Acura MDX - Rated Top Luxury SUV  by "Consumer Reports"

The MDX has a refined powertrain and a pleasant ride, and it is relatively agile, although cornering grip limited it in avoidance maneuvers. It has a supple and controlled ride. It is quiet with low road noise, and the 300-hp V6 is smooth and refined. For 2010 the MDX got Acura's new 6-speed automatic which improves both acceleration and fuel economy. The 50/50-split third-row bench seat increases passenger capacity to seven, but it is a tight fit for adults. Interior fit and finish is impressive. The optional navigation system works well and incorporates a rear-view camera, but the dashboard is a sea of tiny, similar-looking buttons. Crash-test results are impressive.

The Driving Experience

Ride comfort & noise: The MDX rides firmly yet absorbs bumps with good grace. Ride motions are well damped. The cabin stays quiet overall, but road noise is notable.

Handling: This is the MDX's strong suit; the body stays almost level in corners, and the steering is responsive, with low effort yet good feedback. It's agile and composed and proved secure at our track. At its handling limits, the MDX was hampered by the onset of oversteer before the stability control kicked in. It posted only a modest top speed through our avoidance maneuver.

Powertrain: The 300-hp, 3.7-liter V6 engine delivers strong performance and is smooth sounding even at high revs. It easily pulled our 5,000-pound test trailer -- the MDX's maximum tow rating -- to 60 mph in 16.4 seconds, a very good performance. The new six-speed automatic transmission shifts quickly and smoothly and has a sport mode and paddle shifters for manual overrides. 

Braking: Distances were short.

Headlights: Low- and high-beam lights shine far ahead. There's a sharp cutoff at the top of the low-beam pattern.

Inside The Cabin

Driving position: Tall drivers will find ample room, and shorter drivers should like the high seating position. The power tilt-and-telescope steering wheel has a good range of adjustment. There's a comfortable left footrest, but knee room is slightly compromised by the wide center console. Small quarter windows and wide roof pillars create big blind spots aft. The optional rear-view camera helps with parking maneuvers.

Seat comfort and access: The front seats are very supportive and comfortable, and the roomy second-row bench has nicely shaped cushions and can recline. It holds three six-footers with ease. The third row is suitable only for children, most preteens will be cramped. Access is easy, except to the third row, but there is a lever that tilts and slides the right section of the second row to facilitate access.

Controls and gauges: Most of the MDX's controls are straightforward, but the dashboard and steering wheel are clustered with buttons and the onboard computer is fussy. The optional navigation system adds a multidirectional controller to the mix. The navigation system is programmable while the MDX is being driven, which can be distracting for the driver. The voice-command system works well.

Interior fit and finish: Occupants will appreciate the well-finished interior. There is a wide swath of wood, nicely textured and padded plastic panels, neatly detailed storage, and high-quality switchgear. Other than a slight gap at the glove compartment door, components fit together well.

Cabin storage and cargo room: Interior storage is generous including a large bin under the arm rest and a hidden cubby at the passenger's foot well. The MDX's third-row seatbacks fold neatly into the cargo floor. With the center- and third-row seatbacks folded out of the way, it has ample cargo space.

Safety Notes

Safety belts: All seats have lap-and-shoulder belts. Front safety belts have adjustable upper anchors, pretensioners, and force limiters.

Air bags: Standard equipment includes driver and front-passenger side-impact air bags and curtain head-protection air bags for all three rows. Belt use and driver's seat position influence front air bag deployment. Sensors disable the front passenger's air bags if they detect a child-sized occupant in that seat or if the seat is empty.

Head restraints: All seats have adjustable and locking head restraints but the center second- and third-row restraints must be raised to be effective.

Crash-avoidance systems: Antilock brakes and electronic stability control are standard. Blind-spot alert and collision-warning systems are optional.