Welcome to LuxuryCarReport.com!
Green
Trucks
Luxury
Family
Brand
Muscle
See more sites from  HighGear  M E D I A  >>
Compare this car to others like it

2009 Acura MDX Review

STYLING | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Robo-shaver face
Car and Driver

two new exterior colors have been added for 2009
Motor Trend

Standard equipment includes 18-inch wheels
Edmunds

Acura released the second-generation MDX to market in 2007. In 2009, Acura MDXs carry over largely unchanged except for the addition of two colors: Bali Blue Pearl and Mocha Metallic. TheCarConnection.com has seen that opinions on the 2009 Acura MDX are divided on the exterior design and generally positive for the interior design.

Kelley Blue Book reports "the characteristics that made the original MDX appealing have carried over intact, if not improved," with few changes from 2007. Car and Driver describes the MDX Acura as "a tall wagon [that] is an all-weather hauler on the sporty side."

There are a few aspects of this 2009 Acura's styling to dislike, however. Car and Driver thinks "some may find the buck-toothed-mole look of the front grille a bit off-putting" and calls the MDX's styling "techno-futuristic." Edmunds and the Washington Post agree that the large aluminum grille is more suited to Wagnerian opera than the front of a contemporary luxury sport-utility vehicle, with Edmunds adding that it "lacked a little in terms of personality and prestige." Nonetheless, it remains a top recommendation at that Web site, which feels that the MDX Acura compares very favorably with its chief competitors, the BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne. ForbesAutos has a slightly different take on the 2009 Acura MDX styling, calling it "bolder and richer-looking" with "chiseled lines" that are less conservative than its predecessor. Kelley Blue Book describes the 2009 Acura MDX's stance as "wider, lower [and] more aggressive."

On the inside, the MDX "is an attractive mix of sport, luxury and technology," reports Kelley Blue Book. The Washington Post calls it the 2009 Acura MDX's "head-turning quotient," adding "thumbs up for interior design and layout." ConsumerGuide ranks the control panel's layout as a "Con," explaining, "The audio and climate controls are easy to reach, but the vast array of similarly sized and shaped controls is confusing." However, they also note the "MDX's hi-tech interior design incorporates an attractive blend of rich-looking materials, with especially pleasing switchgear feel and movement."

Conclusion

Save for its odd grille, the 2009 Acura MDX is a sleek, slightly edgy three-row crossover that will appeal to shoppers seeking something a little different; traditionalists will want to look elsewhere.


Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

The Acura MDX has a ride that's better than that of nearly all of the road-oriented crossover vehicles except 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 Infiniti FX35 and FX50 lack a third row, but they're the only ones in the group that handle as well as or better than the MDX. The FX50 is equipped with a powerful V-8, the FX35 has 3 hp more than the MDX, and both have seven-speed automatics; 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 its especially hefty curb weight.

Next Steps:

Get a free price quote

for the 2009 Acura MDX from a dealer near you

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2009 Acura MDX

Check Financing Rates

for the 2009 Acura MDX

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2009 Acura MDX near you

See the Acura MDX in Other Years:

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

Comments (0 total)

Be the first to post a comment

Post a comment:

Post anonymously, or
(Required)
(Required - will not be published, sold or shared)
(Optional - your 'posted by' name will link to the URL)

Remember Me?

I have read TheCarConnection.com's privacy policy