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2008 Acura MDX Performance Review

July 28, 2008

PERFORMANCE | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

The 5,000-pound towing capacity is...impressive
Car and Driver

the most powerful engine Acura makes
Cars.com

strong from any speed
ConsumerGuide Automotive

mix of sport handling and crossover utility makes it one of the best
Edmunds.com

I can trust it
Washington Post

This 2008 Acura may look like a thoroughbred, but it has the power of a draft horse.

The Auto Channel reports that with the MDX, Acura's new 3.7-liter V-6 is "the largest and most powerful ever in an Acura," not only beating the previous model, but with 300 hp, it's the most powerful six-cylinder SUV on today's market. This is borne out by the vehicle's 2.5-ton towing capacity (a 1,500-pound improvement over the previous model), which is more than adequate for a large house or camping trailer, wooden sailing vessel, or horse trailer.

Despite its power, Acura's 2008 MDX does remarkably well in terms of emissions, earning a ULEV rating by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It suffers a bit in the mileage department, averaging only about 15.5 mpg according to testing performed by ConsumerGuide Automotive, but less-than-stellar fuel economy is to be expected with a vehicle of this type--and for what this vehicle is, the 2008 MDX's mileage is actually not too bad. It should be pointed out that EPA estimates according to Forbes Autos is actually 17 mpg in city driving and 22 mpg on the open road.

This 2008 Acura's five-speed automatic transmission works like a charm when it comes to acceleration and passing, and is the perfect mate for the workhorse powerplant. Although a strictly manual transmission is not available, drivers who absolutely have to shift their own gears will be glad to know that the transmission can be shifted manually, if you prefer to do so. In addition, the Acura's SH-AWD system does a fine job of distributing torque among all four wheels, according to Forbes Auto.

Conclusion

The 2008 Acura MDX is as athletic as it looks--if you need raw power without wanting to mortgage yourself to ExxonMobil or Texaco, this SUV is a good choice.

PERFORMANCE | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:The 5,000-pound towing capacity is...impressiveCar and Driverthe most powerful engine Acura makesCars.comstrong from any speedConsumerGuide Automotivemix of sport handling and crossover utility makes it one of the bestEdmunds.comI can trust itWashington Post This 2008 Acura may look like a thoroughbred, but it has the power of a draft horse. The Auto Channel reports that with the MDX, Acura's new 3.7-liter V-6 is "the largest and most powerful ever in an Acura," not only beating the previous model, but with 300 hp, it's the most powerful six-cylinder SUV on today's market. This is borne out by the vehicle's 2.5-ton towing capacity (a 1,500-pound improvement over the previous model), which is more than adequate for a large house or camping trailer, wooden sailing vessel, or horse trailer. Despite its power, Acura's 2008 MDX does remarkably well in terms of emissions, earning a ULEV rating by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It suffers a bit in the mileage department, averaging only about 15.5 mpg according to testing performed by ConsumerGuide Automotive, but less-than-stellar fuel economy is to be expected with a vehicle of this type--and for what this vehicle is, the 2008 MDX's mileage is actually not too bad. It should be pointed out that EPA estimates according to Forbes Autos is actually 17 mpg in city driving and 22 mpg on the open road. This 2008 Acura's five-speed automatic transmission works like a charm when it comes to acceleration and passing, and is the perfect mate for the workhorse powerplant. Although a strictly manual transmission is not available, drivers who absolutely have to shift their own gears will be glad to know that the transmission can be shifted manually, if you prefer to do so. In addition, the Acura's SH-AWD system does a fine job of distributing torque among all four wheels, according to Forbes Auto. ConclusionThe 2008 Acura MDX is as athletic as it looks--if you need raw power without wanting to mortgage yourself to ExxonMobil or Texaco, this SUV is a good choice. 2008 ACURA MDX STYLING | 9 out of 10 Car and Driver: "The MDX goes for a techno-futuristic look" Cars.com: "a more integrated look" Edmunds.com: "metallic grille looks as if it could be wielded by a Spartan in battle" Washington Post: "a big, ugly grille that is supposed to ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Among these mid-size, road-oriented crossover SUVs, the Acura MDX has a ride that’s better than all but the RX 350, while offering straight-line performance that’s close to or better than all of them. On the other hand, most of these competitors outdo the MDX in available high-tech options, such as laser cruise control, adaptive (swiveling) headlamps, or lane-departure warning systems. The FX 35 lacks a third row, but it’s the only one in the group that handles as well or better than the MDX; the FX’s ride, however is not as good. The XC90 has a roomier third row, but it’s the least exciting to drive. The Audi Q7 has a beautiful interior and plenty of luxury features, however it’s surprisingly cumbersome, revealing of its especially hefty curb weight.

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See the Acura MDX in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001

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