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2009 Acura MDX Features Review

August 13, 2009

FEATURES | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

voice recognition...misidentified some commands in our tests
ConsumerGuide

The MDX's cabin is a high-tech parent's dream
Edmunds

[The Technology package's] audio system delivers amazing six-channel Surround Sound via DVD-audio disc
Kelley Blue Book

Choose your 2009 Acura MDX by choosing what packages you want. As reported on The Auto Channel, these are the Technology package, the Sports package, the Entertainment and Tech package, and the Sport and Entertainment package. Each one builds on a long list of standard features that, according to Motor Trend, include: "seven-passenger [leather] seating, tri-zone climate control, a ten-way power driver's seat, eight-way power passenger seat, and an eight-speaker, 253-watt audio system with an in-dash six-disc CD-changer with WMA and MP3 capability, auxiliary input jack, and XM radio." And that's in addition to the standard 300-hp V-6, five-speed automatic, full-time AWD, HID headlights, four-wheel ABS, and numerous safety features. If you like acronyms, you'll fall in love with Acura. The reviewers at Edmunds were most impressed with the high-tech goodies available for this 2009 Acura. In addition to the above features, base models include "a sunroof, a fully adjustable steering wheel, and Bluetooth for hands-free cell phone operation."

Last year, if you wanted the power tailgate, you had to opt for the Entertainment package, which didn't make much sense. For the 2009 MDX, Acura has made the power tailgate part of the Technology package, which seems to fit better. With the Sport and Entertainment package, owners can enjoy amenities such as an active damping suspension system for even greater comfort and control, as well as a voice-activated navigation system with rearview camera, real-time traffic reports, a ten-speaker audio system, and—for the kids on those long road trips—a rear-seat DVD system. Motor Trend recommends, "Those who love their sound can upgrade to a 410-watt, ten-speaker system engineered by Elliot Scheiner" by opting for the Technology package.

According to Edmunds, the Sport package "includes all the Technology Package items, plus an active sport suspension, auto-leveling headlights, different 18-inch wheels, perforated leather upholstery and metallic interior trim." The Entertainment package must be ordered with the Tech or Sport package and "includes heated second-row seating, a 115-volt house-style power outlet and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system." The only criticism here is not of the MDX Acura itself, but of manufacturer Honda; as usual, these options are not available on an a la carte basis—only in "package" form, according to ForbesAutos. These packages aren't cheap either and can easily add more than $10,000 to the price if all the options boxes are checked.

Conclusion

You get toys and gadgets galore if you opt for a fully loaded 2009 Acura MDX, but if you can make do with the long list of standard features on base trims, you'll save a lot of coin.

FEATURES | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:voice recognition...misidentified some commands in our testsConsumerGuideThe MDX's cabin is a high-tech parent's dreamEdmunds[The Technology package's] audio system delivers amazing six-channel Surround Sound via DVD-audio discKelley Blue Book Choose your 2009 Acura MDX by choosing what packages you want. As reported on The Auto Channel, these are the Technology package, the Sports package, the Entertainment and Tech package, and the Sport and Entertainment package. Each one builds on a long list of standard features that, according to Motor Trend, include: "seven-passenger [leather] seating, tri-zone climate control, a ten-way power driver's seat, eight-way power passenger seat, and an eight-speaker, 253-watt audio system with an in-dash six-disc CD-changer with WMA and MP3 capability, auxiliary input jack, and XM radio." And that's in addition to the standard 300-hp V-6, five-speed automatic, full-time AWD, HID headlights, four-wheel ABS, and numerous safety features. If you like acronyms, you'll fall in love with Acura. The reviewers at Edmunds were most impressed with the high-tech goodies available for this 2009 Acura. In addition to the above features, base models include "a sunroof, a fully adjustable steering wheel, and Bluetooth for hands-free cell phone operation." Last year, if you wanted the power tailgate, you had to opt for the Entertainment package, which didn't make much sense. For the 2009 MDX, Acura has made the power tailgate part of the Technology package, which seems to fit better. With the Sport and Entertainment package, owners can enjoy amenities such as an active damping suspension system for even greater comfort and control, as well as a voice-activated navigation system with rearview camera, real-time traffic reports, a ten-speaker audio system, and—for the kids on those long road trips—a rear-seat DVD system. Motor Trend recommends, "Those who love their sound can upgrade to a 410-watt, ten-speaker system engineered by Elliot Scheiner" by opting for the Technology package. According to Edmunds, the Sport package "includes all the Technology Package items, plus an active sport suspension, auto-leveling headlights, different 18-inch wheels, perforated leather upholstery and metallic interior trim." The Entertainment package must be ordered with the Tech or Sport package and "includes heated second-row seating, a 115-volt house-style power outlet and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system." The only criticism here is not of the MDX Acura itself, but of manufacturer Honda; as usual, these options are not available on an a la carte basis—only in "package" form, according to ForbesAutos. These packages aren't cheap either and can easily add more than $10,000 to the price if all the options boxes are checked. ConclusionYou get toys and gadgets galore if you opt for a fully loaded 2009 Acura MDX, but if you can make do with the long list of standard features on base trims, you'll save a lot of coin. 2009 ACURA MDX STYLING | [7 out of 10] Car and Driver: "Robo-shaver face" Motor Trend: "two new exterior colors have been added for 2009" Edmunds: "Standard equipment includes 18-inch wheels" Acura released the second-generation MDX to market in 2007. In 2009, Acura MDXs carry ...

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.

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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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