By combining manageable dimensions with 7-passenger capacity, a comfortable highway ride with responsive in-town handling and car-like construction with respectable off-pavement capability, the MDX has been one of our favorite SUVs since its introduction for the 2001 model year. In fact, as it trails only the Lexus RX 350 in category sales, the MDX has proven to be a favorite of many. Last year, Acura gave its flagship SUV a few major upgrades which carry over onto the 2011 model. Fortunately, the characteristics that made the original MDX appealing are still present on the current version.
Used 2011 Acura MDX Pricing
The 2011 Acura MDX’s Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starts around $43,500 and extends to just under $55,000 when fully equipped. As a recently redesigned, premium-badged vehicle, we expect our New Car Blue Book Values to reflect real-world selling prices fairly close to those MSRPs. The well-rounded, well-equipped MDX makes a worthy competitor to a wide-range of premium SUVs – from the Volvo XC90 to the Porsche Cayenne – with pricing that we feel compares favorably to anything in the category. As for resale value, we expect the MDX to perform better than average, on par with its closest rival the Lexus RX 350 and much better than Cadillac SRX or Lincoln MKT.
Driving the Used 2011 Acura MDX
The fact that Acura introduced the MDX on a racetrack with other high-performance SUVS says quite a bit. The fact that it was indeed the MDX that put the biggest smiles on our faces says even more. When pushed hard, the MDX’s 300 horsepower, sophisticated all-wheel-drive system and optional active damping system combine to deliver an SUV that’s fun to drive even at or near its limits. We were also impressed by the MDX’s off-road ability, which we were able to sample on a short but extreme course. Fortunately, because very few will ever negotiate a racetrack or even a muddy trail, the handily athletic MDX is even more pleasing around town and on the highway than any MDX before it.
Interior Comfort
In its pursuit of greater performance, the 2011 Acura MDX has given up nothing in practicality. For example, the MDX offers 15 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the third row, which is just two cubic feet less than the full-size Chevrolet Tahoe. For bigger loads, both rear rows fold flat. The reclining second-row seats offer enough legroom for those six feet tall and more, while the third row is best suited for smaller folks riding on shorter trips. The MDX even offers a minivan-like 10 cupholders. Up front, the MDX is an attractive mix of sport, luxury and technology, with highlights that include perforated leather or premium Milano leather seats, wood-like or metallic trim and a collection of intuitive controls and LED lighting.
Exterior Styling
Complementing its wide, low, aggressive stance, the boldly styled MDX features a shield-like take on Acura’s 5-sided grille, thick wheel arches filled with 18-inch wheels and prominent oval tailpipes. High-intensity discharge (HID) headlights, mirror-integrated turn signals and LED taillamps further the cutting-edge appearance, as does a radio antenna that’s been cleverly integrated into the rear spoiler. The MDX is longer, wider and taller, by varying degrees, than the Lexus RX 350 and Volvo XC90.
Favorite Features
Technology Package SH-AWD
With a navigation system that provides real-time traffic and weather info and an audio system that delivers amazing 6-channel Surround Sound via DVD-Audio disc, we’d be hard-pressed not to check this option box.
Squeeze the throttle while in the middle of a corner and the MDX’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system transfers more torque to the rear outside wheel, delivering truer steering response and perceptibly higher cornering limits.
Standard Features
Some of the bigger features included at base price include the powerful V6 engine and sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, power and heated front seats, power moonroof, HID headlamps, Bluetooth hands-free phone interface, a 253-watt 8-speaker audio system with 6-disc CD/MP3/WMA changer, 3-zone automatic climate control, an auto dimming mirror, steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls, six airbags and electronic traction and stability controls.
Factory Options
All of the 2011 Acura MDX’s optional features are bundled into three packages. The Technology Package highlights include a sophisticated navigation system with an 8-inch LCD screen, AcuraLink real-time traffic and weather reports, Zagat restaurant reviews, plus a DVD-Audio Surround Sound system and power rear liftgate. The Advance Package features an active suspension, ventilated sport seats covered in rich perforated Milano leather, a sport steering wheel with paddle shifters, Collision Mitigating Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control, blind spot information system, auto leveling HID front headlamps and 19-inch alloy wheels. The Entertainment Package includes a DVD rear entertainment system.
Engine & Transmission
The MDX features Acura’s most powerful engine ever, connected to a 6-speed automatic transmission and the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system that distributes torque not only between the front and rear wheels, but also between the left and right rear wheels. In addition to cornering advantages, the system also makes for a less-intrusive stability control system. The available Active Damper System, in which the shock absorbers can change from soft to firm in milliseconds, helps mitigate the traditional trade-offs between a comfortable ride and spirited handling. The MDX features unibody construction and a fully independent suspension, and can tow up to 5,000 pounds with the added benefit of a Trailer Stability Assist feature. 3.7-liter V6
300 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm
270 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/21
KBB Vehicle Review and Rating Methodology
Our Expert Ratings come from hours of both driving and number crunching to make sure that you choose the best car for you. We comprehensively experience and analyze every new SUV, car, truck, or minivan for sale in the U.S. and compare it to its competitors. When all that dust settles, we have our ratings. We require new ratings every time an all-new vehicle or a new generation of an existing vehicle comes out. Additionally, we reassess those ratings when a new-generation vehicle receives a mid-cycle refresh — basically, sprucing up a car in the middle of its product cycle (typically, around the 2-3 years mark) with a minor facelift, often with updates to features and technology. Rather than pulling random numbers out of the air or off some meaningless checklist, KBB’s editors rank a vehicle to where it belongs in its class. Before any car earns its KBB rating, it must prove itself to be better (or worse) than the other cars it’s competing against as it tries to get you to spend your money buying or leasing. Our editors drive and live with a given vehicle. We ask all the right questions about the interior, the exterior, the engine and powertrain, the ride and handling, the features, the comfort, and of course, about the price. Does it serve the purpose for which it was built? (Whether that purpose is commuting efficiently to and from work in the city, keeping your family safe, making you feel like you’ve made it to the top — or that you’re on your way — or making you feel like you’ve finally found just the right partner for your lifestyle.)
We take each vehicle we test through the mundane — parking, lane-changing, backing up, cargo space and loading — as well as the essential — acceleration, braking, handling, interior quiet and comfort, build quality, materials quality, reliability.
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