to the correct pressure means you no longer have to rely on the inaccurate integrated gauges in the air pumps at filling stations. Additional upgrades—varying depending upon your package selections—include Acura’s Multi-View Angle Rear Camera with Dynamic Guidelines, a bi-directional remote engine starter, idle stop/start, and a head up warning system.

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Trim Packages

Rather than trim levels, Acura offers packages for the MDX to tailor the vehicle more sharply. These are AcuraWatch Plus; Technology; Entertainment; and Advance. Further, packages can be combined as the buyer sees fit. Key elements of the AcuraWatch package include driver assistance technologies such as forward collision mitigation and smart cruise control. Technology adds features like navigation and blind spot monitoring. Entertainment adds a rear-seat DVD video system and heated rear seats. Meanwhile, the Advance package combines AcuraWatch and Technology, while also incorporating features such as front and rear proximity sensor arrays, remote engine start, and heated second row seats.

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Comfort & Cargo Capacity

The MDX interior treatment, while obviously well crafted, substantive, and luxurious, is indicative of the no-frills for the sake of frills school of design. It’s exceptionally business-like in its execution. Although, some question the logic of dual screens, as they occasionally display redundant information. Further, their graphic treatments are slightly behind the times. On the other hand, overall comfort is outstanding, with adequate passenger room at all seating positions—including the third row. You do have to be on the agile side to access it, but once you’re back there it isn’t purgatory. With all three rows folded, the 2016 Acura MDX offers 68.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity. It will tow up to 3,500 pounds.

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Safety

NHTSA says the MDX is a five star car, while the IIHS awarded the MDX Top Safety Pick+ status. Standard safety features include antilock disc brakes, traction control, stability control, a full complement of airbags, and active front head restraints. A rearview camera is also standard; plus AWD models get towing stabilization. Optional safety features vary according to package selection; but include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, frontal collision warning, automatic braking for frontal crash mitigation, lane-departure warning, lane keeping assist, smart cruise control, and road departure mitigation.

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Engines

Power for the 2016 Acura MDX comes from a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 290 horsepower and 276 ft-lbs of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard. Acura’s Super-Handling all-wheel drive system is optional. An automatic stop/start feature is offered with the Advance package to help boost fuel economy. The front-wheel drive MDX gets 19 MPG in the city, 27-highway, and 22 overall. With all-wheel drive, the EPA says 18-city, 26-highway and 21-combined. With the Advance package it’s 19-city, 26-highway, and 22-combined—thanks to the stop/start feature.

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Performance

Light on its feet, exceptionally lithe, and suitably powerful, the MDX is highly enjoyable to drive. It does ride a bit more stiffly than some of its more comfort-oriented competitors, but it handles better as well. The driving position is spot on, and the engine sounds wonderfully sophisticated in operation—particularly with large throttle openings. The nine-speed transmission shifts crisply and has a strong knack for being in the right gear at the right time. As you’d expect from a luxury oriented model, the MDX is remarkably quiet at speed; wind “noise” is more like wind whisper. All in all, the MDX is quite enjoyable to drive.

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Pros & Cons

Outstanding value for the price, crisp handling, reasonable fuel economy, and outstanding crash ratings.

Twin monitors seem gimmicky, plus their graphics are a bit long in the tooth.

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