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2009 Acura MDX Quality Review

August 13, 2009

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

non-premium crossovers offer more passenger and cargo space
Edmunds

especially pleasing switchgear feel and movement
ConsumerGuide

supportive bucket seats in the first two rows
Car and Driver

MDX even offers a minivan-like 10 cupholders
Kelley Blue Book

What's not to like? Very little, based on reviews of the 2009 Acura MDX researched by TheCarConnection.com.

Seats are the most important item in the interior, and this MDX has "comfortable and supportive" seats, according to ConsumerGuide. Car and Driver also finds the front bucket seats comfortable. The reviewer for the Washington Post got some interesting perspectives on the MDX Acura from the women who drove this vehicle and wanted a car they could "trust more than their ex." Aside from their appreciation of this SUV's exceptional reliability, they "liked the idea that it did all of the work of a minivan or station wagon without looking or feeling like one." If you have tall, lanky teenagers, you'll appreciate that Kelley Blue Book thinks "the reclining second-row seats offer enough legroom for those six feet tall and more." Finally, "the MDX boasts seven-passenger seating, tri-zone climate control, a ten-way power driver's seat, eight-way power passenger seat," comments Motor Trend.

Interior storage is plentiful for a vehicle this size. Unlike some three-row crossovers, there's actual room way in back when the third row is in the upright position―15 cubic feet, to be exact, according to Kelley Blue Book, who note that's only 2 fewer cubes than the full-size Chevy Tahoe. Both rear rows fold flat for a total of nearly 84 cubic feet of storage. ConsumerGuide observes, "With all seats folded, the cargo floor is nearly flat, and Acura says it can hold four-foot-wide panels. There's a handy covered in-floor bin behind the 3rd row."

Complaints? Just a few; for starters, the "high step-in will challenge shorter drivers," says ConsumerGuide. Edmunds somewhat contradicts themselves in that first they remark the 2009 Acura MDX has a "relatively large third-row seat for a midsize luxury SUV," then later state "the rearmost seats are better suited for kids." For 2009, the Acura MDX is still available with a power tailgate but only as part of the Technology package, whereas last year it was part of the Entertainment package, according to Kelley Blue Book.

Fit and finish is typical Acura: excellent. ConsumerGuide notes that while there is a "vast array of [confusing] similarly sized and shaped controls," the 2009 Acura MDX's "high-tech interior [contains] especially pleasing switchgear feel and movement." Car and Driver finds "tons of space...with an upscale trim."

"Low levels of tire hum and highway wind rush for an SUV. The engine sounds smooth, with a rich-sounding growl during acceleration," reports ConsumerGuide. On the other hand, Consumer Reports praises its overall quietness, especially at highway speeds. Edmunds agrees, stating that when it comes to "comfort, versatility and refinement, the MDX excels."

Conclusion

If you really had to, you could haul sheets of plywood home in a 2009 Acura MDX, but it's more suited to hauling your kids and their friends to practice in style and luxury.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:non-premium crossovers offer more passenger and cargo spaceEdmundsespecially pleasing switchgear feel and movementConsumerGuidesupportive bucket seats in the first two rowsCar and DriverMDX even offers a minivan-like 10 cupholdersKelley Blue Book What's not to like? Very little, based on reviews of the 2009 Acura MDX researched by TheCarConnection.com. Seats are the most important item in the interior, and this MDX has "comfortable and supportive" seats, according to ConsumerGuide. Car and Driver also finds the front bucket seats comfortable. The reviewer for the Washington Post got some interesting perspectives on the MDX Acura from the women who drove this vehicle and wanted a car they could "trust more than their ex." Aside from their appreciation of this SUV's exceptional reliability, they "liked the idea that it did all of the work of a minivan or station wagon without looking or feeling like one." If you have tall, lanky teenagers, you'll appreciate that Kelley Blue Book thinks "the reclining second-row seats offer enough legroom for those six feet tall and more." Finally, "the MDX boasts seven-passenger seating, tri-zone climate control, a ten-way power driver's seat, eight-way power passenger seat," comments Motor Trend. Interior storage is plentiful for a vehicle this size. Unlike some three-row crossovers, there's actual room way in back when the third row is in the upright position―15 cubic feet, to be exact, according to Kelley Blue Book, who note that's only 2 fewer cubes than the full-size Chevy Tahoe. Both rear rows fold flat for a total of nearly 84 cubic feet of storage. ConsumerGuide observes, "With all seats folded, the cargo floor is nearly flat, and Acura says it can hold four-foot-wide panels. There's a handy covered in-floor bin behind the 3rd row." Complaints? Just a few; for starters, the "high step-in will challenge shorter drivers," says ConsumerGuide. Edmunds somewhat contradicts themselves in that first they remark the 2009 Acura MDX has a "relatively large third-row seat for a midsize luxury SUV," then later state "the rearmost seats are better suited for kids." For 2009, the Acura MDX is still available with a power tailgate but only as part of the Technology package, whereas last year it was part of the Entertainment package, according to Kelley Blue Book. Fit and finish is typical Acura: excellent. ConsumerGuide notes that while there is a "vast array of [confusing] similarly sized and shaped controls," the 2009 Acura MDX's "high-tech interior [contains] especially pleasing switchgear feel and movement." Car and Driver finds "tons of space...with an upscale trim." "Low levels of tire hum and highway wind rush for an SUV. The engine sounds smooth, with a rich-sounding growl during acceleration," reports ConsumerGuide. On the other hand, Consumer Reports praises its overall quietness, especially at highway speeds. Edmunds agrees, stating that when it comes to "comfort, versatility and refinement, the MDX excels." ConclusionIf you really had to, you could haul sheets of plywood home in a 2009 Acura MDX, but it's more suited to hauling your kids and their friends to practice in style and luxury. 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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